So, you’re thinking about taking your healthcare career on the road? You couldn’t have picked a more exciting time to start. December isn’t just for holiday parties and gift-wrapping; it is actually one of the busiest seasons in the world of travel healthcare. If you’ve been scrolling through job boards wondering if now is the right time to dive in, the answer is a resounding yes.
Whether you are a veteran of the field or just starting to explore allied health jobs, the winter surge creates a unique window of opportunity. Hospitals across the country are facing a “perfect storm” of high patient volumes and staff members taking much-needed holiday time off. This means they need youand they often need you right now.
In this beginner’s guide, we are going to break down exactly which fields are seeing the most action. From the high-stakes world of the ICU to the fast-paced diagnostic labs, let’s look at the travel allied jobs this December that are topping the charts.
Respiratory Therapy: The Winter Season’s MVP
Why RRTs are in High Demand Right Now
As the temperature drops, the number of patients with respiratory issues traditionally skyrockets. We aren’t just talking about the common cold; hospitals see a massive influx of cases involving the flu, RSV, and complications from chronic conditions like COPD.
Furthermore, December often brings a peak in high-acuity cases in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Because respiratory therapists manage ventilators and life-saving oxygen therapy, they become the backbone of the hospital during these cold months. Consequently, facilities are willing to pay a premium to ensure they have enough RRTs on staff to handle the surge.
If you’re early in your career looking for top allied specialties to the medical field, respiratory therapy is a fantastic place to start your travel journey. You will likely find assignments in states like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee, where seasonal population shifts (hello, snowbirds!) add even more pressure to the local healthcare systems. Taking an assignment now allows you to sharpen your skills in high-pressure environments while earning a paycheck that reflects your essential status.
Surgical Techs and the End-of-Year Surgery Rush
Why Operating Rooms are Buzzing This Month
Have you ever wondered why hospital operating rooms seem to go into overdrive every December? It all comes down to one word: deductibles. Most insurance plans reset on January 1st, which means patients who have already met their out-of-pocket maximums are eager to squeeze in their elective surgeries before the new year begins.
Because of this, Surgical Technologists (STs) are currently some of the most sought-after professionals in the allied health world. From orthopedic joint replacements to cardiac procedures, the OR schedule is packed tight. Hospitals need reliable travelers who can jump in, prep a sterile field, and assist surgeons without missing a beat.
Moreover, many staff surgical techs take their own vacations during the holidays. This creates a double-whammy of high demand and low supply. If you have experience in specialized areas like neurosurgery or cardiovascular surgery, you can often command even higher weekly stipends. For a beginner, a 13-week contract starting in December is a great way to see how different surgical departments operate across the country.
Imaging and Radiology: The Eye of the Hospital
High Demand for CT and X-Ray Technologists
In the world of allied health jobs, diagnostic imaging is the engine that keeps the hospital moving. You can’t treat what you can’t see, and in December, doctors need to see a lot. Between winter sports injuries (think skiing and snowboarding accidents) and the diagnostic needs of an aging population, Radiologic Technologists,especially those with CT or MRI certifications,are in incredibly high demand.
CT Technologists, in particular, are seeing a major hiring boom this December. Many emergency departments rely on “overnight imaging” to manage the influx of trauma and stroke cases. If you are a Rad Tech looking to transition into travel, having a CT cross-training or certification is like having a golden ticket.
Additionally, we are seeing a rise in “mobile imaging” needs. Some rural facilities don’t have the volume for a full-time staff but desperately need travelers to cover 8- or 13-week stints. This is a perfect opportunity for a early career traveler who wants a slower pace of life in a scenic, snowy mountain town or a quiet rural community while still making a great living.
Physical and Occupational Therapy: The Gift of Mobility
Helping Patients Recover During the Holidays
While some people think of therapy as a “long-term” game, the demand for travel Physical Therapists (PTs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs) remains steady and strong in December. Why? Because the surge in elective surgeries we mentioned earlier leads directly to a surge in the need for rehabilitation.
Patients who undergo knee or hip replacements in mid-December need immediate post-operative care to get back on their feet. Furthermore, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) often experience staffing shortages during the holidays. As a travel therapist, you provide the vital link that helps patients return home to their families just in time for the new year.
For those interested in travel allied jobs this December, the therapy field offers a lot of variety. You could find yourself working in a sunny outpatient clinic in Arizona or a high-end rehab center in Colorado. If you enjoy one-on-one patient interaction and want to see the direct results of your work, the winter rehab rush is a rewarding time to start your travel career.
Laboratory Professionals: The Unsung Heroes of Diagnostics
Why Med Techs and MLTs are Crucial This Month
Behind every doctor’s diagnosis is a laboratory result, and the people making those results happen are the Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) and Medical Technologists (MTs). In December, labs are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of testing required for seasonal illnesses.
Whether it is running hundreds of flu tests a day or managing complex blood banking for emergency surgeries, laboratory professionals are the “engine room” of the hospital. Because this work is highly specialized and requires specific certifications (like ASCP or AMT), facilities often struggle to find local talent to fill gaps.
If you are a lab professional, traveling this December allows you to work with different laboratory information systems (LIS) and high-tech diagnostic equipment that you might not have access to at a permanent staff job. This experience makes your resume shine and sets you up for even better-paying contracts in the future. It’s a smart move for anyone looking to level up their allied health career portfolio.
How to Get Started: A Beginner’s Guide to the Leap
Your Step-by-Step Roadmap to Your First Contract
If you’ve read this far, you’re clearly interestedbut how do you actually start? Moving from a permanent staff position to a travel role can feel like a big jump, but it’s actually quite manageable if you take it one step at a time.
- Step 1: Check Your Experience. Most travel agencies require at least one to two years of recent experience in your specialty. This ensures you can hit the ground running with minimal orientation.
- Step 2: Get Your Paperwork in Order. Start gathering your certifications (BLS, ACLS, etc.) and immunization records. If you are in a specialty like Radiology, make sure your ARRT registry is up to date.
- Step 3: Connect with a Recruiter. This is the most important step. A good recruiter is your advocate. They find the jobs, negotiate your pay, and help you navigate the licensing requirements for different states.
- Step 4: Be Flexible. The “perfect” job in your dream city might not be available the very first day you look. However, if you are open to different shifts or locations, you will find that travel allied jobs this December are plentiful.
Traveling is about more than just a paycheck; it’s about the freedom to choose where you live and how you work. You get to explore new cities, meet new people, and escape the monotony of a permanent position.
The end of the year is often a time of reflection, but for many allied health professionals, it should also be a time of action. By taking a travel assignment now, you position yourself for a high-paying winter season and give yourself the gift of a fresh start in the new year. Whether you want to chase the sun in Florida or hit the slopes in the Rockies, there is a facility out there waiting for someone with your skills.
“I love my placement; new hospitals, new experiences, new nursing friends!”
– says one of our Clinicians of the Month
Why Choose Focus Staff for Your Travel RN Career?
Choosing us means you’re never flying solo. We offer:
Nationwide assignment options
in all kinds of clinical settings
Flexible schedules, competitive pay, and solid benefits
including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
The South is calling, and it’s offering more than just great travel jobs, it’s offering a lifestyle filled with music, mountains, and community spirit. With all these opportunities, you’ll find a role that helps you grow while giving you the chance to explore new horizons.
So, if you’re asking yourself “Where to next?”, let Focus Staff guide you toward an assignment that blends professional growth with unforgettable southern experiences.
Ready to Take the Leap?
If you're ready to level up your career, we’ve got your back. Apply online now or reach out to a Focus Staff recruiter to get started.
