To Travel or Not To Travel-That is the Question

In my days of working as a staff tech (xr, mammo and CT) from the years of 1993-2000, I had the luxury of spending 3 of those years as a traveler. Back then, I could choose a number of assignments at any given time, command more money than, what I can offer now (7-8 years Later). Those were the good old days as some techs know. New graduates are expecting to travel, don't expect that. First of all, I have never recommended it, so I have NEVER hired them for travel work. New graduates should take a permanent postion somewhere for about 2 years before changing into another position. It is so crucial for them to solidify what they have learned in school. You cannot do that on the road. There is an expectation from facilities ground running". This is simply not possible for a new graduate becuase it takes at least 3-6 mths of being a "tech" not a student to gain that confidence and expertise. Ok, off that bandwagon. Travel can be great, the best part being the travel itself I think. Being able to go around the country and not have to pay for it, hey who would not want that. Being able to work in different environments (indian reservations, covering strikes, small rural hospitals, etc.) All of this only adds to your confidence level and helps you flourish in your career. But, the truth is that travel is slow, less job orders for travel. And, when they do go out, many agencies are trying to fill the same job-so with the rad techs I usually see 20-30 submissions within 1 day from companies all over the country trying to fill 1 13 week contract. Of course the facility is overwhelmed by this many submissions, so how do they make their decision? Part of it may be the bill rate, of course it should be the experience level, the availibility, the equipment match, and so on. But not always! Right now is not the best time to start traveling across the board in Radiology. The best modalities are Ultrasound, General, Echo and vascular-so long as you are registered!