What’s It Really Like to Be a Travel Ultrasound Tech? (Q&A with a Lucid Traveler)
There’s plenty of information out there about ultrasound careers. But when it comes to travel ultrasound, nothing beats hearing directly from a clinician who’s living it.
We connected with Heidy Coomb, RDMS AB, OBGYN — one of our experienced travelers with 20+ years in ultrasound, 5 years as a traveler, and now on her second Lucid contract — to share unfiltered insights into what it takes to walk this path.
If you’ve ever wanted your travel healthcare questions answered and wondered what the day-to-day life of a travel ultrasound tech looks like, this article is for you.
Meet Heidy: 20+ Years of Experience, Still Going Strong
When we asked Heidy why she chose the travel route after so many years in healthcare, her answer was simple:
“I love to travel — and I’m too young to retire! This lifestyle lets me keep doing what I enjoy professionally while still living life and seeing new places.”
For many experienced technologists, travel offers the perfect blend of staying clinically sharp while exploring new parts of the country.
And as she puts it, “You get one time on this earth. Meet new people, see new places, and enjoy it while you can.”
What Life Is Like as a Travel Ultrasound Tech
So, what does the lifestyle of a travel ultrasound tech look like? Here are Heidy’s thoughts on it.
“I work my scheduled hours, and then I go explore. My husband and I usually take road trips to the assignment so we can make a whole experience out of it.”
Over the past five years, their travels have included assignments in Des Moines, Texas, Hawaii, and California, with plenty of adventure along the way.
“Hawaii was just amazing. I visited four of the seven islands, did volcano hikes, and caught sunrises and sunsets. On the way to California, we even stopped in Mexico. We’ve done White Sands National Park and just went to Tahoe the other weekend. I like to live my life, not just work.”
This lifestyle isn’t about simply clocking in and out. For many travel ultrasound technicians, it’s a chance to turn work into a more fulfilling life experience.
The Honest Challenges of Travel Assignments
Of course, no career path is without its challenges.
“If you’ve got little kids, it’s probably not going to work. But if you’re young, single, or your kids are grown — why not travel?” says Heidy.
Frequent moves, new facilities, and the occasional tough assignment are part of the reality. But with the right mindset, these challenges become manageable.
“I’ve always been a glass-half-full kind of person. If this week’s been rough? That’s okay. The sun comes up tomorrow. You’ve got to be adaptable and roll with it. Some facilities don’t treat travelers great, but they need us. If a place turns out not to be what I expected, it’s 13 weeks — I’ll finish it out and move on. I don’t let that stuff weigh me down.”
Words of Wisdom for Future Travel Ultrasound Technologists
For those thinking about becoming a travel ultrasound tech, Heidy has this straightforward advice for fellow clinicians:
“Do your homework. Learn about the area, the facility, what you’re walking into. Big and small hospitals each have their own vibe — just come in with your eyes open and let the experience happen.”
Preparation and flexibility go a long way. Understanding what to expect, both clinically and personally, can make all the difference in enjoying the travel experience.
What Makes Lucid Different for Travelers
When choosing a staffing agency, not all experiences stand out in a good way. Heidy has worked with multiple agencies and didn’t hold back about why working with Lucid is great.
“Excellent. I’ve got a lot of experience under my belt, and I know I’m good at what I do — so I’m picky. Lucid not only brings the dollars but also brings the support. You’re now my favorite recruiter. Seriously. You blew everyone else out of the water.”
One factor that truly sets Lucid apart is our clinician-run model. Travelers work directly with recruiters who have real-world experience in the healthcare industry.
These are Heidy’s thoughts on whether working with clinicians makes a real difference:
“Absolutely. If you’ve worked in healthcare, you get it. You understand the real problems we face every day on the floor. Someone who hasn’t been ‘doused’ in this work just doesn’t get it. They can’t help the same way because they’ve never lived it.”
At Lucid, that’s exactly why we exist. We’re built by clinicians, for clinicians, to offer support from people who genuinely understand the clinical world and what travelers face.
Does Travel Ultrasound Sound Right for You?
Travel ultrasound isn’t the right fit for every season of life. But for many technologists, it’s an incredible way to combine your profession with your personal passions.
Ready to jump into the world of travel healthcare?
Lucid Staffing helps ultrasound techs find the right travel assignments with the support and transparency you deserve.