MANAGE YOUR LODGING: Travel Tips for Pathologists’ Assistants and Histotechs

Are you a pathologists’ assistant or histotech gearing up for your next contract lab assignment? While adventure and new experiences await at your upcoming assignment, it’s important to go into your next lab opportunity ready to manage your finances and expenses wisely so you can make the most out of every assignment. 

One place where many PAs and HTs/HTLS save money on assignment is with their housing. As a travel PA or HT/HTL, you may not realize just how many housing options are available to you during your lab contract. Here are seven ways to keep your housing expenses low and optimize your overall compensation on your next lab contract.

1. Company-Supplied Housing

   At Nicklas Medical Staffing, as an agency owned and operated by a pathologists’ assistant, we know firsthand that finding housing on your own before your assignment begins can be stressful. Fortunately, with us you don’t have to find housing yourself if you don’t want to. Our team of lab staffing recruiters can manage the logistics for you to ensure the process is as convenient and budget-friendly as possible.

2. Utilize Lodging Allowance
   Of course, the Nicklas Staffing team recognizes that some travel pathologists’ assistants and histotechs may prefer to coordinate their own housing options and receive lodging reimbursement directly deposited (tax-free) into their paycheck — and save money while doing so. However, we always suggest to our PAs and HTs/HTLs that they let us do all the heavy lifting on travel accommodations for at least the first few assignments. Working as a travel pathologists’ assistant and histotch brings with it a lot of moving parts (and people!) — offloading housing to us can help streamline the entire process while you ramp up for your next adventure.

   Nicklas Medical Staffing provides a lodging allowance with a fixed amount to cover your housing costs. This provides the freedom you need to research local rental rates and try to find housing that falls within allowance.

3. Explore Short-Term Rentals
   Short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Furnished Finder can be excellent options for travel pathologists’ assistants and histotechs. These platforms often offer competitive rates for furnished apartments or houses, allowing you to save on the costs of purchasing furniture and housewares during your time on contract.

4. Negotiate Lease Terms
   If you decide to rent an apartment on your own for your assignment, don't be afraid to negotiate lease terms. Some landlords may be open to shorter leases, which can be more convenient for travel ab professionals. Negotiating can also help you secure a better rental rate to put extra cash in your pocket every month.

5. Look for Extended Stay Hotels
   Extended stay hotels are designed to cater to long-term guests. They often offer amenities like kitchens, laundry facilities, for discounted rates or for free. There’s also the potential added perk of a free weekly cleaning service that often only requires appropriate gratuity for the hotel cleaners. These hotels can provide a comfortable and cost-effective alternative to traditional housing.

6. Travel Around in an RV
   Opting to rent an RV as lodging during contract assignments is a smart and economical choice for traveling pathologists' assistants and histotechs. This approach offers both flexibility and savings, providing travel PAs and HTs/HTLs with comfortable and mobile housing while on the road for work. Renting an RV as lodging not only potentially reduces accommodation expenses but also grants the freedom to choose locations closer to work sites or desired destinations.

7. Rent Out Your Home For Extra Cash
   For traveling pathologists' assistants and histotechs, renting out your home while on contract assignments can be an ingenious way to capitalize on unused space. Platforms like Airbnb offer a convenient way to connect with travelers seeking unique accommodations and short-term rentals. Whether it’s leasing out a spare room or the entire house, it’s a great way to generate passive income while on the road.

Rely on Nicklas Medical Staffing

At Nicklas Medical Staffing we make it our mission to give our travel pathologists’ assistants and histotech as many options as possible while on the road so they can find the right fit for them. We recognize that some of our lab professionals prefer to make their own living arrangements. However, for our PAs and HTs/HTLs who would outsource the logistics — Nicklas Medical Staffing is happy to help. Our recruiters will gladly book and arrange payment for lodging while on contract. 

Want to hear more about ways to save money on your next lab contract? Schedule a call with a Nicklas Medical Staffing team member today!