[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do you dream of a job that allows you to travel internationally? If you are drawn to working abroad and enjoy helping people, becoming an international [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/”]travel nurse[/hen-ui-link] might be a dream come true.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While securing U.S. travel assignments is relatively straightforward, international nursing requires some preparation, like obtaining certain certifications in your specialty. Find all the information you need to navigate the process, including details on finding assignments and getting the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-certifications/”]right nursing certifications[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text]4-6 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text]ADN or BSN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification (recommended)[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://bcen.org/cen/” target=”_blank”]CEN[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacn.org/” target=”_blank”]CCRN[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is an International Travel Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing professionals who travel internationally for short-term assignments are known as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/international-travel-nurse/”]international travel nurses[/hen-ui-link]. They typically work overseas in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and outpatient care clinics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These nurses perform the same duties as other nurses, such as assessing patients, administering medications, collaborating with other healthcare team members, and developing care plans.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Regarding travel assignments, the most sought-after nurses are often those with experience in the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/er-nurse/”]emergency room[/hen-ui-link] or other [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/critical-care-nurse/how-to-become/”]critical care settings[/hen-ui-link]. Experience with [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/labor-and-delivery-nurse/”]labor and delivery[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/neonatal-nurse/”]neonatal nursing[/hen-ui-link] can also be desirable.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educational requirements typically include a nursing degree — either an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] — and licensure as a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link]. International travel nurses may need additional certifications depending on their specialty or language proficiency based on their location.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]International travel nurses typically receive assignments through a nurse staffing agency. They are placed in areas with critical staffing shortages, seasonal changes in workforce needs, and other circumstances. International travel nurses can choose the assignments that work best for them.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses should be aware working conditions may differ from the typical nursing standards and scope of practice in the U.S. It’s important to inquire about the scope of practice in a particular country before accepting an assignment. You also may need a work visa, and sponsorship, in addition to your license, and passport.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming an International Travel Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To pursue an international travel nurse career, you’ll need a nursing degree, an active RN license, and possibly additional certifications. Licensure requirements may vary depending on state and program type.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many employers may require RNs to obtain certification in basic life support (BLS) and occasionally advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To start your journey as an international travel nurse, take the following steps:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an ADN or BSN Degree From an Accredited Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN program typically takes two years to complete and is one of the quickest pathways to becoming an RN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Passing the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX[/hen-ui-link], administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, is a requirement for anyone who wants to practice nursing in the U.S. To take the exam, you must hold either an ADN or BSN. The exam covers care management, pharmacology, safety, infection control, and other areas.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN program typically takes four years and prepares you for leadership and management positions. Nurses with an ADN may enroll in an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] bridge program to complete their BSN more quickly. Consider accelerated nursing programs if you are entering a BSN program with a bachelor’s in another field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Travel Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/how-to-become/”]travel nursing agencies[/hen-ui-link] require nurses to have at least one year of specialty experience, while international positions may require more experience or certifications.New graduates can gain experience domestically before applying for travel roles. Experience in settings like the emergency room or med-surg unit is beneficial, as they familiarize you with diverse patient populations and conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn Proper Credentials[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses can validate their knowledge and experience by earning a certification, such as becoming [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified” target=”_blank”]board-certified in their specialty[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification can increase your chances of securing an international travel nursing contract; some facilities may require it. The requirements and process will vary according to the certification type, as discussed below.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]International Travel Nurse Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most organizations prefer a BSN degree, which you can complete in two years if you already have an ADN. Here’s what you’ll need:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]ADN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN degree prepares students to become an RN, covering the foundational nurse knowledge and skills. The program meets the minimum eligibility requirements for the NCLEX and RN licensing, but employers may prefer a BSN. This pathway is a great option for those wanting to enter nursing quickly.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate, application, transcripts, math and science classes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Common courses include anatomy and physiology, health assessment, fundamentals of nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and maternal-newborn nursing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Most programs take about two years to complete.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Basic nursing skills, like performing a head-to-toe assessment, communicating with other healthcare professionals, and infection control.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN degree will also prepare you to become an RN, with traditional programs taking four years to complete in-person or online. This degree provides a more comprehensive nursing education and is necessary for applying to graduate-level programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In general, this degree is preferred for international work.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: Admission requirements vary among nursing programs, but you need to hold a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Candidates also submit an application with a . In some instances, the school may require an interview.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Common courses include nursing fundamentals, physiology, mental health, leadership in nursing, pharmacology, and ethics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: You can complete a BSN program in four years if attending full time. If you are starting with an ADN, there are bridge programs that take about two years.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Expect to learn basic skills, such as how to take vital signs or make a bed with someone in it. Nurses also learn how to insert a catheter, start an intravenous line (IV), and wound management.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]International Travel Nurse Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]International travel nurses need an active RN license in the U.S. An [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN) license is optional and will open up additional job opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To maintain RN licensure, follow your state’s license renewal requirements, which typically include completing practice hours and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continued education[/hen-ui-link] units.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While not mandatory, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/best-types-of-nursing-specialties/”]nursing certifications[/hen-ui-link] distinguish you from your peers and highlight your specialty expertise. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), obtaining internationally recognized travel nurse certifications like [hen-ui-link href=”https://bcen.org/cen/” target=”_blank”]Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)[/hen-ui-link] or Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) can give you a competitive edge.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most certifications require a certain amount of specialty clinical experience and two years as an RN, with requirements varying by type. Certification is available through various professional organizations and certifying bodies, differing by specialty.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as an International Travel Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To begin working as an international travel nurse, sign up with an agency working with international organizations or join the U.S. Department of Defense.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of September 2024, the average international travel nurse salary is $110,132 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common international nursing workplaces include hospitals, clinics, outpatient care clinics, research organizations, humanitarian aid organizations, and doctors’ offices. Nurses employed in hospitals and clinics provide direct patient care, while those in research and humanitarian organizations focus on literature review, education, training, and community outreach.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Travel Nurse Salaries vs. Other Nurse Salaries[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”not-prose pt-8″]International Travel Nurse Salary[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]$110,450[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”not-prose pt-8″]Travel Nurse Salary[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]$101,132[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”not-prose pt-8″]Medical-Surgical Nurses Salaries[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]General Adult Med-Surg Nurse:$117,052[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”not-prose pt-8″]Other RN Specialities Salaries[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ER Nurse:$86,737[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an International Travel Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I be a travel nurse internationally?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. To be a travel nurse internationally, you will need an ADN or BSN, although most organizations prefer a BSN degree, at least one year of nursing experience, travel nurse experience, and obtain certification specific to your specialty.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become an international travel nurse in America?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The first step is a valid RN license, and ideally experience working as a travel nurse. According to the American Nurses Association, the first step to becoming an international travel nurse in America is to contact the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.state.gov/” target=”_blank”]U.S. Department of State[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.uscis.gov/” target=”_blank”]U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services[/hen-ui-link] to inquire about a temporary or permanent work visa.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What countries accept the U.S. RN license?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Start by contacting travel nursing agencies, nursing associations, and government websites. Some recommended resources to begin your search are [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.globalplacements.ind.in/”]Global Placements[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://dynamichealthstaff.com/corporateinfo” target=”_blank”]Dynamic Health Staff[/hen-ui-link], and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.athna.org/” target=”_blank”]American Travel Health Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What countries pay travel nurses the most?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to immigration and visa consultants [hen-ui-link href=”https://getgis.org/blog/top-10-highest-paying-countries-for-nurses-2023″ target=”_blank”]Global Immigration Services[/hen-ui-link], Switzerland, Luxembourg, the United States, the Virgin Islands, Denmark, Australia, Israel, Canada, Germany, and Chile are the top-paying countries for international travel nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/salary/”]Travel nurse salaries[/hen-ui-link] depend on your experience, specialty, job role, and country of placement. Your compensation package includes an hourly salary, housing stipend, and travel expenses. It may also cover food and other living expenses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]