[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a travel nurse, earn an ADN or BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN, and gain 1-2 years of clinical experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nurses typically work short-term contracts across the U.S. and internationally.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average pay for travel nurses is about $50 an hour, and the profession is projected to see above-average growth over the next decade.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you interested in a financially rewarding nursing career that lets you explore new places without taking time off work? Travel nurses take short-term assignments across the U.S. and abroad, playing a critical role in hospitals, clinics, and underserved communities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore how to become a travel nurse, what kind of license and certifications you need to enter the field, and what to expect on the job.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Travel Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A travel nurse is a skilled nurse professional, usually a registered nurse (RN), who takes short-term assignments located a distance from their home, across the U.S., and even [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/how-to-become-an-international-travel-nurse/”]internationally[/hen-ui-link]. These assignments can last from a few weeks to several months. Instead of seeking permanent positions, these nurses find [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/”]temporary placements[/hen-ui-link] through [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nurse-staffing-agency-guide/”]nurse staffing agencies[/hen-ui-link] that specialize in travel nursing. Travel nurse contracts outline start and end dates, total compensation, and job expectations, among other components.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nurses fulfill the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]same duties as RNs[/hen-ui-link], providing hands-on patient care, performing assessments, and administering medications. They also provide patient education and advocate for their needs. Likewise, they work in similar settings as other RNs, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and outpatient centers.[/hen-ui-text][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 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″]Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A travel nurse must meet the same educational and clinical requirements as all registered nurses. You must first earn 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]. According to the Zippia data, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.zippia.com/traveling-nurse-jobs/demographics/” target=”_blank”]47% of travel nurses[/hen-ui-link] have a BSN degree, more than any other degree type.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you earn your degree, you need to pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link] to acquire your state nursing license. Because employers expect travel nurses to begin working immediately upon arrival, travel nurse staffing agencies typically look for applicants with at least one year of clinical experience. Specializations and certifications can also give you an advantage.[/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″]Travel nurses must earn an ADN or a BSN to qualify for RN licensure. An ADN offers the fastest pathway to an RN nursing career. However, a BSN, which typically takes four years to complete, provides graduates with a higher level of training and clinical experience, leading to broader employment opportunities. The major travel nurse staffing agencies and large healthcare systems prefer to hire RNs with a BSN degree.[/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 to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You need to pass the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN) to earn an RN license. This computer-adaptive test takes up to five hours and covers nursing practice, conditions and treatments, how the healthcare system works, legal and ethical issues, and patient communication and education.[/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″]Gain Clinical Nursing Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The more clinical experience you have, the more likely you will find a placement. Most agencies only consider applicants with a minimum of one year of experience. However, some healthcare contracts require two years or more of clinical experience. Travel nurses must have the skills and background to jump into assignments without on-the-job training or orientations, adjusting to new environments, staff, and procedures.[/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″]Find a Travel Nursing Agency[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nurse-staffing-agency-guide/”]Nurse staffing agencies[/hen-ui-link] have grown in popularity, filling the nursing shortage gap resulting from RNs who retire or leave the workforce. Consequently, many agencies have emerged that specialize in travel nurse staffing. Travel nurse agencies advertise for specific positions, often recruiting at nursing school career offices, professional associations, and online. Before working with a travel nurse agency, it is important to research its reputation. When evaluating agencies, you should compare if the contracts they offer meet your expectations about available locations, types of assignments, salary and benefits, and travel and housing arrangements.[/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″]Begin Your First Travel Nursing Assignment[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because travel nurses work in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/day-in-the-life-of-a-travel-nurse/”]multiple settings with varied patient populations[/hen-ui-link], duties and responsibilities differ for each new assignment. In most cases, you will receive little on-the-job training. Depending on the employer, your first shift may begin with a full orientation or just a brief introduction to the facility’s procedures and policies. You may be paired with a nurse for your first few days, but then you will be expected to work independently soon after.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While some travel staffing agencies handle housing arrangements to help you settle into your new environment, you may decide to find your own accommodations to save on living expenses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Travel Nurse Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Different employers and positions have different travel nurse requirements. However, becoming a travel nurse first requires becoming an RN, which involves earning at least an ADN degree. While the ADN is the quickest educational path, many travel nurses have a BSN as well.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]ADN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most travel nurse positions require a BSN, but some nurses start with an ADN, which takes two years to complete compared to four years for a BSN. The ADN still meets the requirements for the NCLEX and RN licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: ADN programs require a high school diploma or GED certificate, and many look for passing grades in math and science programs, particularly biology and chemistry.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: The ADN curriculum includes nursing practice, the basics of evidence-based practice, conducting patient assessments, monitoring patients, and patient education and communication. It also includes clinical hours spent developing skills in a healthcare setting.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Most ADN programs take two years to complete, ideal for those eager to start their nursing career right away. Students with Advanced Placement (AP) course credits or transferable college credits may complete the course sooner. Part-time students working full-time may take longer.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Graduates of an ADN program are equipped with nursing skills, such as taking blood pressure and other vital signs, safely lifting and moving patients, communicating effectively with patients, understanding the healthcare delivery system, and addressing legal and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-code-of-ethics/”]ethical aspects of nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All travel nurses must be licensed RNs by earning an undergraduate nursing degree, either a BSN or an ADN, and passing the NCLEX-RN. However, many employers require or strongly prefer a BSN, which is also typically needed for graduate programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: BSN programs usually require at least a 3.0 high school GPA and passing grades in math, science, and English. They also require recommendations from teachers or counselors.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: The BSN curriculum includes prevention and health promotion, evidence-based nursing practice, statistics/research methods, healthcare systems and management, community health, nursing leadership, and communicating with and educating patients. It also includes clinical experience in healthcare settings.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Most BSN courses take four years to complete. Students who attend part time may need more time to complete coursework, usually up to six years in total. Learners with an ADN degree, transferable college credits, or AP passing scores can finish a BSN in 2-3 years.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: BSN graduates can perform advanced health assessment, educate patients on health promotion and disease prevention, lead healthcare teams, and effectively communicate with patients and healthcare professionals. Compared to ADN graduates, BSN nurses have additional training in leadership, nursing research, and healthcare management, allowing them to take on more complex roles.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Travel Nurse Salary and Job Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nurse salaries vary by setting, location, and specialization. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for travel nurses is $49 an hour, or $8,430 a month. For comparison, the average hourly rate for emergency room (ER) nurses is $42 and $41 for intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the BLS projects a 5% growth for all RNs from 2024-2034, demand for travel nurses remains strong due to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown/”]national nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After gaining a year of nursing experience, you can work with a travel nursing agency to find assignments. If you’ve worked with a travel nurse previously, ask which agency they used to connect with their recruiter. Your duties may vary by specialty and setting. Possible work settings include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospital unit: Direct patient care, medication administration, monitoring vital signs, and team collaboration[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Long-term care facility: Medication administration, wound care, care planning, and patient assessment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Surgery center: Education, postoperative care, patient assessment, and infection control[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Travel Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years does it take to become a travel nurse?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It typically takes a minimum of three years to become a travel nurse: two years for an ADN and one year of nursing experience. However, it could take longer if you pursue a BSN first or if your specialty requires additional years of nursing experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What exactly does a travel nurse do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A travel nurse does the same work as other RNs. However, the difference is they are hired through a staffing agency for temporary work assignments instead of being employed directly by the facility.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do travel nurses get paid well?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, they usually are paid well above the hourly rate for the average RN. As of September 2025, the average travel nurse made $49 an hour in the U.S., compared to $42 an hour for the average RN. Of course, these rates vary by region, specialty, work setting, and other factors.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What degree does a travel nurse need?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a travel nurse, you need at least an ADN degree, which is the minimum nursing degree requirement for the NCLEX-RN. This exam is necessary to become a licensed RN in the United States.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]