Just finished nursing school and wondering if you can jump straight into travel nursing? If you’re searching for new grad travel nursing jobs, the answer is: not usually right away.
Even if you’re just starting out, it helps to know the full path of how to become a travel nurse so you can plan your career beyond your first assignment.
Most agencies require at least 1 year of bedside experience before you can qualify for travel assignments. But if you’re planning ahead, there are clear steps you can take now to get ready — and a few limited opportunities for brand-new grads through select programs.
Here’s what you need to know.
Can New Grads Become Travel Nurses in 2025?
-
Traditional rule: 12–24 months of acute-care experience is required.
-
Reality: A few agencies have “new grad” programs, but they are the exception.
-
Best strategy: Spend your first year in a hospital (ideally med-surg or telemetry) before taking travel contracts.
What Do You Need Before You Can Travel?
-
Active RN license (NCLEX passed)
-
At least 1 year of hospital experience in most cases
-
Strong references from managers or preceptors
-
Core certifications: BLS and ACLS; optional extras like PALS or NIHSS
Some agencies provide onboarding or mentorship, but you’ll still need real bedside experience first.
Best Specialties to Start In as a New Nurse
Strong foundation specialties make you more competitive for travel roles:
-
Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) – broad clinical exposure, highest demand
-
Telemetry – adds cardiac skills and monitoring experience
-
Rehab – lower acuity, builds confidence
-
Psychiatric Nursing – focuses on communication and behavioral health
-
Long-Term Care (LTC) – solid adjustment pathway
Curious about pay? Here’s what travel nurse salary in 2025 looks like for different specialties.
Tip: Highlight clinical rotations in these areas on your resume.
Which Agencies Work With New Grads?
Most agencies want 1+ years of experience, but two stand out:
-
Aya Healthcare – has new grad resources but typically still requires 1 year
-
AMN Healthcare – offers a new grad program that helps bridge into travel
Others like Medical Solutions, TNAA, and Cross Country Nurses don’t advertise specific new-grad programs.
Best First Locations for Travel Nurses
Big-city hospitals are harder to land as a first assignment. Smaller cities and rural hospitals are usually more open.
Living in a compact state makes it even easier to take advantage of compact nursing license privileges as a new grad.
States with steady travel nurse demand include:
-
California
-
Texas
-
North Carolina
-
Washington
Rural assignments may also offer higher crisis pay to fill gaps.
What to Look for in Your First Travel Assignment
When you’re ready to start traveling, look for contracts with:
-
13-week terms (standard length)
-
Guaranteed hours
-
No float-only requirements
-
Housing stipend or agency housing
-
Structured onboarding
Tips for Preparing as a New Grad
Even before you qualify, you can get ahead:
-
Build a resume with all clinical rotations and skills
-
Collect recommendation letters from instructors and preceptors
-
Get certified (BLS and ACLS required, others optional)
-
Join travel nurse forums to learn from current travelers
-
Connect with 2–3 recruiters when you’re ready
Final Takeaway
In 2025, most new grads won’t qualify for travel nursing immediately. But with one year of solid hospital experience, especially in med-surg, telemetry, rehab, psych, or LTC, you’ll be in a strong position to start.
Use your first year wisely, and you’ll be ready to launch your travel nursing career with confidence.
