In 2025, many nurses are asking: how to become a travel nurse? It’s more achievable than ever, but there are requirements you’ll need to meet before you can hit the road. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide.
1. Get Your Nursing Degree & License
To work as a travel nurse, you must be a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in the U.S.
That means:
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Complete an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from an accredited program
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Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
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Apply for a license through your state’s Board of Nursing
Tip: Even if travel nursing is your long-term goal, focus on building a strong foundation in clinical practice first.
2. Gain Clinical Experience
Most travel nurse agencies and hospitals require at least 12 months of recent bedside experience in your specialty.
If you’re a newer RN, see our guide to Best Travel Nurse Jobs for New Grads to understand your options.
While some agencies are piloting programs for new grads, these are rare and typically limited to lower-acuity specialties like med-surg, rehab, or long-term care.
Best options:
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Work one year as a staff nurse in your desired specialty
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Build references and core skills before applying for travel contracts
3. Obtain a Compact Nursing License (If Eligible)
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to practice in multiple states with a single license.
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As of 2025, 39 states and jurisdictions are part of the NLC
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If your home state is in the compact, apply for a multistate license through your state BON
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If not, you’ll need to apply for individual state licenses where you want to work
See our full Compact Nursing License Guide for a current list of NLC states and step-by-step instructions.
4. Choose a Reputable Travel Nurse Agency
Travel nurse agencies connect you with hospitals and manage the logistics of your assignments. They typically help with:
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Job placement
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Pay package negotiation
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Housing support or stipends
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Licensing and compliance paperwork
Popular agencies in 2025 include:
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Aya Healthcare
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Medical Solutions
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Cross Country Nurses
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TNAA (Travel Nurse Across America)
When comparing agencies, look for transparent pay, new-traveler support, and contracts in your specialty.
Not sure what all the recruiter lingo means? Our Travel Nurse Glossary breaks down 50+ terms you’ll hear before and during your contracts.
5. Search for Travel Assignments
Once onboarded with an agency, you’ll gain access to current job listings. Key details to review include:
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Weekly pay (base + stipends)
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Location & housing options
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Experience requirements
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Shift type (day, night, or rotating)
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Contract length (usually 13 weeks)
Pay packages can vary widely — check our Travel Nurse Salary Guide 2025 for ranges by state and specialty.
Tip: Sign up for alerts through agency job boards to stay ahead of new postings.
6. Apply & Interview
When you find a role, your recruiter will help submit your profile. Be prepared to:
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Provide a resume, references, and license verification
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Complete a skills checklist and background check
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Interview with the facility (often a quick phone call)
Assignments fill fast, so quick responses are important.
7. Review & Sign Your Contract
Your contract should outline:
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Start and end dates
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Weekly pay and stipends
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Housing details
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Floating requirements
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Cancellation and extension policies
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Guaranteed hours
Tip: Always ask questions about time-off policies and schedule expectations before signing.
8. Secure Housing
You’ll typically choose between:
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Agency-provided housing (convenient but limited options)
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Housing stipend (tax-free if you maintain a tax home; offers more flexibility)
Common housing choices:
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Furnished Finder or Airbnb
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Short-term furnished rentals
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Extended-stay hotels
9. Prepare to Travel & Begin Your Assignment
Before your first day:
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Pack essentials (license, certifications, uniforms, work shoes, personal items)
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Print a copy of your contract and facility contact info
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Plan downtime to adjust to your new location
Congratulations — you’re officially a travel nurse!
Related Resources:
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how to become a travel nurse in 2025, the path is clear:
- Get licensed as an RN.
- Build at least a year of bedside experience.
- Work with a reputable agency.
- Start applying for assignments that fit your goals.
With preparation, you’ll be ready to take advantage of the flexibility, pay, and adventure that travel nursing offers.
