Can you become a travel nurse right out of college?

Generally speaking, no. To become a travel nurse, most recruiters and healthcare facilities require a minimum of two years of bedside experience. 

The reason for this is that travel nurses play a crucial role in supplementing existing staffing gaps, so they must be able to dive right in! Travel nurses are expected to adapt quickly to new environments and healthcare settings without extensive onboarding. Therefore, they can only take on assignments in their current specialties, ensuring their skills and knowledge are fresh and up to date. 

Newly graduated nurses should first work in traditional RN staffing jobs for two years minimum, to gain the necessary experience and confidence that travel nursing requires. These foundational years allow new nurses to refine their clinical judgement, improve patient care skills, and become comfortable working in fast-paced environments. After these years have passed, travel nursing is a quick and effective way to expand your skills, experience diverse working environments, and network with a broad range of healthcare leaders. Not to mention, travel nurses get paid more and get to travel the country! 

How many years of college are needed to become a travel nurse? 

Both two- and four-year nursing degrees mean you have the necessary credentials to become a travel nurse. However, some facilities may have a preference for which degree you hold.  

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This takes about two years to complete and qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses (RNs). While this is the faster route, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is increasingly preferred by many employers and nursing staffing agencies. 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This four-year degree goes more into detail about nursing theory, leadership, and patient care. Many healthcare facilities prioritize BSN-educated nurses for travel nursing jobs due to their higher level of training. In fact, over 80% of hospitals prefer candidates with BSNs. 

If you have an ADN and are concerned it may impact your hiring prospects, you can apply for an RN-to-BSN bridge program, which can be completed in just 12 months! 

What certifications and licenses do I need?  

 This largely depends on the travel nursing jobs you’re looking for. All nurses need to be licensed in the state they want to work in and have their Basic Life Support Certification (BLS). However, different specialties have different requirements.  

 For example, Psych nurses may require their BLS, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Crisis Prevention Institute Certifications. Then, a labor and delivery nurse will likely need their BLS, ACLS, and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certifications. Check out our full certification checklist here, which breaks down what certification is required for each specialty.  

While you can’t become a travel nurse immediately after graduating from college, you can take strategic steps to set yourself up for future success. Getting your degree and required certifications, as well as building up at least two years of experience in an in-demand specialty, will stand you in good stead to attract high-paying and sought-after travel nurse assignments. 

If you're ready to take the next step in your travel nursing career, speak to our experienced travel nurse recruitment specialists, who are ready to leverage their outstanding industry connections to find your perfect assignment. They’ll personally guide you through the application process, making your transition to travel nursing seamless.