Looking into becoming a travel nurse? We've put together your all-access guide to building a successful career in this exciting field. Let’s jump in!

Travel Nursing: How Many Years of College Needed?

One of the most common questions is, “How long does it take to become a travel nurse?” The simple answer is around 2-6 years. Depending on your schooling, gaining experience, and where you are on your nursing journey, it can take as many as 6 or as few as 2 years.

Understanding Travel Nursing and Its Requirements

Travel nursing is a unique career path that combines your passion for nursing with the thrill of exploring new places. To get started, you'll need to meet certain educational and licensure requirements.

Educational Paths to Becoming a Travel Nurse

If you don’t already have one, you will need to obtain an ADN (Associate’s Degree in Nursing) or a BSN (Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing).

• ADN: An accelerated degree that takes around 2 years.
• BSN: A 4-year bachelor’s degree program that is often more sought-after by employers.

After completing your degree, you will need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Exam for RNs) to become a licensed RN.

Licensure Requirements for Travel Nurses

Once you receive your license, gaining experience is crucial. Many travel jobs or agencies require nurses to have 1-2 years of experience in their specialty before starting their first contract. This experience helps ensure you are well-prepared for the diverse challenges you may face as a travel nurse.

Additional Certifications and Specializations

Keeping your certifications up to date is important. Common certifications include BLS (Basic Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support). While not always required, these certifications can enhance your skillset and make your resume stand out.

Finding the Right Travel Agency

Travel nursing agencies are your best allies in finding job opportunities that suit your career and lifestyle. Agencies like CoreMedical Group help you prepare for interviews, send out your resumes, and set you up for success.

For example, if you’ve always wanted to live in Colorado but don’t want to be there permanently, you can tell your recruiter your preferred location and practice. They will do the heavy lifting of the job hunt for you. Soon enough, you’ll be packing your bags and moving to Colorado, all while working in your field and gaining valuable experience.

Once you finish one contract, you can tell your recruiter you’re ready for another or want to extend the current one if it’s an option. Working with an agency also ensures you’re covered by insurance (with CoreMedical Group, benefits kick in on day 1), you are prepared to ace interviews, and your resume is in excellent condition for job applications. The opportunities are endless when working with agencies.

Career Outlook and Earnings for Travel Nurses

Travel nurse salaries can vary, but according to Vivian, the average travel nurse salary is about $2,140 per week as of May 2025. Some jobs may offer higher or lower wages, but this is a good benchmark. Working with a travel agency, you can also receive food and housing stipends to help with the cost of moving and living, which can lower your taxable income.

CoreMedical Group offers industry-leading salaries and exclusive jobs not posted on other job boards. Using agency resources can help broaden your career path, encourage new connections, and even offer a free vacation through working contracts and referring friends.

Ready to Become a Travel Nurse?

No matter where you are on your travel nurse journey, we are here to support you and help kickstart your career. We want to work with you! Reach out to us today to get started on your first (or fiftieth) contract.