How to Become an International Travel Nurse

Do you dream of a job that allows you to travel internationally? If you are drawn to working abroad and enjoy helping people, becoming an international travel nurse might be a dream come true.

While securing U.S. travel assignments is relatively straightforward, international nursing requires some preparation, like obtaining certain certifications in your specialty. Find all the information you need to navigate the process, including details on finding assignments and getting the right nursing certifications.

Nursing professionals who travel internationally for short-term assignments are known as international travel nurses. They typically work overseas in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and outpatient care clinics.

These nurses perform the same duties as other nurses, such as assessing patients, administering medications, collaborating with other healthcare team members, and developing care plans.

Regarding travel assignments, the most sought-after nurses are often those with experience in the emergency room or other critical care settings. Experience with labor and delivery or neonatal nursing can also be desirable.

Educational requirements typically include a nursing degree — either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) — and licensure as a registered nurse (RN). International travel nurses may need additional certifications depending on their specialty or language proficiency based on their location.

International travel nurses typically receive assignments through a nurse staffing agency. They are placed in areas with critical staffing shortages, seasonal changes in workforce needs, and other circumstances. International travel nurses can choose the assignments that work best for them.

Nurses should be aware working conditions may differ from the typical nursing standards and scope of practice in the U.S. It’s important to inquire about the scope of practice in a particular country before accepting an assignment. You also may need a work visa, and sponsorship, in addition to your license, and passport.

To pursue an international travel nurse career, you’ll need a nursing degree, an active RN license, and possibly additional certifications. Licensure requirements may vary depending on state and program type.

Many employers may require RNs to obtain certification in basic life support (BLS) and occasionally advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

To start your journey as an international travel nurse, take the following steps:

Most organizations prefer a BSN degree, which you can complete in two years if you already have an ADN. Here’s what you’ll need:

International travel nurses need an active RN license in the U.S. An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license is optional and will open up additional job opportunities.

To maintain RN licensure, follow your state’s license renewal requirements, which typically include completing practice hours and continued education units.

While not mandatory, nursing certifications distinguish you from your peers and highlight your specialty expertise. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), obtaining internationally recognized travel nurse certifications like Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) or Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) can give you a competitive edge.

Most certifications require a certain amount of specialty clinical experience and two years as an RN, with requirements varying by type. Certification is available through various professional organizations and certifying bodies, differing by specialty.

To begin working as an international travel nurse, sign up with an agency working with international organizations or join the U.S. Department of Defense.

As of September 2024, the average international travel nurse salary is $110,132 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.

Common international nursing workplaces include hospitals, clinics, outpatient care clinics, research organizations, humanitarian aid organizations, and doctors’ offices. Nurses employed in hospitals and clinics provide direct patient care, while those in research and humanitarian organizations focus on literature review, education, training, and community outreach.