How to Become an International Travel Nurse
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: sturti / E+ / Getty ImagesAre you dreaming about becoming an international travel nurse but unsure where to start? Are you curious about the additional licensure or certifications you might need?
While securing U.S. travel assignments is relatively straightforward, international nursing requires some preparation. Find all the information you need to navigate the process, including details on finding assignments and getting the right nursing certifications.
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What Is an International Travel Nurse?
Nursing professionals who travel internationally for short-term assignments are known as international travel nurses. They typically work 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 members of the healthcare team, and developing care plans.
When it comes to 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.
Steps to Becoming an International Travel Nurse
To pursue a career as an international travel nurse, you’ll need a nursing degree, 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:
- 1
Earn an ADN or BSN Degree From an Accredited Program
An ADN program typically takes two years to complete and is one of the quickest pathways to becoming an RN.
- 2
Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure
Passing the NCLEX, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, is a requirement for anyone who wants to practice nursing in the U.S. To take the exam, you must hold either an ADN or BSN. The exam covers care management, pharmacology, safety, infection control, and other areas.
A BSN program typically takes four years and prepares you for leadership and management positions. Nurses with an ADN may enroll in an RN-to-BSN degree bridge program to complete their BSN more quickly. If you are entering a BSN program with a bachelor’s in another field, consider accelerated nursing programs.
- 3
Gain Experience in Travel Nursing
Most travel nursing agencies require nurses to have at least one year of specialty experience, while international positions may require more experience or certifications.
New graduates can gain experience domestically before applying for travel roles. Experience in settings like the emergency room or med-surg unit is beneficial, as they familiarize you with diverse patient populations and conditions.
- 4
Earn Proper Credentials
Nurses can validate their knowledge and experience by earning specialty board certification, which may be required by some facilities. The requirements and process will vary according to the type of certification, as we’ll discuss below.
International Travel Nurse Education
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:
ADN Degree
An ADN degree prepares students to become an RN, covering the foundational nurse knowledge and skills. The program meets the minimum eligibility requirements for the NCLEX and RN licensing, but employers may prefer a BSN. This pathway is a great option for those wanting to enter nursing quickly.
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate, application, transcripts, math and science classes
- Program Curriculum: Common courses include anatomy and physiology, health assessment, fundamentals of nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and maternal-newborn nursing.
- Time to Complete: Most programs take about two years to complete.
- Skills Learned: Basic nursing skills, like performing a head-to-toe assessment, communicating with other healthcare professionals, and infection control.
BSN Degree
A BSN degree will also prepare you to become an RN, with traditional programs taking four years to complete in-person or online. This degree provides a more comprehensive nursing education and is necessary for applying to graduate-level programs.
In general, this degree is preferred for international work.
- Admission Requirements: Admission requirements vary among nursing programs, but you need to hold a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Candidates also submit an application with a . In some instances, the school may require an interview.
- Program Curriculum: Common courses include nursing fundamentals, physiology, mental health, leadership in nursing, pharmacology, and ethics.
- Time to Complete: You can complete a BSN program in four years if attending full time. If you are starting with an ADN, there are bridge programs that take about two years.
- Skills Learned: Expect to learn basic skills, such as how to take vital signs or make a bed with someone in it. Nurses also learn how to insert a catheter, start an intravenous line (IV), and wound management.
International Travel Nurse Licensure and Certification
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. 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.
Working as an International Travel Nurse
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.
The average international travel nurse’s salary is $110,450 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an International Travel Nurse
It takes anywhere from two to six years to become an international travel nurse. Program type, specialty, previous education, and job choice will all influence the time it takes to begin your career in this field.
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