How to Start Your Career in Travel Healthcare

Looking for flexibility, great pay, and the chance to explore the country — all while doing what you love? You’re not alone. 

Travel healthcare can open the door to a new way of working for technologists, nurses, and therapists who are ready to leave the traditional FTE role in search of higher pay and more flexibility in their careers. 

As clinicians ourselves, we’ve been in your shoes (and we know getting started can feel overwhelming). That’s why we broke down the steps on how to start a travel healthcare career without worrying about the “what-ifs” in this post!

What is Travel Healthcare?

Travel healthcare lets licensed clinicians, from RNs to CT Techs, take on temporary assignments across the U.S. These assignments typically fill urgent staffing needs, giving you the chance to:

• Gain experience in new clinical settings
• Earn competitive pay and housing stipends
• Explore new cities and regions

Facilities rely on travelers to keep patient care running smoothly. Since there is a high demand for traveling healthcare pros, this path offers job security and room to grow.

Step 1: Get Your Education and Licensure in Place

Before hitting the road, make sure your credentials are fully dialed in. You need to finish schooling, make sure your license is active, and check that all required certifications are up to date and ready to go.

For RNs:

• ADN or BSN is required
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

For Allied Health Professionals:

• Requirements vary by specialty (e.g., radiologic techs, respiratory therapists, physical therapists)
• Most require either a degree or formal certification

Certifications You’ll Likely Need:

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
• Specialty-specific certs like CCRN for ICU nurses

Bonus Tip: If you’re a nurse, you will definitely want to consider getting a compact state license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). It makes multi-state travel much easier because you don’t need to apply for new licenses in every state.

Step 2: Get Real-World Experience

Most agencies (ours included) require 1–2 years of recent clinical experience before you can start taking assignments. Here’s how to build a solid resume:

• Work in high-demand units like ICU, ER, or OR
• Practice in diverse care settings to stay flexible
• Take continuing education seriously — it shows you’re committed

Agencies love clinicians who can hit the ground running. The more adaptable and well-rounded you are, the more options you’ll have.

Step 3: Choose the Right Staffing Agency

Not all agencies are created equal, and we know that firsthand. A good agency can make or break your travel experience. Look for one that offers:

• Transparent contracts with fair pay and clear terms
• Housing assistance and help with credentialing
• Clinician-first support (bonus if their recruiters have worked in the field)

At Lucid, we’re clinician-owned and operated. We know what it’s like to be in your shoes — and we built our agency to be the kind of support system we always wished we had.

Step 4: Start the Application Process

Once your license and experience are set, it’s time to land your first gig. Here’s how:

• Polish your resume: include specialties, certifications, and EMR systems you’ve used
• Gather key docs: licenses, certifications, references, immunization records
• Partner with your recruiter: we’ll help match you with jobs that align with your goals

Having a strong portfolio and a solid agency by your side makes all the difference.

Step 5: Prep for Your First Assignment

Before accepting your first contract, make sure you understand the details. Ask about:

• Compensation: hourly rate, stipends, overtime, and bonuses
• Housing: will the agency book it or give you a stipend?
• Contract length: most are 8–13 weeks, with potential extensions

Once you’re on assignment, be open to new routines and team dynamics. Flexibility and a positive attitude go a long way.

Is a Travel Healthcare Career Right for You?

This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. The clinicians who thrive in travel healthcare usually:

• Adapt quickly to new environments
• Love meeting new people and exploring new places
• Have strong clinical skills and confidence in their practice

If that sounds like you, it might be time to take the leap.

Start Your Travel Healthcare Career With Lucid Staffing

Starting your travel career doesn’t have to be complicated. With the proper prep and a trusted partner, you’ll be ready to take your career nationwide.

Lucid Staffing Solutions connects Technologists and clinicians to top travel opportunities nationwide. We’re clinician-led, transparency-obsessed, and built to support you every step of the way.

If you want more flexibility, better pay, and a team that actually gets you, let’s talk. Our recruiters are clinicians, too — and we’re here to help you find your next opportunity.