In the world of healthcare staffing, two roles often come up in conversations about temporary assignments and travel opportunities: travel nurses and allied travelers. While both play critical roles in supporting healthcare systems across the country, their responsibilities, qualifications, and career paths differ in meaningful ways.
What Is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who takes temporary assignments in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities across different locations, often out of state. These assignments typically last 8 to 13 weeks, though they can be extended.
Key Characteristics:
- Licensure: Must hold an active RN license, often in multiple states or through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
- Specialties: Includes ICU, ER, OR, Med-Surg, Labor & Delivery, etc.
- Demand: High demand due to nursing shortages, seasonal needs, or crisis response
- Compensation: Often includes higher pay, housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and bonuses
What Is an Allied Traveler?
An allied traveler refers to a healthcare professional in an allied health role who takes temporary assignments similar to travel nurses. Allied health includes a wide range of professions outside of nursing and medicine.
Common Allied Roles:
- Radiologic Technologists
- Physical Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Medical Laboratory Technicians
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Surgical Technologists
Key Characteristics:
- Licensure/Certification: Varies by profession and state, may require national certification (e.g., ARRT, ASCP, NBRC)
- Scope of Practice: Focuses on diagnostics, rehabilitation, therapy, and technical support
- Demand: Driven by staffing shortages, specialized skill needs, and facility expansions
- Compensation: Competitive pay, housing/travel stipends, and benefits similar to travel nurses
Major Differences Between Travel Nurses and Allied Travelers
| Feature | Travel Nurse | Allied Traveler |
| Education | RN degree (ADN or BSN) | Varies by role (Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s) |
| Licensure | RN license (often multi-state) | Profession-specific certification/licensure |
| Scope of Work | Direct patient care, medication administration, care planning | Direct patient care, medication administration, and care planning |
| Specialties | Nursing-focused (ICU, ER, etc.) | Allied health-focused (PT, RT, Lab Tech, etc.) |
| Assignment Length | 8 to 13 weeks (typical) | 8 to 13 weeks (typical) |
| Work Settings | Hospitals, clinics, long-term care | Hospitals, outpatient centers, rehab facilities |
Similarities Between the Two Roles
Despite their differences, travel nurses and allied travelers share several similarities:
- Flexibility: Both enjoy the freedom to choose assignments and locations
- Adventure and travel: opportunities allow professionals to explore new cities and cultures
- Professional Growth: Exposure to diverse healthcare settings enhances skills and experience
- Support: Agencies often provide housing, travel reimbursement, and credentialing assistance
Which Path Is Right for You?
Choosing between becoming a travel nurse or an allied traveler depends on your education, career goals, and personal interests. If you’re passionate about direct patient care and have an RN license, travel nursing might be your calling. If you’re drawn to therapy, diagnostics, or technical roles, allied travel offers a wide array of opportunities.
