By The Gypsy Nurse

March 4, 2025

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Most In-Demand Travel Healthcare Specialties for 2025

While the demand for travel healthcare professionals is nowhere near where it was during the pandemic, the need is still significant. Driving factors of the demand continue to be healthcare worker shortages, the aging population, and the need for specialized care. Some specialties are in higher demand than others. We have put together a list of some of the most in-demand travel healthcare specialties we are seeing for 2025. They are listed in no particular order.

Most In-Demand Travel Healthcare Specialties for 2025

1. Emergency Room (ER) Nurses

This specialty probably comes as no surprise as we often see a need for emergency room nurses. With the need to be able to assess and respond to emergencies immediately, the need for the specialty continues to make the list for on-demand specialties.

2. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurses

As with ER nurses, ICU nurses are highly skilled in their area. Because of this, the demand for ICU nurses and ICU travel nurses remains high. The rise in chronic and severe illnesses is also a factor in the high demand for ICU nurses.

3. Radiologic Technologists

There is a massive demand for radiologic technologists. Whether that is CT Techs, X-ray techs, or licensed in one of the many modalities that radiology offers, the need is there. As rad techs, you are equipped to take on day-to-day scans, jump into surgery, and respond quickly to emergency needs. Your specialty continues to see a need for travelers. 

4. Respiratory Therapists

As with radiologic technologists, the need for respiratory therapists is on the rise. This is because we are seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses and the ongoing need for specialized respiratory care. As a respiratory therapist, you, too, are able to do routine treatments and respond to emergent situations, making the specialty of respiratory therapy on-demand.

5. Physical Therapists (PTs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs)

We love to see travel healthcare specialties outside of nursing make these lists! With an aging population that often requires rehabilitation and recovery after injuries or surgeries, the need for PTs and OTs remains constant. For PTs and OTs, travel is a great opportunity to not only do the work you enjoy but also see the country and different locations at the same time!

6. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurses

NICU nurses are consistently one of the top travel healthcare specialties in high demand. There is an increasing rate of premature births and advancements in neonatal care technology. Like ICU, NICU requires you to have advanced skills and understanding; because of this, there is a constant need for NICU nurses in the travel healthcare world.

7. Surgical Technologists

With more and more surgeries being performed, the need for skilled surgical techs is on the rise. This specialty is unlike many others; you need to have the skills to support the surgeon while also knowing what to do in case an emergency arises.

While there are more specialties in demand in the travel healthcare industry, these are some of the most in-demand now and continue to stay on the list. Traveling the country while working is a huge perk for those who make it a career. If you are looking to start your adventure, check out our job board!

Attention veteran travel healthcare professionals! We want to hear from you. Give us the best advice you have for those considering travel healthcare or just starting out on the adventure! Also, what travel healthcare specialties are you seeing the most demand for in your travels? Comment them below.

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By Jenny Hart

February 18, 2022

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What Specialties of Nursing are in Highest Demand?

Are you looking into becoming a nurse? The nursing field is currently bursting with opportunity. 

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates nursing demand will increase by almost 10 percent between 2020 and 2030. That number is even higher for specialties of nursing, like nurse practitioners (45 percent).

If health and wellness are important to you, now is an excellent time to pursue a nursing career. Some of the most in-demand specialties include neonatal nursing and renal nursing.

Specialties of Nursing in High Demand:

Neonatal Nurse

Neonatal nurses take care of babies who are born prematurely or who have a variety of medical ailments, such as congenital disabilities, cardiac malformations, infections, and other functional problems. The first month of life is considered the neonatal period. Babies born too early are predisposed to health issues. When the babies are healthy enough, they are able to go home with their parents.

These nurses often work in the NICU (newborn intensive care unit). Jobs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing and sometimes a master’s degree.

Renal Nurse

A dialysis nurse, or renal nurse, works with people who have chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal failure. Dialysis patients require care because their kidneys no longer function. When loss of kidney function occurs, a dialysis machine is used to filter waste from the blood.

Dialysis nurses treat patients receiving hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. These positions require a bachelor’s degree, and nursing students pursuing this field should look for courses focusing specifically on dialysis. 

Nephrology nurses, who specialize in kidney care, look after patients who have kidney-related health issues stemming from diabetes, high blood pressure, substance abuse, or other causes.

Clinical Nurse

Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) work in a wide variety of health care settings. For example, a CNS may have specialties in:

  • Type of care, such as psychiatric or rehabilitation
  • Type of problem, such as pain, wounds, or stress
  • Population, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or women’s health
  • Setting, such as critical care or emergency room
  • Disease or medical subspecialty, such as diabetes or oncology

The four primary roles for a CNS are expert clinician, educator, researcher, and consultant. A CNS has advanced degrees and training. A master’s degree is required.

Nurse Practitioner

As a result of a shortage of doctors in the U.S., nurse practitioners are among the most in-demand jobs in healthcare. In fact, according to the BLS, employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all other occupations. 

Nurse practitioners typically work under the supervision of a doctor, and administer tests, prescribe medications, and diagnose certain ailments. Depending on the state, nurse practitioners can have their own standalone practices.

Nurse practitioners are required to hold bachelor’s and master’s level degrees in nursing and pass a licensing examination.

They may also be referred to as ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) or APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse).

Nurse Advocate

Instead of providing care, a nurse advocate represents the interests of a patient’s family in a care setting. These nurses work to maintain quality care and protect the patient’s rights. They also intervene should concerns arise and resolve issues. Nurse advocates also help clarify questions about care, billing, or treatments.

A bachelor’s degree in nursing, a few years experience, and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam are required for licensure to become a nurse advocate.

Eldercare Nurse

A geriatric or eldercare nurse specializes in the care of older adults. They typically care for frail or elderly patients with long-term, chronic medical conditions that are not related to an acute illness or injury. Eldercare nurses work to maximize patient comfort, ensure safety, prevent deterioration and maintain function.

This role is common for entry-level nurses.

The most common career paths for eldercare nurses include:

  • Geriatric Nursing Assistant
  • Geriatric Staff Nurse
  • Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Home Health Nurse
  • Hospice Nurse

A certification in gerontology is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is awarded to registered nurses who meet specific requirements, including having at least three years of experience working with aging patients.

The need for this role is expected to increase dramatically over the next few years as the population of older adults grows. For instance, in 2019, the U.S. population of people age 65 and older numbered 54.1 million – a 36 percent increase from the 39.6 million counted in 2009.

Mental Health Nurse

Nursing students who wish to work in mental health can become Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMH) registered nurses (RN) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). People in this role enjoy career flexibility and strong compensation as a result of the high demand for their services. Mental health nurses represent the second largest group of behavioral health professionals in the U.S. 

Mental health nurses employ a range of expertise within their role, including nursing, psychosocial, and neurobiological. 

Mental health nurses have the following roles:

  • Conduct intake screening, evaluation, and triage
  • Provide case management
  • Coordinate care
  • Partner with individuals to achieve their recovery goals
  • Provide health promotion and maintenance
  • Teach self-care activities
  • Administer and monitor psychobiological treatment regimens
  • Practice crisis intervention and stabilization
  • Engage in psychiatric rehabilitation and intervention
  • Educate patients, families, and communities
  • Work within interdisciplinary teams

Each of these specialties of nursing is in high demand. Those looking to explore travel nursing can find increased job security by pursuing one of these specialties. 

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need to find housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)