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 Karl Murphy

May 17, 2021

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Top 5 of the Most In-Demand Travel Nurse Specialties

When it comes to the topmost in-demand travel nurse specialties, there are two things to look out for. One is the demand for nurses’ services in that field, and the second is how much they get paid. It follows the economic rule of “The higher the demand, the more the price.” This article brings you the top in-demand travel nurse specialties and what makes them so special.

5 Most Sought-After Travel Nurse Specialities

Travel nurses are registered nurses who work in short-term roles at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities globally. They help fill gaps in areas where there are nursing shortages. An independent nursing staffing agency employs them instead of a single hospital.

According to Trusted Nurse Staffing, knowing the nursing specialty in demand would help you choose the direction to take your nursing career. This is why we put together the best five options to help you decide.

1.     Intensive Care Nurses

Intensive care (ICU) nurses are the most sought-after in nursing specialties. The need for ICU nurses increased due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Generally, the high demand for nurse practitioners in this specialty is because they have experience with:

  • Severe accident cases
  • Significant and delicate surgeries
  • Trauma and other life-threatening situations

To become an ICU nurse, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and get licensed in the state where you practice. You must have at least one year of clinical experience and have BLS/CPR and ACLS certifications. Meeting these requirements qualifies you as a Critical Care Registered Nurse, and you can work in:

  • Pediatric ICU
  • Cardiac care unit
  • Telemetry units
  • Neonatal ICU
  • Progressive care units

2.    Telemetry Nursing

Due to the shortage of ICU beds, and the increased need for progressive care, there’s high demand for telemetry nurses. Nurses working in this specialty constantly monitor patients experiencing cardiac, respiratory, or renal issues. They are quick to act and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.

If you can accurately assess a situation and act accordingly, then consider telemetry nursing. To become one, you must possess:

  • RN license
  • ADN or BSN degree
  • ACLS, BLS, and PCCN certifications

3.    Emergency Room Nursing

This specialty is in demand because emergency room nurses are among the first to attend to trauma patients when they arrive at the hospital. Hospital ERs are always filled with diverse types of ailments and need proactive nurses. If you are not afraid of past-packed action and split-second decisions, consider this specialty.

To become an emergency room nurse, you must have the following qualifications:

  • A year of experience in an acute care facility
  •  ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications
  • NIH Stroke certification

If you desire to distinguish yourself during the application process, it will help to have or take part in the following:

  • Emergency Nursing in Pediatrics Course
  • Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
  • Trauma Nurse Core Course
  • Crisis Prevention Training

4.    Labor and Delivery Nurses

There is an increased need for labor and delivery nurses. While many see it as a satisfying and fulfilling career choice, not everyone has what it takes to be one.

The required qualifications to become a labor and delivery nurse include:

  • Possessing an ADN and BSN
  • Passing the NCLEX
  • Having BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP certifications
  • Being experienced in electronic fetal heart monitoring
  • Having a one-year experience in an acute care facility

5.    Operating Room Nursing

Operating room nursing is both high in demand and offers a good salary. This is because they are needed in hospitals and surgical centers, day-surgery centers, and clinics. To be an OR nurse, you need to be highly skilled and keep operating rooms clean and sterile always.

Also, nurses working in this specialty are patient advocates and pay key attention to their safety. To qualify for this position, you must:

  • Earn an ADN or BSN
  • Obtain an RN license in the state you work
  • Have clinical or OR experience
  • Have BLS and ACLS certifications

Conclusion

The opportunities available to travel nurses are vast. Whether you are a specialty nurse looking to diversify or increase your pay, there’s something for you. All you need to do is find your perfect fit, such as with online dating. So, feel free to begin today.