Am I Ready to Travel? Readiness Checklist

Check off each item. 15 items covering licensure, clinical skills, finances, and personal readiness.

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Licensure & Credentials

Passed board exam (NPTE/NBCOT/Praxis)

Required before any clinical work.

Active state license or compact privilege

Apply immediately after passing boards. Some states take 4-8 weeks.

Current BLS/CPR (AHA preferred)

Almost every facility requires current BLS certification.

Immunization records and health clearances

MMR, Varicella, Hep B titers, Tdap, TB test, flu shot.

Clinical Readiness

Can perform evaluations independently

From patient interview through assessment and plan.

Efficient documentation within the workday

Not taking 2+ hours home every night.

Comfortable asking questions and admitting limits

Clinical humility is essential for safe practice.

Professional references ready

2-3 supervisors or clinical instructors.

Financial Preparation

Tax home established or planned

Essential for non-taxable stipends. Read the guide.

$3,000-$6,000 in savings

Housing deposits, licensing, moving, emergency fund.

Student loan repayment strategy

See our loan payoff guide.

Understand pay packages

Taxable rate vs. stipends. Use the calculator.

Housing & Logistics

Housing plan for assignments

Agency housing vs. stipend. Housing guide.

Health insurance figured out

Parent's plan (under 26), agency plan, or Marketplace.

Personally ready for the lifestyle

New city, apartment, coworkers every 13 weeks.

Questions?

Connect with professionals who help new grads.