Your license, your career: state-by-state license guides for healthcare travelers

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to hold one multistate license issued by their home state, which authorizes them to practice in all other compact member states. As of 2026, over 40 states participate in the NLC.

For travel nurses, this means you may not need a separate license for every assignment state -- but you do need to declare a compact state as your primary state of residence. Our state guides explain which states are NLC members and what the requirements are.

It depends on your profession and the states involved. Nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy all have interstate compacts that allow multistate practice with a single license. For professions without a compact (or in non-compact states), you will need a separate state license.

Many states offer temporary or expedited licenses for traveling healthcare professionals. Our guides cover the specific options for each state, including processing times and fees.

Processing times vary widely. Some states issue temporary permits in a few days, while full licensure by endorsement can take 4 to 12 weeks. Factors that affect timing include background check processing, verification of credentials from other states, and whether the state board meets on a set schedule.

To avoid gaps between assignments, many travelers apply for their next state license well in advance. Your recruiter can help you plan the timeline, and our state guides list typical processing times.

Licensure by endorsement (sometimes called reciprocity) is the process of obtaining a license in a new state when you already hold a valid license in another state. Instead of retaking the licensing exam, you submit proof of your existing license, education, and background check to the new state board.

Requirements vary by state -- some require additional continuing education, jurisprudence exams, or fingerprint-based background checks. Our guides walk through the endorsement process step by step for each state.

Interstate compacts are agreements between participating states that allow licensed professionals to practice across state lines without obtaining a separate license in each state. Currently, compacts exist for:

• Nursing (NLC) -- 40+ member states
• Physical Therapy (PTPC) -- 30+ member states
• Occupational Therapy (OTC) -- growing membership
• EMS (REPLICA) -- 20+ member states

Speech-language pathology, respiratory therapy, radiology, and laboratory science do not yet have active interstate compacts, though some are in development.

Yes. Your Fusion recruiter can guide you through the licensing process for your next assignment state, including which forms to submit, estimated timelines, and whether you qualify for a compact or temporary license. Fusion also covers many licensing-related costs as part of your travel benefits package.

Browse our state guides below to get started, or contact a recruiter for personalized help with your next license application.