How to Become a Travel CRNA: A Step-by-Step Guide
Travel CRNAs are among the most in-demand and highest-paid clinicians in healthcare.
But becoming one requires more than clinical expertise—it demands precise credentialing, multi-state licensing, and the ability to move fast when the right opportunity arises.
If you’re an SRNA, newly certified CRNA, or an experienced provider looking for more flexibility, this guide walks you through exactly how to become a travel CRNA in 2025—with no wasted steps.
Step 1: Complete Your CRNA Education and Certification
To become a CRNA, you must:
- Graduate from an accredited nurse anesthesia program (typically a DNP program)
- Pass the NBCRNA National Certification Exam
- Maintain certification through the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program
Pro tip: If you’re still in school, consider completing rotations in rural or underserved areas. These are often the highest-paying travel roles.
Step 2: Get Licensed in Your Home State
Before you can practice—or travel—you’ll need:
- A current RN license
- An ARNP license with CRNA designation in your home state
Check your state board for additional requirements such as:
- Prescriptive authority applications
- Controlled substance permits
- State-specific continuing education (CEUs)
Step 3: Apply for Additional State Licenses
Travel CRNAs must be licensed in every state where they work.
Most states do not participate in a compact for advanced practice nurses.
You’ll need to:
- Identify states where travel contracts are abundant (e.g., FL, TX, AK, CA)
- Submit applications for each state’s nursing board
- Prepare for delays—some states take 4–8 weeks to process
Pro tip: Start this process before applying for travel jobs, especially in states like California, New York, and Massachusetts.
Step 4: Get Your DEA License and Prescriptive Authority
Most CRNA travel contracts require the ability to prescribe and handle controlled substances.
You’ll need:
- A federal DEA license (nationwide)
- State-specific prescriptive authority approval (separate from your ARNP license in many states)
This process may include:
- Background checks
- State fees
- Collaborating physician agreements (in certain states)
Step 5: Organize Your Credentialing Documents
Before any travel agency or facility will place you, they’ll require a full credential packet, including:
- RN + CRNA Licenses
- NBCRNA Certification
- DEA Certificate + Prescriptive Authority
- BLS / ACLS / PALS
- Malpractice insurance (if 1099)
- Immunization records, TB test, NPI, background check, resume
Incomplete files are the #1 reason CRNAs lose out on travel opportunities.
Step 6: Work With the Right Travel Agencies
The best agencies for CRNAs:
- Specialize in anesthesia staffing
- Offer 1099 and W2 contract options
- Help reimburse licensing fees and housing
- Have a dedicated credentialing team
Top CRNA travel agencies:
- LocumTenens.com
- CompHealth
- CRNAJobs.com
- Radar Healthcare Providers
Regardless of the agency, you are responsible for submitting your credentials quickly.
Step 7: Stay Credential-Ready With VitalPro Docs
The faster you submit your documents, the faster you get paid.
VitalPro Docs is a credential management platform built for CRNAs.
With VPD, you can:
- Track expiration dates for licenses, certifications, and immunizations
- Store all documents in one secure place
- Share your entire credential file with one click
No recruiter wants to chase down paperwork.
Be the CRNA they call first—because you’re ready.
🔍 Is Your Credential System Putting You at Risk?
Take our free 2-minute risk assessment to find out how secure, organized, and contract-ready your professional documents really are. Whether you’re a CRNA, APRN, or travel nurse, this quick tool will show you where you stand — and what steps you can take to protect your career.
Final Thought
Becoming a travel CRNA takes clinical skill, but thriving as one takes organization, timing, and total credential control.
Start today with VitalPro Docs—and be the first CRNA on the list when top-paying contracts drop.
