If you’re pursuing travel nurse jobs, getting a Compact State Nursing License—also known as a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) license—can significantly expand your job options and speed up your placement process.
A compact license allows you to legally work in multiple states with one license, making it one of the most valuable tools for travel nurses who want flexibility, higher pay opportunities, and faster start dates.
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) enables registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) to hold one multistate license and practice in all participating compact states.
Instead of applying for a new license every time you accept a contract, you can move freely between compact states—ideal for nurses pursuing long-term or back-to-back travel nurse jobs.
You can view the official list of compact states and licensing details on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website:
https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm
Having a compact license makes you far more competitive in the travel nursing market.
Many staffing agencies, including Anders Group, can place compact-licensed nurses more quickly because there’s no licensing delay.
To qualify for a compact license, you must:
Your primary state of residence is typically proven by:
If your home state is not part of the compact, you can still pursue travel nurse jobs, but you’ll need to apply for individual state licenses.
Start by confirming your eligibility through the official NLC resource:
https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm
You must apply through your home state’s Board of Nursing, not through a national portal.
To find your state board and application page, visit:
https://www.ncsbn.org/contact-bon.htm
Select your state and follow the instructions for applying for a multistate (compact) license.
Most states require:
This step is required before approval.
Fees vary by state but typically range from $100–$300.
Once approved, your license will be issued as a multistate license, allowing you to accept travel nurse jobs in all compact states.
The average timeframe is 2–6 weeks, depending on the state and background check processing times.
Some states issue a temporary or provisional license, allowing you to start a travel assignment while your permanent license is finalized.
Having a compact license opens the door to hundreds of travel nurse jobs across high-demand compact states such as Texas, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
You can explore current opportunities on the Anders Group job board:
Browse Travel Nurse Jobs from Compact States
Many Anders Group travel nurse positions are located in compact states, allowing nurses with multistate licenses to start faster and move seamlessly from one assignment to the next.
Yes, but there are limitations.
If your goal is to maximize flexibility, pay potential, and job availability, the answer is yes.
A compact nursing license gives you access to more travel nurse jobs, faster placements, and the freedom to build a truly mobile nursing career—especially when working with a trusted staffing partner like Anders Group.