Studying Nursing In The Usa As An International Student

Nursing is a rewarding career choice for international students looking to study in the USA. With over 800 colleges and universities offering nursing majors, international students can take advantage of the variety of courses and specialisms available to them. The USA also offers the opportunity to train in state-of-the-art clinical facilities and learn from leading lecturers in the field. International students can also benefit from the high demand for nurses in the USA, with qualified nurses being well-paid and having excellent job prospects.

Nursing degree options: Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D

Nursing is a rewarding and stable career that allows you to work closely with patients and make a difference. Studying nursing in the USA as an international student gives you the opportunity to train in state-of-the-art clinical facilities and learn from leading lecturers and experts in the field. You will be exposed to a diverse range of students and professionals from various backgrounds, enriching your educational experience.

Nursing Degree Options:

Associate Degree:

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is designed for entry-level applicants with no prior experience. It typically focuses on technical training and provides the skills needed to treat patients, educate them, and provide emotional support to their families. ADN nurses must pass a national licensing examination, the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), to obtain their nursing license. The median annual wage for ADN registered nurses is $67,490 in the United States.

Bachelor's Degree:

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program offered at many colleges and universities across the United States. It offers a broad range of employment opportunities and competitive wages. Accelerated BSN programs are also available for students with prior degrees, providing an expedited route to becoming a registered nurse in as little as 12 to 18 months.

Master's Degree:

Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) allows nurses to advance their careers and expand their scope of practice. MSN programs incorporate advanced nursing disciplines and prepare graduates for specialized roles such as Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Nurse Educator (NE), among others.

Ph.D. in Nursing:

A Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) is a terminal degree in nursing that focuses on research and practice. DNP students are trained to translate evidence from research into practice and are required to complete clinical hours and a scholarly project. This degree prepares nurses for advanced leadership and research roles in the field.

Whether you choose to pursue an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in nursing, studying in the USA offers a wealth of opportunities for international students interested in a career in nursing.

Admissions criteria: GPA, SATs, English proficiency, and financial means

International students intending to study nursing at a US university will encounter a variety of admissions criteria. Firstly, it is important to note that you must have completed high school or further education to study nursing in the United States. It is also advantageous if you have a strong background in chemistry and biology.

GPA

You must pass the GPA (Grade Point Average) test. This is a standardised way for US institutions to assess your previous academic performance.

SATs

You must also pass the SATs (Scholastic Assessment Test). This is a standardised test used by US institutions to assess your readiness for higher education. It is designed to test your reading, writing and maths skills, as well as your knowledge of a particular subject, such as history or biology.

English proficiency

English proficiency is also important. You must score a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or 90 or above in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Other tests that may be accepted include the Duolingo English Test (DET) and the HESI/TEAR admissions test.

Financial means

In addition to academic requirements, students studying abroad in the United States must demonstrate financial means. This is a significant component that determines your acceptance or rejection. In the US, nursing tuition typically costs \$11,000 or more per year for public institutions and \$40,000 or more per year for private schools. Students may be able to borrow through private education loan programs, but they must apply with a creditworthy co-borrower who is a US citizen or permanent resident.

Student visa requirements: F-1 or J-1 visa, valid passport, and proof of funding

International students seeking to study nursing in the USA will need to obtain a student visa. There are two types of student visas that international students can apply for: the F-1 visa and the J-1 visa. Each visa category has specific requirements and regulations that must be met.

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for academic and language students. To obtain an F-1 visa, you must complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, and submit the required application fee payment receipt and photograph. You will also need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form I-20) from your school. This form confirms that you have been admitted to a programme of study and that you have demonstrated the ability to pay for your education and living expenses. Your spouse and/or minor children, if intending to live in the United States with you, will each need their own Form I-20 and can apply for F-2 visas.

It is important to note that F-1 visa holders are subject to certain restrictions, such as limitations on attending public school in the United States. Additionally, the F-1 visa typically allows entry into the country up to 30 days before the start date on the I-20 form.

The J-1 visa, on the other hand, is for individuals participating in work-and-study-based exchange and visitor programs. These programs must be sponsored by an accredited educational or other nonprofit institution. J-1 visa holders are typically required to work only for their program sponsors, although there may be exceptions in certain cases. J-1 students are eligible for on-campus employment under specific conditions and may work off-campus in limited circumstances. Spouses or children of J-1 exchange visitors can apply for J-2 visas, which may allow them to work in the United States with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

To apply for a student visa, you must schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, preferably in the country where you live. During the interview, you will need to provide proof of funding, demonstrating that you or your sponsors can fund your educational and living expenses. This can include bank statements, sponsors' statements of support, scholarship letters, and other relevant documents. The "proof of funds" documents must be no older than 12 months from the program's start date.

Career paths: Hospital, emergency care, obstetrics, intensive care, and oncology

International students can pursue a nursing degree in the USA, which offers a wide range of career paths and specialisations. The nursing profession is in high demand due to the ageing population and the increasing need for care for elderly people and those with chronic conditions. Studying nursing in the US provides international students with the opportunity to work in various settings, including hospitals, emergency care, obstetrics, intensive care, and oncology.

Hospital

More than half of all employed nurses are based in hospitals. Hospital nurses work in various departments, including medical-surgical, emergency (ED/ER), obstetrics (B), paediatrics (S), and intensive care (ICU). They can choose to work nine-to-five shifts or fast-paced 12-hour shifts. Hospital nurses collaborate closely with doctors, administrative staff, analysts, and laboratory technicians and provide direct patient care.

Emergency Care

Emergency care nurses work in the fast-paced and challenging environment of emergency departments (ED/ER) within hospitals. They require excellent critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to assess and prioritise patient needs. Strong communication skills are essential in this role to effectively interact with patients, family members, and other healthcare professionals.

Obstetrics

Obstetrics nurses (B) specialise in providing care for pregnant women, new mothers, and their newborns. They offer support and education throughout pregnancy, labour, delivery, and the postpartum period. These nurses work closely with obstetricians and other healthcare professionals to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Intensive Care

Intensive care nurses (ICU) provide critical care to patients with severe and life-threatening illnesses or injuries. They require advanced knowledge and skills in monitoring and managing life support systems, such as ventilators and haemodynamic monitoring devices. Intensive care nurses play a crucial role in the recovery and stabilisation of critically ill patients.

Oncology

Oncology nurses specialise in caring for patients with cancer. They possess in-depth knowledge of cancer types, treatments, and the physical and emotional challenges faced by cancer patients. Oncology nurses provide education, support, and compassionate care to patients and their families throughout the cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship or end-of-life care.

Skills needed: Compassion, empathy, critical thinking, and communication

Nursing is a stable, rewarding, and exciting career path for international students in the USA. It offers a broad range of employment opportunities, good wages, and the chance to work directly with patients.

To succeed in nursing, students will need to develop a variety of skills, including compassion, empathy, critical thinking, and communication.

Compassion

Compassion is a defining virtue of nurses, and it is essential for providing quality patient care. Compassionate nurses relieve anxiety for patients, who are at their most vulnerable when they are ill. They do this by being mindful of the patient's concerns and anxieties, and responding to them in a respectful and empathetic way. They also show interest in the patient's life, asking about their job, hobbies, and other topics that might divert the conversation away from anxiety-inducing subjects.

Empathy

Empathy is another key characteristic of nurses, and it is crucial for building positive relationships with patients. Empathy in nursing involves acknowledging and understanding a patient's feelings and responding to them in a supportive and encouraging manner. For example, a nurse might offer an alternative way to describe a patient's feelings, or encourage them to keep a good mood to aid their recovery.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for international students interested in studying nursing in the US. Nurses who can find solutions quickly are better equipped to deliver effective and compassionate care to patients and their families.

Communication

Strong communication skills are critical for nursing. Nurses must be able to communicate with patients in a clear, confident, and reassuring manner, building relationships of trust. They also need to be active listeners, demonstrating empathy and using encouraging and comforting verbal and non-verbal language. In addition, nurses must be able to communicate effectively with their coworkers, including doctors, administrative workers, analysts, and laboratory technicians.

Overall, developing skills in compassion, empathy, critical thinking, and communication is essential for international students pursuing a nursing degree in the USA. These skills will enable students to provide high-quality, patient-centered care and build positive relationships with patients and colleagues.

Frequently asked questions