
Nursing is a rewarding career for those who want to work closely with patients and make a difference. Studying nursing in the US as an international student is a great option, as it offers a wide range of courses, paths, and specialisms to choose from. International students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). The BSN is a four-year program that can lead to strong job prospects and a good salary upon completion. The ADN is an associate degree program that focuses on technical training and is only available in the US. International students must meet basic education requirements, which include graduating from an accredited Registered Nursing program and gaining the necessary skills and credentials. They may also be required to take an English-language proficiency test and pass a licensure exam to obtain a nursing license.
Can international students become nurses in the US?
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Degree Options | ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, Ph.D. |
Degree Length | 2 years (ADN), 4 years (BSN), varies (MSN, DNP, Ph.D.) |
Requirements | High school-level education, postsecondary instruction in 5 key areas of nursing, English proficiency |
Visa Requirements | F-1 or J-1 visa, proof of funding, full-time enrollment status |
Licensing | National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) |
Career Options | Hospital nurse, research, specialist consultancy |
What You'll Learn
- International students can pursue an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing in the US
- The CGFNS verifies education and postsecondary instruction in five key areas of nursing
- Passing an English-language proficiency test is sometimes required for CGFNS approval
- The NCLEX is the licensing exam for registered nurses
- Job prospects for RNs are good, with a projected 15% growth in jobs between 2016 and 2026
International students can pursue an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing in the US
International students can pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). ADN programs are only available in the United States, and enrollment for international students is available. These programs usually require students to complete pre-requisite classes prior to enrollment and focus on technical training. An ADN registered nurse can treat patients, educate patients, and provide emotional support to patients' family members. The median annual wage of ADN registered nurses in the US is $67,490.
The BSN is a four-year program offered at many colleges and universities throughout the United States. BSN programs are popular among international students because they offer strong job prospects and good salaries upon completion. The demand for BSNs is high, so there are many job opportunities across the US. These programs are often referred to as second-degree programs and are geared towards students who have received a prior degree.
To work as a nurse in the US, foreign-educated nurses must meet basic education requirements, including graduation from an accredited Registered Nursing program. They must also demonstrate English language proficiency, as well as pass the CGFNS Qualifying Exam and the NCLEX-RN, a national exam that is a requirement to practice as a registered nurse in all states.
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The CGFNS verifies education and postsecondary instruction in five key areas of nursing
International students can become nurses in the US, but they must meet certain requirements. The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is a non-profit organisation that is federally approved to certify non-US citizens to work in healthcare roles. The CGFNS verifies education and postsecondary instruction in five key areas of nursing: Adult Medical, Adult Surgical, Neonatal, Pediatrics, and Psychiatric.
The CGFNS will verify that applicants have received a general high school-level education. This includes a secondary school diploma or an external exam certificate showing the highest level of secondary education received. Applicants must submit transcripts from the institutions where they earned their highest secondary education and their nursing degree. These documents must be in English, and if the applicant's transcripts are not in English, they must be translated. The CGFNS offers translation services for an additional fee.
The CGFNS also verifies that applicants have received postsecondary instruction in the five key areas of nursing. This includes receiving academic records or transcripts directly from each educational institution attended for the nursing profession. These documents must also be in English, and the CGFNS can provide translation services if needed for an additional fee.
In addition to verifying education and postsecondary instruction, the CGFNS also offers an English Language Proficiency Test. While this is not required for everyone, it is sometimes necessary for CGFNS approval. Applicants can take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). It is important to note that even if an applicant speaks English fluently, they may still be required to take an English competency test if their nursing program was in another language.
The CGFNS provides a comprehensive solution to fulfilling the criteria for State Boards of Nursing. They offer certification, which demonstrates an individual's credentials, English language proficiency, and passing of the CGFNS Qualifying Exam. The CGFNS also offers VisaScreen, which satisfies US Federal screening requirements for a work visa.
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Passing an English-language proficiency test is sometimes required for CGFNS approval
International students can become nurses, but the process can be complex. The requirements to study nursing in the USA as a foreigner include taking an English-language proficiency test, which is sometimes required for CGFNS approval.
The CGFNS International Qualifying Exam is a requirement for foreign-educated nurses to practice in the United States. The exam is offered four times a year in over 40 locations worldwide. It covers key nursing topics and is primarily a multiple-choice test that takes about three hours to complete. Passing the exam results in a CGFNS Certificate, which is required by some state boards of nursing as a criterion for approval to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
International students have many opportunities to pursue advanced nursing degrees at U.S. universities. For example, the University of Alabama—Birmingham and the University of Washington offer BSN programs, while the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing offers MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. programs. At the undergraduate level, international students can pursue an ADN or BSN. Graduates with either degree are qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which is required for registered nurses.
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The NCLEX is the licensing exam for registered nurses
International students can become nurses, but the process varies depending on the country and the educational background of the applicant. In the United States, for example, there are several steps that foreign-educated nurses must take to obtain a position as a registered nurse (RN) in a US hospital.
Firstly, internationally educated nurses must meet basic education requirements, including graduation from an accredited Registered Nursing program: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The CGFNS will verify that applicants have received a general high school-level education and post-secondary instruction in five key areas of nursing: Adult Medical, Adult Surgical, Neonatal, Pediatrics, and Psychiatric. If an applicant's transcripts are not in English, they must be translated. The CGFNS offers translation services for an additional fee.
Secondly, applicants may be required to take an English-language proficiency test. While this is not required for everyone, it is sometimes needed for CGFNS approval. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are commonly taken tests. Other tests include the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). It is important to note that even if an applicant speaks English fluently, if their nursing program was in another language, they will still need to take an English competency test.
Thirdly, applicants must gain certification with the CGFNS. The CGFNS Certification Program is an all-encompassing solution to fulfilling the criteria for State Boards of Nursing. This certification demonstrates credentials, evidence of English language proficiency, and passing of the CGFNS Qualifying Exam. The CGFNS also offers VisaScreen, which satisfies US Federal screening requirements for a work visa.
Finally, applicants must pass the NCLEX-RN, the National Council Licensure Examination. This is the licensing exam for registered nurses and is a requirement to practice as a registered nurse in all US states. The exam is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to test the competency of nursing school graduates. The NCLEX-RN tests application and analysis, using nursing knowledge, and assesses candidates' ability to use critical thinking skills to make nursing judgments. The exam uses real-world case studies and is delivered via computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology to ensure a valid and reliable measurement of nursing competence.
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Job prospects for RNs are good, with a projected 15% growth in jobs between 2016 and 2026
International students can become nurses in the US, but they must meet certain requirements. These include federal requirements for migration to the US, as well as basic educational and professional standards. Foreign-educated nurses must have their academic and professional credentials evaluated by CGFNS International, Inc. to ensure their documents are authentic and their education is comparable to US nursing standards. CGFNS will also verify that applicants have received a general high school-level education and postsecondary instruction in five key areas of nursing: adult medical, adult surgical, neonatal, paediatrics, and psychiatric.
English language proficiency is also a requirement for foreign-educated nurses. Applicants may be required to take an English-language proficiency test such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Nurses who attended nursing school in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada (except Quebec), or Ireland are exempt, as are those who learned in English.
The job outlook for registered nurses (RNs) in the US is positive, with a projected 15% growth in jobs between 2016 and 2026. This is significantly higher than the projected overall employment growth of 7% and the projected growth in the goods-producing sectors of 0.1% over the same period. The healthcare and social assistance sector will account for more than one-third of the jobs added over the projections decade. This growth is due to several factors, including the increasing demand for healthcare services and the adoption of new technologies.
The average median salary for registered nurses in the US is $71,730, although this can vary depending on location, years of experience, and education level. The states that provide the most nursing job opportunities are Pennsylvania, California, Texas, New York, and Florida. With the large-scale growth and plentiful job opportunities, pursuing an RN career is a sustainable choice in the ever-changing job market.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can become nurses in the US. There are numerous nursing programs in the US, and various possible career tracks and subfields.
International students must meet certain requirements, including demonstrating proficiency in English and completing a nursing degree from an accredited institution. They may also need to pass a national exam, such as the NCLEX-RN, and obtain the necessary visas and sponsorships.
Studying nursing in the US as an international student offers great employment opportunities, the chance to specialize in different areas, and a variety of courses and paths to choose from. It also provides a stable and rewarding career, with the opportunity to work directly with patients and make a positive impact.
Some universities that offer nursing degrees to international students include Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Alabama—Birmingham, the University of Washington, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. There are also community colleges, such as Midland College in Texas and Massachusetts Bay Community College, that offer associate degrees in nursing (ADN) accessible to international students.
International students pursuing nursing in the US typically need to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa. They must provide financial documents demonstrating proof of funding and may require sponsorship to remain in the country after graduation.