Savanna Hoffman
International students pursuing a career in nursing have a variety of job opportunities available to them. Travel nursing is a popular option that offers an exciting and varied career, allowing nurses to work with diverse cultures and medical treatments worldwide. International travel nurses are in high demand across the United States, with agencies such as Connetics USA and O'Grady Peyton International offering long-term positions in US healthcare facilities and hospitals. To work as a nurse in the US, foreign-educated nurses must meet federal immigration requirements and obtain a Registered Nurse Immigrant Visa (Green Card) or H-1B visa. They must also ensure their academic and professional credentials are evaluated by CGFNS International, Inc. to meet US nursing standards. International nursing jobs are also available in long-term care facilities, schools, universities, public health clinics, home healthcare, telehealth services, and crisis or disaster areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job Prospects | Nurses are in high demand in the US, with a positive job growth projection of 6% from 2022-2032. |
| Salary | The median salary for registered nurses (RN) is $81,220 per year. |
| Visa Requirements | International students need an F-1 visa and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in the US. |
| English Proficiency | International students whose native language isn't English need to take the TOEFL or IELTS test. |
| Education Pathways | ADN, BSN, and accelerated BSN programs are available for international students. |
| Support Services | Organizations like Conexus and EduBookings offer support with job placement, mentorship, and visa processes. |
| Work Authorization | OPT (Optional Training Program) allows international students to work for up to 12 months at each educational level. |
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What You'll Learn
- Job prospects for international nursing students in the US
- English language proficiency tests for international nursing students
- Visa requirements for international nursing students in the US
- Job placement services for international nursing students
- Salary expectations for international nursing students in the US
Job prospects for international nursing students in the US
The US has a nurse shortage, so it's a great time for international nursing students to consider working in the country. Job prospects for qualified nurses in the US are promising, and most positions only require a bachelor's degree. International students interested in health or medical professions in the US may want to consider nursing as qualified nurses in the US are well-paid and in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for registered nurses (RNs) is $81,220 per year. The employment of registered nurses is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is more than the average across all US occupations.
BSN programs
The BSN program is popular among international students because it offers strong job prospects and a good salary upon completion. The demand for BSNs is high as the current generation retires, meaning there are lots of job opportunities across the US. These accelerated baccalaureate programs offer the quickest route to becoming a registered nurse and commonly run 12–18 months long.
ADN programs
ADN programs are only available in the US, and enrollment for international students is available. Associate Degree Nurses must pass a national licensing examination, known as the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN, to obtain a nursing license. According to the US Department of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of ADN registered nurses is $67,490 US.
Finding a job
As an international nursing student, one of the most important steps in your career upon graduation is getting your first job as a Registered Nurse. Many hospitals don't know how to sponsor and hire students under the OPT. This is where companies like Conexus and EduBookings.com can help. They partner with some of the best health institutions across the country and can assist with your job placement and immigration process, including your OPT processing and NCLEX Preparation.
Visas
To work as a nurse in the US, you will need at least an ADN. Then, you will need to apply for an RN license and pass the NCLEX exam. These are the same requirements that domestic nursing students must fulfill. Current international students and graduates can get a new student visa and extend the amount of time they can remain legally in the US by enrolling in an advanced nursing degree program.
English language requirements
International applicants whose native language is not English will need 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).
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English language proficiency tests for international nursing students
International nursing students seeking job opportunities in countries like the US often face the challenge of demonstrating English language proficiency as a prerequisite for their studies and career. This requirement ensures that these professionals can effectively communicate with patients, colleagues, and the community they serve. To facilitate this, various English language proficiency tests have been developed, specifically catering to the nursing profession. Here is an overview of some widely recognised English language proficiency tests for international nursing students:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
The TOEFL exam is a popular choice for international nursing students aiming to study or work in an English-speaking country. It is designed to assess the English language proficiency of individuals who plan to study at a higher education institution where English is the primary language of instruction. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Testing) is widely recognised by universities and immigration authorities, including the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) in the United States. A minimum score of 100 (Internet-based) is often required for admission to nursing programmes.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
The IELTS is another widely accepted English language proficiency test for international nursing students. It evaluates an individual's ability to communicate in English through reading, writing, speaking, and listening modules. The IELTS Academic test is specifically designed for those seeking higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking country. A minimum band score of 7 is typically required for nursing programmes.
Occupational English Test (OET):
The OET is specifically designed for healthcare professionals, including nurses, and is accepted by healthcare regulators, educational institutions, and visa and immigration services worldwide. The test utilises real healthcare scenarios to assess an individual's ability to communicate effectively in English within their specific profession.
These tests play a crucial role in ensuring that international nursing students possess the necessary English language skills to succeed in their academic pursuits and future careers. It is always advisable for students to check with their desired universities or institutions about specific English language requirements and accepted proficiency tests, as additional evidence of language proficiency may sometimes be requested.
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Visa requirements for international nursing students in the US
International nursing students in the US can pursue various visa options to meet their career goals and immigration requirements. Here are the essential visa requirements and pathways for international nursing students seeking to work in the United States:
F1 Visa and OPT:
The F1 Visa is a common pathway for international nursing students. It allows students to stay in the US after graduation and gain valuable work experience through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Students with an F1 visa are allowed up to 12 months of OPT at each educational level, provided the work relates to their field of study. To start working on OPT, students need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and must wait for the physical EAD card approval notice (Form I-765).
H-1B Visa:
The H-1B visa is a specialty occupation visa. For nurses, this often means a clinical nurse or nurse practitioner role, as these positions typically require a bachelor's degree or higher. A US employer must file an I-129 petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), demonstrating that the nursing position is a specialty occupation.
CGFNS Certification and VisaScreen:
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) offers certification and VisaScreen services. CGFNS certification demonstrates credentials, English language proficiency, and passing of the CGFNS Qualifying Exam. VisaScreen satisfies the federal screening requirements for an occupational visa and validates credentials for registered nurses. State Boards of Nursing may require CGFNS evaluation to ensure that academic and professional credentials meet US nursing standards.
NCLEX-RN:
The NCLEX-RN is a national exam required to practice as a registered nurse in all states, including for foreign nurses. This exam is administered internationally, and passing it is crucial for obtaining a nursing license in the US.
EB-3 and Green Card Visa:
The EB-3 visa, also known as the Green Card Visa, is the final step in the typical visa pathway for international nursing students. After gaining experience on an H-1B visa, nurses can apply for a Green Card by filing the I-485, adjustment of status application, with USCIS.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and processes may vary depending on the student's country of origin and the state in which they plan to work. Additionally, some agencies, like EduBookings.com and Conexus MedStaff, specialize in assisting international nursing students with job placement and visa processes.
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Job placement services for international nursing students
International nursing students can access various job placement services to help them secure employment in their desired country. These services offer support with the job application process, visa requirements, and career development. Here is some information on job placement services for international nursing students:
Conexus MedStaff
Conexus MedStaff is a nurse staffing agency that assists international nursing students and new graduates in starting their careers in the United States. They offer guidance on securing work with sponsorship and provide 12 months of Optional Training Program (OPT) support. Conexus partners with universities and colleges across the U.S. and can help international students navigate the complex process of obtaining employment authorization and visa sponsorship.
EduBookings
EduBookings specializes in placing international nursing students in partner hospitals across the U.S. They value the diversity, multilingual skills, and ethnic backgrounds of their clients. EduBookings provides comprehensive support throughout the job placement and immigration processes, including assistance with OPT, Employment Authorization Card (EAD), H1B Visa, and Green Card applications. They offer a dedicated immigration attorney at no cost to the student and ensure a smooth transition from student to professional nurse.
Work the World
Work the World offers elective placements for nursing students and graduates in various countries, including Nepal, Ghana, Sri Lanka, and the UK. These placements provide valuable clinical experience in specialized institutions such as teaching hospitals, maternity and women's hospitals, and children's hospitals. Participants live and collaborate with other healthcare students and graduates, gaining cultural insights and a global perspective on nursing practices.
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, offered by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, provides financial support to eligible nursing students in exchange for a post-graduation commitment. Accepted students receive tuition coverage, monthly stipends, and other educational benefits. Upon graduation, they are placed in eligible healthcare facilities with critical nurse shortages, addressing the ongoing demand for nurses in the United States.
University Career Services
Some universities, such as the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, offer career services specifically for their international nursing students. These services may include career guidance, resources, and support with job applications and visa processes. International students can leverage these university-provided tools and networks to enhance their job prospects and navigate the unique challenges of seeking employment in a new country.
In conclusion, international nursing students can leverage specialized job placement services to navigate the complex process of securing employment in their desired country. These services offer support with visa requirements, career development, and job applications, helping students transition successfully into the nursing profession. By utilizing these resources, international nursing students can enhance their job prospects and build fulfilling careers in the healthcare industry.
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Salary expectations for international nursing students in the US
International nursing students in the US can expect a median salary of $93,600 per year, or $45 per hour, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, it is important to note that salaries for foreign-educated nurses may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. For example, nurses in Switzerland, the country with the highest-paid nurses in the world, make an average annual salary of $107,487. In comparison, the average annual salary for a nurse in the United Kingdom is $40,188.
To work as a nurse in the US, international students must first obtain the necessary credentials and certifications. This includes having their credentials approved by the CGFNS, which verifies proficiency in five key areas of nursing: adult medical, adult surgical, neonatal, paediatrics, and psychiatric. Additionally, international students may need to demonstrate English language proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
After graduation, international nursing students on an F1 visa will need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to start working in the US lawfully. They are allowed up to 12 months of Optional Training Program (OPT) at each educational level, as long as the work is related to their field of study. During their last semester, students can begin the process of requesting their EAD and preparing for their NCLEX exam, which they must pass to become a Registered Nurse.
Finding an employer that provides assistance and support for the visa and sponsorship process can be challenging. However, organisations like Conexus and EduBookings.com offer job placement services and assistance with the immigration process for international nursing students in the US. These organisations partner with universities, colleges, and hospitals across the country to help international nursing students find job opportunities and navigate the complex process of obtaining the necessary visas and sponsorships.
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Frequently asked questions
To work as a nurse in the US, you will need at least an ADN. You will then need to apply for an RN license and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
The process for international students to get a job in the US involves the following steps: F1 Visa — Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — OPT (Optional Training Program) — H1B — EB3 (Green Card Visa).
There are organisations such as Conexus MedStaff and EduBookings.com that specialise in placing international nursing students in US hospitals. They assist with the job placement and immigration process, including OPT processing and NCLEX preparation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for registered nurses (RN) is $81,220 per year. The employment of registered nurses is expected to grow by 6% from 2022-2032, which is above average.
