Can i use my nursing degree in another country
If you have already registered as a nurse in another country, there are several steps you will need to take to pursue a career as a nurse in the United States. While exact requirements vary by state, there are five main steps that you must take before you can legally work.
- Complete the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Certification Program. This program requires that you complete an application and complete the CGFNS Qualifying Examination, which is designed to test your understanding of U.S. nursing practices and other relevant topics. If you do not pass this exam, you may be able to retest in six months or one year depending on your score.
- Obtain the required English language proficiency certificate from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Apply for and obtain a VisaScreen certificate from the International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP). You’ll need to submit an application and provide documentation of your education (including transcripts), work history and any other experience that qualifies you for a nursing license in the U.S., along with proof that you’ve passed all exams required by the ICHP and CGFNS, including the TOEFL.
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nursing in usa for foreigners
As an international nurse, you must meet the same requirements to work in the US as any other nurse. In order to do so, you must do the following:
Graduate from an accredited Registered Nursing program, such as an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Obtain a license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the country where you received your education.
Practice as an RN for at least two years.
It’s important to note that licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and patient care assistants are not eligible to transfer their licenses to the United States.
In addition to the requirements outlined above, most states also require foreign-educated nurses to complete a Foreign-Educated Nurses (FEN) refresher course. The course consists of 120 hours in the classroom and 120 hours of clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse (RN).
If you went to nursing school outside of the US, you’ll be asked to pass one of three English proficiency exams before you are eligible to take the NCLEX.
The TOEFL, IELTS, and TOEIC are each a qualifying test for nurses who were educated in another country.
If your education took place in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada (except Quebec), or Ireland and was conducted entirely in English or using English textbooks you don’t need to take any of these tests.
You will receive test scores directly from the testing agency if you pass. It is best to check with your state board of nursing as some have higher passing scores than others.
Most U.S. states require a minimum passing score of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL examination, 550 on the paper-based TOEFL examination or 79 on the internet-based TOEFL examination.
short nursing courses in usa
It’s no secret that healthcare is one of the fastest growing career fields in the country, and that’s not going to change anytime soon.
The reason? One of the largest generations in American history, the baby boomers, is aging. This will lead to an increased need for healthcare services and a continued demand for qualified healthcare professionals.
Luckily, there are many exciting opportunities within the nursing field that can be completed in a year or less, allowing eager nursing students to get to work quickly to fill the growing need. If you’re ready to get your nursing career on track fast, consider one of these programs
You already have a bachelor’s degree, but now you’re ready to get into a career that helps people. The good news is that you don’t have to spend years going back to school. You can earn your nursing degree in a year or less with an accelerated program. And the best part? The credits you earned for your current degree can be applied toward your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Registered nurses (RNs) are vital to the healthcare industry, and there is a shortage of qualified RNs. That means there are lots of opportunities for you, too! You’ll be able to make a difference in people’s lives every day while working in an exciting field that offers great benefits and competitive wages.