how to apply for nursing in usa

completion of nursing program

The first step in becoming an LPN is to complete a state-approved nursing program. These programs are available at vocational schools, community colleges and universities, and take between one and four years to complete. The cost of nursing programs ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 per year. Online programs are available for students who wish to study from home; however, most traditional nursing programs require some hands-on clinical experience in addition to coursework. The requirements for earning a practical nursing certificate vary by state, but most states require prospective students to have earned their high school diploma or GED before starting a nursing program.

successful background checks with state and federal criminal database

As a licensed nurse, you must be knowledgeable about the successful completion of background checks. Getting a job as a nurse will require your employer to conduct a background check in order for you to get your license. It is important to know that background checks are mandated by law and must be done to protect patients and the public from harm or neglect. A thorough screening process is conducted by state agencies, verifying all of your credentials including education, employment references and criminal history, as well as checking the national criminal databases. This process can take 8-12 weeks or longer depending on each state’s requirements around fingerprinting and other procedures associated with obtaining an RN license.

english language proficiency

English language proficiency is required for a registered nurse who has not graduated from an English-speaking nursing program in the United States. For example, if you are a nurse trained in India and you now want to work in the United States, you need to prove that you can speak English.

There are two standardized tests that can be used to demonstrate this proficiency:

• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Both exams are administered by private companies. You’ll have to find an authorized testing center in your area and schedule an appointment. You must pay a fee for both exams. On the day of your test, make sure you bring identification with a photo of yourself, or else they may not let you take it!

registered nurse license in the state they intend to work in

• Register with the appropriate state board of nursing in the state you intend to work in. In some cases, you may need to register with a specific office or authority as well. To register, you will need to provide evidence that you have passed the NCLEX-RN exam and that your nursing license is valid in your country of origin. Some states also require that you complete a certain number of hours of supervised experience before they will grant you a license to practice; check whether your intended state has such a requirement. Then, follow the instructions provided on their website to complete your application for registration.
• Apply for an immigration visa or green card from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This can take up to 2 years for approval; if you’re immigrating with family members, be aware that it could even take longer than this (see Resources below). You’ll need this visa or green card before any employer can hire you legally!

united states immigrant visa issued by u.s. immigration services with a stamp that reads “class of admission” and “immigrant visa number”

• It’s issued by a regional U.S. Embassy after a successful interview
• It’s issued in the name of the applicant
• The stamp includes the name of the applicant and spouse and their children, as well as the immigration status of each person listed (for example, if your spouse is coming with you to live in the United States, you’d probably have F-1 student visas for both yourself and your spouse).

It is possible to move to the U.S. and become a nurse here, but it is not an easy process.

Let’s break it down.