how to study nursing in america

1. Research schools first.

• Research schools first.

Before you apply to any school, you should do your research to make sure it’s a good fit for you and your career goals. Look into the different programs that the school offers and if they offer the specific program that you want to study. Next, look at the cost of tuition and financial aid options offered by the school. You should also consider what area of nursing that you want to go into and then choose a school in an area where there are good job prospects in this field. Finally, look at what facilities are available at each campus; a good way to do this is to visit each campus on your shortlist in person for a tour or an open day session.

2. Make a list of requirements.

• List the requirements each institution requires. To help you keep track of your options, organize a list of all the requirements for every program you’re interested in.
• Remember that every school has different requirements. Many schools have unique prerequisites; however, some institutions have similar or identical requirements.
• Narrow down your options. Once you’ve reviewed the basic admission requirements, it’s time to narrow down your options. Start by eliminating those programs that require a prerequisite that you do not possess or wouldn’t be possible for you to obtain, either because of time constraints or finances. As an example: If a program requires two years of clinical experience before being considered for admission, and you will only be able to work at a clinic for one year before enrolling, then this particular program may not be best suited for you at this moment in time.

3. Look into financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

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4. Apply early.

You’ll want to apply for nursing schools as early as you can, and no later than one year before the program is set to begin. This guarantees that you’ll be able to get a spot in the program of your choice — if you apply late, there’s a chance that spots could already be filled. A spot may open up due to someone dropping out of a program, but there’s no promise that will happen.

If you wait too long to apply, there’s also the risk that your transcripts won’t make it in on time or by the date specified by your chosen school. Your transcripts are an important part of determining whether you’re eligible for admission, so waiting too long could mean missing out on an opportunity entirely.

5. Take the TOEFL test

Take the TOEFL test.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking universities. The test is accepted by many English-speaking academic and professional institutions, including nursing programs.

6. Review typical costs you should expect to pay as an international student.

• Review typical costs you should expect to pay as an international student

The costs of studying in the US can vary widely depending on many factors, such as where you live and which university you attend. There are a few general things you should expect to pay for in addition to tuition, including housing, transportation and healthcare. Keep in mind these costs will be your responsibility unless your scholarship covers them or they’re included in the cost of tuition at your school.

Here are some common expenses to consider:

• Tuition and fees
• Cost of living (varies depending on location)
• Health insurance (your school might require it)
• Books (about $1,000 per semester according to CollegeBoard)

7. Investigate visa options for nursing students

After you’ve enrolled in a nursing program, it’s important to start thinking about how you will obtain the appropriate Visa. While some visas are easier to get than others, all international students will need a visa in order to study nursing in America.

The requirements for each type of visa vary, but generally speaking all international students must show proof that they have been accepted by an academic institution, that they have enough money to support themselves while they study and that they have a valid passport.

8. Read about the different types of nursing education programs that are available to international students in the United States.

Once you’ve learned more about nursing and the U.S. education system, you will likely be ready to begin your search for a nursing program in the United States that meets your individual goals and needs as an international student. There are many different types of nursing degrees available in the United States and they vary in terms of academic requirements, admission standards and length of study.

The most common types of nursing degrees offered by accredited institutions include:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate or diploma
• Registered Nurse (RN) Associate’s degree
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN)
• Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN)
• Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• PhD in Nursing

9. Consider how long it will take you to get your nursing degree from a U.S.-based program after completing any necessary prerequisites or English proficiency tests

How long you need to complete nursing studies in the U.S. will depend on your personal situation and goals. Certificate or diploma programs may take between one and two years, while an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program typically takes around two years to complete. If you choose to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), be prepared for a four-year commitment, provided that you meet all prerequisites when enrolling and maintain full-time credit loads each semester. In total, American RNs pursuing their master’s degree should expect anywhere from two to three more years of study depending on the program’s lengths and requirements, including any thesis work.

Remember: there are no shortcuts! The number of required contact hours for nursing students varies by state, but it is not uncommon for states to require 1,000 contact hours at minimum before granting licensure—and that’s only after completing your schooling! Students who have recently completed their BSN might also consider enrolling in a bridge program that will fast-track them into a master’s level program without having to spend time fulfilling additional prerequisites.

These are the steps to take if you want to study nursing in America

• Make a list of requirements. Most nursing schools will list the exact requirements on their websites, but it’s also helpful to have a checklist of your own to make sure you have everything in order. For instance, most schools require a high school diploma or GED and transcripts as well as SAT or ACT scores. You may also need to submit a personal essay and letters of recommendation from an academic advisor or teacher.
• Research financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for financial aid from the federal government or scholarships based on merit (or both!). There are plenty of online resources that can help you figure out what options are available for students like yourself; take advantage of them. Even if you think that applying for financial aid or scholarships is a long shot at best, it’s still worth putting in the time and effort to try–you never know what might happen! If nothing else, there are always student loans available through private institutions like banks (although these are best reserved only as last resorts).
• Apply early. The sooner you can get your application submitted, the better chance it has of being accepted—and by that same token, if there were any issues with your application materials (e.g., missing documents), then submitting them early gives more time for those problems to be solved before deadlines come due.* Take the TOEFL test