online nursing degree for international students
online nursing degree for international students
nursing school admission
At the very top of this list of successful strategies to get into nursing school is the importance of academic preparation. It’s crucial that you take the time to research what types of classes and experiences will best prepare you for applying to nursing school. While not all schools adhere to exact guidelines, there are several general prerequisites that are standard across most programs, including Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology and/or Microbiology.
Once you have a solid understanding of your prospective school’s requirements, it’s time to start thinking about your application. Outside of your transcripts, which can be obtained from your registrar’s office or online via a student portal if available at your university, most applications require two letters of recommendation and an essay describing why you want to become a nurse. Make sure these are completed well in advance so they arrive on time with all other documentation. You’ll also need to secure standardized test scores like the HESI Admission Assessment Exam (A2) or TEAS exam (Test for Essential Academic Skills).
You should also prepare any questions you’d like addressed by admissions counselors during interviews with program representatives as well as campus visits when applicable. This will show them you’re serious about their school and have done your research!
nursing degree programs
You will find an extensive list of the top online nursing degree programs below, to help you identify and apply to the right school for you. When browsing schools, you may want to consider the following factors:
- The type of degree you are seeking (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s),
- How much time and money you are willing to invest in earning your degree, and;
- What kind of career path you hope to follow after graduating.
nursing career outlook
The field of nursing is expected to grow by 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. This means that more international students will be able to find employment as nurses with an online nursing degree in the future.
The growing number of job opportunities for nurses can be attributed to two factors: aging baby boomers and an increased emphasis on preventative care. As baby boomers age, more and more will need health care services from qualified medical professionals. Nurses are one of the most important members of a medical team, so hiring more nurses can help to meet patient demand. The Affordable Care Act has also placed a stronger focus on preventative care, which means that primary-care physicians are seeing an increase in patients and need additional help from nurses and other support staff.
nursing degree salary range
The average salary for a registered nurse in the US is $70,000. If you choose to pursue a nursing degree, you may find that your earning power is similar to other health care careers. Your job outlook looks promising, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for nurses over the next decade.
In addition to financial considerations, it would behoove you to consider two other factors before pursuing an online nursing degree:
- Required entry-level education: You will need at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing before you can practice as an RN.
- Career growth: A career in nursing allows ample opportunities for advancement with continued education and training.
how to enroll in a nursing degree program
- Ask about the school’s admissions process and make sure you understand how to enroll in a nursing degree program.
- Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements for enrollment. The most common types of degrees are associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate.
- Get to know the school by visiting their main website and learning as much as you can about their programs and services.
- Apply to the program of your choice using the school’s application form or online portal. You may be required to interview with an advisor at the university before being accepted into a program.
- Prepare for your interview! Make sure that all materials are ready, including transcripts from previous institutions attended (if applicable).
the challenges of getting into a nursing degree program as an international student
If you are interested in getting an online nursing degree, you may be considering it as a way to break into the lucrative healthcare industry. However, if you are not a citizen of the United States, international student status can add several layers of complication to your journey to becoming a registered nurse. In this section we’ll look at some of the issues that international students face when trying to get into nursing school and what effects those issues might have on their careers afterward.
- Getting into an online nursing program as an international student: If you are looking for an online nursing degree program and don’t have US citizenship or residency, then one of your first challenges will be finding a school that accepts international students. Not all online schools accept applications from non-US citizens, so make sure you do your research before applying.
- Challenging entrance exams: Because there is no way for schools to know whether applicants meet their academic standards without standardizing entrance exams for all applicants, prospective students must take exams such as the TEAS V or another standardized test in order to gauge their level of prior medical knowledge and academic preparedness. Even though these tests were designed with English-speaking American students in mind, they still provide useful information on your level of understanding in topics such as chemistry and math—skills that will be necessary for success once you begin taking classes.
On the flip side of this challenge is one that could end up working well in favor of foreign students who have already had experience working with patients back home: If you can get any kind of prior medical education recognized by a US school (whether it’s through clinical hours or similar credits), then it’s possible that they will grant you advanced standing within the program—or at least waive certain requirements like prerequisite courses or credentials tests like the TEAS V!
why international students study abroad for their nursing degrees
If you’re considering getting your RN degree, either as a new student or through an online nursing degree program, this may be something to keep in mind. The United States is known for having a high-quality healthcare education system. In fact, experts say that nursing degree programs in the U.S. are recognized around the world for their academic rigor and clinical preparation, making them attractive options for many international students. Earning your RN degree from one of these institutions can increase your chances of getting a job in the United States—a highly desirable option for some foreign nurses who want to work in the U.S., but face challenges with licensing requirements and immigration laws.
how taking your nursing degree online can improve your prospects as an international student
Your international status as a nursing student can be advantageous for you:
- You could possibly get financial aid, which is typically not available to in-state residents.
- Programs may offer some flexibility in their scheduling so that you have time to take care of other responsibilities during your stay, such as family or work obligations.
- Your unique perspective, informed by your culture, can add invaluable insight to the program and be beneficial for your classmates.Online programs offer those same opportunities but with added benefits:
- They cost less than on-campus programs because they don’t require things like tuition and room and board charges. There are also fewer extra fees since everything is online.
- Since all courses are online, you can access them from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection, which means that you don’t have to spend money on travel costs
The nursing field is growing, and there are ways to get your degree as an international student.
To become a registered nurse in the U.S., you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The nursing field is growing fast, and international students are eligible for many of the same scholarships and other benefits as students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. A four-year nursing degree can also lead to higher starting salaries than some other degrees. A bachelor’s degree will help you become eligible for certification by an organization such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
A few universities offer online programs specifically designed for international students. For instance, Drexel University offers an online Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) that was originally designed for returning Peace Corps volunteers. You don’t need any previous college experience or healthcare background to be eligible for this program, but you do need to complete prerequisite courses before beginning your coursework toward your master’s degree.
Another option is earning your associate degree at a community college and transferring later to get your bachelor’s degree at a university with an RN-to-BSN program if you prefer on-campus study. Some colleges have agreements with nearby universities that allow students to transfer seamlessly after they earn their associate degrees; talk with your admissions counselor about these transfer pathways when you visit colleges before starting school so you know what kind of credits will transfer easily later on if needed. There are many options available if you want to start studying nursing right away while planning ahead for future possibilities—even if getting an entry visa might take some extra time and effort right now!