Nursing is a noble and much-sought-after job in the world, most especially in the USA.
Medical careers and nursing jobs in the USA for foreigners require a nursing license and additional requirements, which will be stated in this article.
Join the ongoing nursing jobs in USA for foreigners & online nursing programs in the USA and the Internship & Scholarship Programs Combined for International Students in 2024
This article explains deeply how to work as a nurse in the US as a foreigner, the documents needed, the online nursing program, the available nursing jobs, frequently asked questions, and other relevant information you might need to know.
So, let’s get started!
How to Work in the U.S. as a Nurse as Foreigner
Here is how to work in the US as a nurse as a Foreigner
Step 1. Meet the US Education Requirements for Nurses
First and foremost, foreign nurses must have minimum educational standards. This includes:
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Graduated from an authorized Registered Nursing program: ADN or BSN in Nursing
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License as a Registered Nurse (RN)
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Experience working as an RN for at least two years.
Step 2. Complete a Foreign-Educated Nurses (FEN) Course
While the aforementioned requirements apply, most states also require foreign-educated nurses to take a Foreign-Educated Nurses (FEN) refresher course.
The course includes 120 hours in the classroom and 120 hours of clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse.
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Step 3. Pass English Language Proficiency Tests
After completing the initial schooling requirements, some foreign-educated nurses are required to take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), or the International English Language Testing System.
This varies based on the nation of origin, and the findings are transmitted immediately to the state nursing board.
Nurses who attended nursing school in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada (excluding Quebec), or Ireland are exempt, as are those whose first language at nursing school was English and/or whose textbooks were written in English.
It’s crucial to note that even if you speak English fluently but complete your nursing degree in another language, you’ll still need to take an English proficiency test.
There are few test-opt choices available, and with longer wait times, it is just faster to take the exam and pass than to petition the board for an exemption.
Step 4. Pass the NCLEX-RN Examination
After verifying that you meet the education and language criteria, apply for the NCLEX in the state where you wish to work. Registration with Pearson Vue is necessary and costs $200, plus overseas fees.
According to the website, NCLEX exams are currently offered in Australia, Canada, England, China, France, Israel, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Taiwan.
Step 5. Have the CGFNS or Another Credentialing Organization Evaluate Your Credentials
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is a business hired by State Boards of Nursing to guarantee that applicants satisfy the minimum standards and are prepared to take the NCLEX.
Following a thorough investigation into the immigration of foreign-born and educated registered nurses, the United States Department of State and Labor established the Commission in 1977.
Its dual purpose is to ensure safe patient care for Americans and to help prevent the exploitation of graduates from foreign nursing schools who are employed in the United States to practice.
This company will review all nursing school transcripts and education records from your home country.
While this is the most popular and well-known company, it is also the most expensive, and each state has varying levels of credentialing requirements.
There are three major credentialing reports:
- Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report
- CGFNS Certification Program
- Visa Credentials Assessment
- Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report
This report is less extensive and more affordable than the Certificate Program or VisaScreen. It offers minimal information to the State Board of Nursing, and only a few states recognize it.
You’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- English Requirement
- Secondary School Documents
- Licensure Documents from your Home Country
- Nursing Education Documents from your Home Country
- $350 Fee
- CGFNS Certification Program
Step 6: Find a Nursing Recruiting Agency or US-Based Employer
The next step is to get an employment visa. There are many options available to these nurses, but a staffing agency must sponsor them.
Foreign nurses find it easier to work with an independent staffing recruiter or agency rather than directly with a hospital.
Agencies are well-versed in assisting nurses working in the United States and have mechanisms in place to ensure that all information and paperwork are done correctly.
Agencies are also interested in ensuring that all documentation is completed correctly and locating the appropriate nursing position to safeguard your interests and match your nursing qualifications.
Step 7. Obtain Your Nursing Employment Visa or “Work Visa”
To confirm your eligibility to work in the United States, you must get one of the following visas: TN Visa (for Mexican and Canadian nurses), H-1B Temporary Work Visa, or Permanent Work Visa.
Step 8. Find a Registered Nursing Job in the US
Finally, it is time to begin working as a registered nurse. It is not required, but the CGFNS encourages foreign-educated nurses to work with a staffing agency, which can greatly aid in the following stage of obtaining a work visa. The CGFNS provides a list of certified recruiters for reference.
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School of Nursing in USA for Foreigners
Here are a few colleges that give scholarships to overseas nursing students:
- The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing: They offer financial aid to overseas students. You can look into the various scholarships and funding opportunities offered on their website.
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing: Johns Hopkins provides a variety of scholarships, including several for international students seeking nursing degrees. Check out their website for information on possible scholarships and how to apply.
- The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing: They offer financial support, including scholarships, to overseas students. They offer a dedicated financial assistance office that can help you with the application process.
It’s critical to thoroughly examine each school’s scholarship programs, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines.
In addition to these specific schools, you can look into scholarships granted by numerous organizations, charities, and government agencies that help international students pursue nursing education in the United States.
Be persistent in your scholarship search and application process to improve your chances of receiving fully financed financial aid for your nursing study.
FAQS: NURSING JOBS IN USA FOR FOREIGNERS & ONLINE NURSING PROGRAMS IN USA
What is the basic Salary of Nurses in the United States
The average registered nurse salary in the United States is $80,010, with a median (50th percentile) of $75,330. According to The Bureau Labor of Statistics, California is the highest-paying state for nurses, with an average RN salary of $120,560.
Conclusion
Nursing jobs in the United States are more than just a profession; they are opportunities to have a significant impact on patient well-being.
With the ever-expanding healthcare sector, the demand for compassionate, skilled, and dedicated nurses is greater than ever.
Whether you’re just starting in nursing or looking to enhance your career, the chances and vacancies in the United States provide a bright and happy future.
Join the ranks of people who devote their lives to providing outstanding treatment and assistance to patients around the country.
Many career advisors urge nurses to perform targeted job searches on job boards according to their field of expertise. You might start by looking at the available openings on the nurse.org employment board. If you’re interested in a particular hospital, check their website to see if there are any openings.
Due to ever-changing immigration rules, aspiring nurse immigrants should talk directly with staffing companies or immigration lawyers to verify that all requirements are followed.
Most foreign-educated nurses work closely with colleagues for several years before becoming registered nurses in the United States.
Good luck with your endeavor!