Nursing is one of the noblest professions in the world and one of the most in-demand today. As a nurse, you are responsible for caring for patients, assisting doctors, performing specific medical procedures, and many more. There are many reasons nurses might want to work in the USA.
One is the pay: they can earn under $120,000 annually in some states. Another is that nurses in the United States have access to the latest medical tools. Many want to work in the U.S. simply because they prefer life there to that in their home country, and nursing is an excellent way to gain residential rights. However, becoming a registered nurse in the U.S. can be complicated if you’re unsure where to start.
Studying in the U.S. is the most straightforward pathway to a nursing job, but only some have that luxury. Therefore, this article will outline the basic steps to becoming a nurse in the country and focus on the requirements of foreign-educated nurses, which will hopefully serve as a helpful guide.
How to Become a Nurse in the U.S.
Step 1. Study Nursing and Gain Work Experience
The first step to becoming a nurse in the U.S. is to study at an accredited nursing program in your home country. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a bachelor’s degree, as two-year associate programs are also accepted. Certified programs are usually named Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, but you’ll have to conduct further research on the school to make sure. You’ll then need to register as a nurse in your home country. It does not automatically qualify you as a nurse in the United States, but it is a requirement.
Afterward, you’ll need to work as a nurse for at least two years in your home country. This requirement exists because employers want to see that you have some experience before hiring you. In some states, you’ll need to take additional refresher courses designed for foreigners once you arrive.
Step 2. Take an English Proficiency Test
Nurses are constantly communicating with doctors and patients. Getting the right message across can often be the difference between life and death. Thus, it’s crucial to speak English with a reasonable degree of proficiency if you want to practice nursing in the U.S. You’re required to take either the TOEFL or the IELTS, but minimum scores vary by test and state.
If you already understand this article, you probably speak English well enough to pass. However, you want to ensure that you can sign up for either a general English language course or a test-specific course in your home country. Note that this only applies if your nursing education must be completed in English. If you studied in the U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand and your degree was taught in English, you’ll be exempt from taking an additional test.
Step 3. Evaluate Your Credentials
The next step to becoming a nurse in the United States is to evaluate your qualifications and convert them to the American system. This will ensure a minimum standard of nursing in the country and prevent underqualified nurses from being exploited. Many nurses use the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, or CGFNS, for evaluation. In addition to converting your high school and college degrees, the company also offers options to take the CGFNS exam, which is a requirement in some states, and to have them help you obtain a work visa.
Besides the CGFNS, other credential evaluation companies include the World Education Service and the International Credentials Assessment Service. However, the commission is the most straightforward option for nurses because it works directly with state nursing boards in the USA.
Step 4. Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
Like a lawyer or an accountant, a practicing nurse is required to pass a standardized test. The next step to becoming a nurse in the United States is to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The exam covers topics like creating a safe care environment, understanding patients’ health needs, providing emotional support, and ensuring that patients are physically comfortable. The exam is conducted electronically, but you’ll need to go to a licensed testing location, which is located worldwide.
The test is pass-or-fail, and a complex algorithm modifies the types of questions to fit candidates’ aptitudes. The test ends once there is a 95% chance of passing or failing. As mentioned, some states require foreigners to take the CGFNS exam as a prerequisite to the NCLEX-RN. It’s best to check the specific requirements of the state you want to work in.
Step 5. Find a Job
If you’ve reached this stage, you can pat yourself on the back for completing the previous steps. Now comes the most crucial part of being an official U.S. nurse: getting a job. While it’s possible to apply for individual positions, many foreign nurses choose to go through a recruitment agency. These specialized companies send your credentials to hospitals with which they think you’ll be a good fit.
Working with an agency, you can also get a visa before you start work with a hospital, as they are allowed to sponsor you. Drawbacks include the fees and the fact that you will have less control over where you work. It’s also possible to find a job on your own. Your best bet is through online boards like Nurse.com and RN Wanted.
Moreover, the most efficient way to look for a job is to filter for listings that are specific to your area of expertise and apply to these. Once you’ve secured a job, getting a work visa becomes much more straightforward. Your employer can sponsor you for an H1-B visa, an H1-C visa, or a permanent work visa/green card. You may also be eligible for a TN visa if you’re from Mexico or Canada.
Nurses contribute substantially to society, as their profession is crucial in delivering critical care, promoting health and well-being, and meeting the changing healthcare needs of the population. The United States is an ideal place to become a nurse because of the many job opportunities, good wages, and required needs for healthcare workers. So, if you want to pursue this career in this country, follow the steps in the article!
We hope this article on steps to become a nurse in the U.S. was helpful. To learn more information on studying in the United States, feel free to check out the Study in the USA and the Available Programs for International Students in the USA sections!
