Nursing is a highly sought-after career in the US, offering a stable income and a meaningful impact on people’s lives. To obtain a license to practice Nursing in the United States different from your training country can be challenging. With the scarcity of registered nurses and other healthcare workers in the US, a United States nursing license could be a rewarding license to acquire. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help foreign-trained nurses navigate the licensing process and achieve their goal of practicing nursing in the US.
Here is a comprehensive guide to getting licensed in the US as a foreign-trained nurse ;
To practice nursing in the US, a foreign-trained nurse must first meet the eligibility criteria set by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The requirements for licensure vary from state to state, but typically include the following;
1) Meet the educational requirements for international nurses hoping to practice in the US
2) Undergo a Foreign- Educated Nurse (F.E.N) Course
3) Demonstrate a good level of English used in an English Proficiency Test, if required.
4) Pass the National Council Licensing Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX – RN)
5) Get your credentials evaluated
6) Apply for a nursing license from the state you wish to practice
Meet the Educational requirement for international nurses hoping to practice in the US
This is the most crucial step as it determines your eligibility to continue. some countries offer diploma nursing courses, unfortunately, the minimum requirement include;
- Having completed an accredited registered nursing training and graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Having been Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the country of residence.
- Having practical nursing experience of at least two (2) years.
It is usually advised that registered nurses trained in countries that offer diploma certificates should upgrade their educational qualifications either by enrolling in some online universities to pursue a degree program or taking associate degree courses in nursing to sharpen their skills. This is because a higher degree is essential to practicing nursing in the US.
Undergo a Foreign- Educated Nurse (F.E.N) Course
Confirming eligibility for registration is followed by a refresher course organized by some states in the US. This step is not always present, as it is heavily dependent on the state for which the application is intended. This is a 240-hour course that is divided into 120 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of supervised clinical practice.
Demonstrate a good level of English used in an English Proficiency Test, If required.
Registration and licensure of foreign-trained nurses by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) always require proof of English proficiency. Graduates from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), or Ireland are exempted.
it is worth noting that the acceptable proof of English proficiency is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) sometimes the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is also accepted
Pass the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Upon satisfactorily meeting the above criteria, the time is right to apply for the NCLEX-RN exams in the particular state of the US where you intend to practice. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a standardized test that assesses a candidate’s competency to practice safe and effective nursing care. The NCLEX-RN exam is created and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is used by nursing regulatory bodies to determine whether an individual is qualified to receive an RN license. The NCLEX-RN exam is taken after graduation from a nursing program and is a requirement for obtaining a nursing license in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
This exam is administered by Pearson Vue, and it costs about $200. Thorough preparation is needed as the pass mark is highly competitive
Get your credentials evaluated by CGFNS.
This step aims at authenticating the relevant documents needed for registration. This evaluation is carried out by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) a body that has been tasked with maintaining the quality of nurses practicing in the US. An assessment ( GCFNS ) qualifying exam is also conducted by the commission. The commission will send a report on professional services, certification programs, and visa credentials. These reports serve as approval for the parties involved. A fee of about $1235 is also required to execute this step.
Apply for a nursing license from the state where you wish to practice.
The final step in the process of obtaining a nursing license is to complete the application process. This involves submitting your application, along with the necessary documentation and fees, to the state board of nursing. Following a successful screening and evaluation by the GCFNS, registration with the NCSBN is approved.
FAQs on How to obtain a license to practice Nursing in the United States as a foreign-trained Nurse
- What is a nursing license? A nursing license is an official document that grants an individual the right to practice nursing in a specific state.
- What is the NCLEX? The NCLEX is the National Council Licensure Examination, which is the standardized exam that assesses an individual’s knowledge and skills in nursing.