Nurse Requirements:
All internationally-trained nurses wanting to work in the USA must satisfy all four of the following nursing pre-requirements:
1. Currently a First-Level, General (Registered) Nurse: Hold a license in your country of education and current registration/licensure as a “first-level, general” nurse, as defined by the International Council of Nurses. A first-level nurse is called a “registered or a professional nurse” in most countries.
3. Meet the Nurse Practice Requirements: Nurses must demonstrate that they have practiced as first-level, general (registered) nurses for at least 960 hours in the last five years.
4. Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirements: Nurses are required to pass an approved English language proficiency examination. (Note: English exam scores are valid for two years). Nurses may select only from the following English proficiency examinations:
o Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL or TOEFL iBT), administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Passing Scores: 560 (paper/pencil version), or 220 (computerized version).
o Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), administered by ETS. Passing Score: 780.
o International English Language Testing System (IELTS), administered by the Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. Passing Score: 6.5 Overall (Academic Module) with a minimum of 6.0 on all modules.
Note Regarding English Language Proficiency Requirements: If an international nurse has attended an English-speaking nursing school, she/he may be admitted directly into the program after an interview with our representatives and before taking the proficiency exam. Once attending the program in the U.S., the international nurse will be required to pass the English language proficiency exam, securing a minimum score as identified above. Since the exam is a requirement for admission, the student will pay for the exam costs.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must also meet specific academic requirements at University.