Studying Nursing in the USA as an International Student: What's Required?

I'm interested in pursuing a nursing degree in the USA but I'm not sure about the specific requirements for international students. Are there certain prerequisites or exams I should be aware of? Any detailed insight would be appreciated!

The process for an international student to study nursing in the U.S. largely mirrors the usual college admissions process, with each college or university having its set of prerequisites.

You'll need to finish high school in your home country, or its equivalent, and you will be required to take an English proficiency test, commonly the TOEFL or IELTS. Some universities may require SAT or ACT scores too - however, note that in the 2024-2025 application cycle, there are several universities that are either test-blind or test-optional.

Additionally, many U.S. colleges require that you complete certain coursework before admission into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. These are typically prerequisite courses in science and math like biology, chemistry, and algebra, which you should ideally complete in high school.

You'll go through the standard process of crafting a compelling application, which generally includes an essay (known as a personal statement), recommendation letters, and details of any extracurricular activities or work experiences, particularly if they relate to healthcare.

In terms of financial aid, scholarships for international undergraduates are limited. However, some schools do offer financial aid to international students, so it would be beneficial to reach out to the financial aid offices of the schools you're interested in. Lastly, once accepted, you will need to apply for a student visa to study in the U.S.

Another dimension to consider is the clinical and licensure aspects. While you can complete your nursing degree as an international student, individual states have their requirements for licensure. In many states, you must have a social security number to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam which is required to work as a registered nurse.

To plan for studying nursing in the U.S., it's a good idea to research potential universities and their requirements, reach out to admissions offices for further details, and possibly work with a guidance counselor or college coach to ensure that you feel confident in your application. It's also crucial to understand the regulations on obtaining licensure to practice as a nurse if you intend to work in the U.S. after graduation.