Hi this site is sooooo very useful.

i had a vacation in us this summer, i was convinced by my sister who is an RN, to pursue a nursing career

, since my marriage has gone bad, and i wish to move to u.s. eventually. I tried to land a job in the US, but work sponsorship is quite scarce especially with my (business) course. I know its quite a turn, but I am looking forward to being a nurse. I have decided to take up nursing here in the Phils since its cheaper, hopefully I could start this summer.
I just have few questions:
1. I underwent evaluation in one of the nursing schools particular World Citi Colleges (prev QC Medical Center), they told me I could finish in 3 years... my tourist visa expires in April 2011... If I'd be lucky to finish in exactly 3 years, what are the tests I need to qualify for a job in California? New York? do i need to take the Phil Nursing Board? CGFNS, TOEFL, IELTS, NCLEX? I intend to be *direct-hired* instead of applying tru a recruitment agency, that is why I wish to finish before my tourist visa expires.
2. After finishing BS Nursing, can I just take the tests (and what are those) directly in U.S?
3. Can I stay indefinitely in the US until I finish the test and wait for the results?
4. Can I apply directly in US eventhough my visa is tourist?I initially would like to stay in California where my sister is.
Hope to hear thoughts from you. I really appreciate it. God Bless.
P.S. the list of schools gemini posted was such a great help, im working on evaluation within this month to finalize which school i should go to. I live in Marikina, that is why World Citi Colleges, Dr Lanting, Capitol Med and Southeast Asian College are my choices.