Studying Accelerated Nursing Program in the USA as an International Student

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I would like to study Accelerated Nursing (Bachelor) Program in the USA. I already hold a Bachelor in Microbiology from a foreign University, and I intend to switch to nursing field via an accelerated nursing program in the USA. Please I need your advice on how best to go about this. Which schools to apply to, that cost less and that consider international graduates with foreign degrees for thier Accelerated BSN program? And what are their admission requirements?

Thank you!

Well an associates degree is a 2 year degree, where you earn an associates degree and can test for your RN license. It is not a bachelors, but you can work somewhere as an RN while getting your BSN and then move on to a masters if you choose. It takes about 20 months to complete, it isn't as fast paced or crammed as an ABSN is in material, but many students go through the ADN route.

I will not do your research for you, and recommend you look at community colleges near where ever you would like to take classes. You must decide and research because I don't know your stats or requirements or preferences.

Thanks, I will try some attempts.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Remember unless you already have permanent resident status or other status that gives you working rights in the US, an associates degree WILL NOT qualify you for a working visa especially as a new grad.

You will have to return to your home country unless you can find another program that will assist you with a student visa as you work towards your BSN. Plus you must be a full time student while on a student visa with minimal working rights (some schools are authorized that you can work part time on campus. )

Since you already have a bachelors in another field you may be questioned why you wish to study for a lower degree in the US.

Either way there is limited financial assistance for international students as a condition of the student visa is proof of sufficient funds to pay your tuition, fees and living expenses while studying in the US.

I'm not trying to paint a discouraging picture but a realistic one. There is not a nursing shortage. It is not cheap to study in the US as an international student.

However it is good that you are trying to do your research before hand. Make certain to contact not just the nursing program but the international student office. Many associates degree schools are not authorized to accept international students. Also check the USCIS website for information about qualifying for a student and other visas.

Good luck.

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Wow. Big question. There are hundreds of nursing schools in the US. I suggest you give some thought to where you might want to live, according to whatever criteria you choose-- weather, big or small city or rural, public transportation or not, if cost of living is a factor, for example-- and then search "Accelerated BSA programs" in that area. When you identify some, then you'll need to contact the college/university nursing admissions office for information on admission for foreign graduates.

Also, look into accreditation for the programs you're investigating. Not all programs are accredited the same; some not-so-good ones may be a little too eager to get a foreign student because they aren't getting enough applications. Every state has a Board of Registered Nursing that can tell you about what programs are accredited there.

Generally speaking, foreign nationals will not get the tuition breaks that residents get. But this is entirely individual, so once you've identified some programs that will accept your prior degree, then start looking at costs.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Duplicate threads merged.

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Wow. Big question. There are hundreds of nursing schools in the US. I suggest you give some thought to where you might want to live, according to whatever criteria you choose-- weather, big or small city or rural, public transportation or not, if cost of living is a factor, for example-- and then search "Accelerated BSA programs" in that area. When you identify some, then you'll need to contact the college/university nursing admissions office for information on admission for foreign graduates.

Also, look into accreditation for the programs you're investigating. Not all programs are accredited the same; some not-so-good ones may be a little too eager to get a foreign student because they aren't getting enough applications. Every state has a Board of Registered Nursing that can tell you about what programs are accredited there.

Generally speaking, foreign nationals will not get the tuition breaks that residents get. But this is entirely individual, so once you've identified some programs that will accept your prior degree, then start looking at costs.

Good luck!

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Remember unless you already have permanent resident status or other status that gives you working rights in the US, an associates degree WILL NOT qualify you for a working visa especially as a new grad.

You will have to return to your home country unless you can find another program that will assist you with a student visa as you work towards your BSN. Plus you must be a full time student while on a student visa with minimal working rights (some schools are authorized that you can work part time on campus. )

Since you already have a bachelors in another field you may be questioned why you wish to study for a lower degree in the US.

Either way there is limited financial assistance for international students as a condition of the student visa is proof of sufficient funds to pay your tuition, fees and living expenses while studying in the US.

I'm not trying to paint a discouraging picture but a realistic one. There is not a nursing shortage. It is not cheap to study in the US as an international student.

However it is good that you are trying to do your research before hand. Make certain to contact not just the nursing program but the international student office. Many associates degree schools are not authorized to accept international students. Also check the USCIS website for information about qualifying for a student and other visas.

Good luck.

Thanks! This'll be so helpful.

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Hello all!! Would hospitals sponsor a new graduate RN international student on an F1 visa with an Associates Degree? Even though I would prefer the Florida area but open to other states. I welcome all the advice I can get on the process and hospitals likely to sponsor and recruit. Thanks.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Hello all!! Would hospitals sponsor a new graduate RN international student on an F1 visa with an Associates Degree? Even though I would prefer the Florida area but open to other states. I welcome all the advice I can get on the process and hospitals likely to sponsor and recruit. Thanks.

Hospitals cannot sponsor student visas. So no.

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Have you looked into what kind of visa you would qualify for if you plan on working in the US after school? You may not find it easy. You would likely have to go the Green Card route and that takes about 6 years and means finding an employer willing to wait that long and returning home in the mean time.

Once you are in USA there would be various visas they could apply for to stay in the USA.

Right now the flavor of the month is the U visa.

You could overstay the visa and see if Obama offers amnesty

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hello all!! Would hospitals sponsor a new graduate RN international student on an F1 visa with an Associates Degree? Even though I would prefer the Florida area but open to other states. I welcome all the advice I can get on the process and hospitals likely to sponsor and recruit. Thanks.

Finding hospitals willing to sponsor for GC are getting harder to find but they will exist. The issue is maintaining student status whilst waiting for your PD to become current and that will depend on where you was born

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Once you are in USA there would be various visas they could apply for to stay in the USA.

Right now the flavor of the month is the U visa.

You could overstay the visa and see if Obama offers amnesty

U visa is for people who have suffered and assist with the investigation.

as per US government website

The U nonimmigrant status (also known as the U visa) is set aside for victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime and who are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.

Green Card for a Victim of a Crime (U Nonimmigrant) | USCIS

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U visa is for people who have suffered and assist with the investigation.

as per US government website

The U nonimmigrant status (also known as the U visa) is set aside for victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime and who are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.

Green Card for a Victim of a Crime (U Nonimmigrant) | USCIS

yep that is the one. It is being highly abused as of late

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