Canadian NP's working in the US

Specialties NP

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Hello everyone,

I am a propective NP student, I am planning on applying to an NP program in the next few years and I also hope to one day end up working in the US as an NP. I was wondering if anyone had any information on how possible or how likely it is to get a job as an NP in the US with a Canadian education.

Also if anyone has any information on Canadian students applying to schools in the US for NP programs that would be much appreciated!

Thanks:)

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

This is not a topic for Canadian nurses in general. Moved to the Nurse Practitioner forum for more exposure.

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I am currently in the Ontario Primary Health Care NP program (FNP). After finishing the clinical certificate, you must complete your Masters of Nursing (or MSN), typically three additional classes, if you want to work in the US. Then, you can submit your educational credentials to either the ANCC or AANP and get permission to write the licensing exam. After that, you need to find a job, and obtain priveleges, drug number, etc. in the state you wish to practice. I'm not sure (maybe someone else can add to this), but I think you have to be registered as an RN also in that state (must have taken the NCLEX at some point). I'm not sure, because I am a cross border nurse who started out working in Michigan as an RN, and then in Ontario. From what I understand, the programs are extremely similar. Ontario used to use the American exam to certify/license it's NPs prior to recently developing it's own exam. Hope that helps. Feel free to PM me.

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Thanks so much for that information. Would you mind me asking which which universtiy you are currently doing the Primary Health Care NP program at, and how are you liking it so far?

Also with regards to this statement "After finishing the clinical certificate, you must complete your Masters of Nursing (or MSN), typically three additional classes, if you want to work in the US.." does this mean you do the 2 year program and then an additional semester to complete those 3 courses?

I would have asked these questions in a PM but I am a new member so I don't think I can send PM's yet until I have made 15+ posts.

Again thanks for your help!

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