TOEFL Exam for foreign nursing grads

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Hi Nurses and Future Nurses! I just want to share my experience with the TOEFL exam I took this 7/13/2013. I am a Filipino who just migrated to the US after my graduation in April 2013. I am applying for a nursing license in WA and TOEFL is one of their requirements.

The State requires a minimum score of 83 and 26 speaking. After learning about this, I got devastated. I am a person who would rather choose Math over speaking in front of the class. But hey, I got a score of 27 for speaking and a total score of 107 in my TOEFL exam.

What I did was follow the tips from Notefull and also watched their videos on youtube. These really helped me a lot! I memorized their formats and used these on my actual exam. I also answered the free reviewers from TOEFL. then practice practice practice practice .. I even asked my self some random questions then answer. Basically, talking to myself and recording (speaking is my weakest point).

Hard work pays off. So for those who are worried about the TOEFL, try to check Notefull. Please share your TOEFL experience here .. or if you need any help, I'll try ;) Good luck, Nurses and Future Nurse!

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Each BON have their own requirements so you need to meet what ever requirements they ask for for either initial or endorsement of license

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Is this for sure that they need my school transcripts in addition to TOEFL? If I have already passed my NCLEX in Hawaii why do they need that?

Kababayans, this is EXACTLY why there's NO "easiest, fastest and cheapest" state if the state you get your ATT to take and pass the NCLEX-RN is NOT the real desired state you actually want to work, practice and start to grow your roots (both career-wise and family).

So now from what the guides, adm's and others have always said, get your license in just the one state you really want to do the aboves.

Now instead of finding a job, you're now going thru the process of getting endorsed (some with no guarantees) into going thru the procedure of becoming the "hardest, slowest and expensive" way.

Hardest: may be due to not meeting that new state's BON requirements including English and course re-evaluation.

Slowest: time to take and do the exam or evaluations, so more months up to almost a year will go by before you know.

Expensive: you not only have to pay for English exam (if needed) but for course evaluations, especially, if the previous one has expired. Plus add in brand new application fees, which in many states will not be refunded, no matter the outcome of your application, be it approved or denied.

This all could have been avoided by simply meeting the requirements of the desired state in the first place. If it's something you don't want to do or can get passed, then you need to move on to another undesired state and be stuck with the license in that state where you obtained the license in and start looking for a job in the not so right state for your career.

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But what is done is done. We are learning making mistakes.:)

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But what is done is done. We are learning making mistakes.:)

Agreed, live and learn.

But pay it forward to others so that they don't make the same costly expenses and wasteful lost of precious time.

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Hi! How do you find the TOEFL exam?i have taken the IELTS exam before and was able to pass it but im not very sure and confident of myself with TOEFL. I have heard that the exam is more difficult compared to ielts.is it true?how would you compare its level of difficulty with IELTS?im planning to take the exam as well.thanks for your inputs!

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Do you think they will take in consideration my twelve years of experience in the medical field in USA as a CNA and a Medical Assistant to waive the TOEFL test?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Do you think they will take in consideration my twelve years of experience in the medical field in USA as a CNA and a Medical Assistant to waive the TOEFL test?

Not likely but the only accurate answer is to ask the BoN. Are you concerned you won't pass or do you not want to go through the time& expense of this exam? You have asked this same question many times. Have you inquired with the only source that has the power to decide either way....WA BoN?

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I asked them if I have to take TOEFL two month in advance, before applying for an endorsement from Hawaii to Wa. They didn't give me any direct answer (may be yes, may be no, 50/50). I have been waiting for such a long period of time providing them all the documents they asked ( I worked as a Certified Medical Assistant and a Certified Medical Interpreter for 10 years in USA.) It took them 60 days to think... And said "No! You still have to take TOEFL". I think it is just a frisking bureaucratic system and unfortunately we can't change anything about it.(

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I asked them if I have to take TOEFL two month in advance, before applying for an endorsement from Hawaii to Wa. They didn't give me any direct answer (may be yes, may be no, 50/50). I have been waiting for such a long period of time providing them all the documents they asked ( I worked as a Certified Medical Assistant and a Certified Medical Interpreter for 10 years in USA.) It took them 60 days to think... And said "No! You still have to take TOEFL". I think it is just a frisking bureaucratic system and unfortunately we can't change anything about it.(

Are you a medical interpreter or CNA/CMA? Previously you stated that you were a nursing and medical assistant.

BoN have been more strict not giving exemptions for English proficiency in the past few years for those who English is not their first language or trained overseas in a non English speaking country

At least you have your answer now.

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I am a Medical Interpreter ,CNA and CMA, but it didn't help me. Yes, at least everything is clear now.:(

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I think you will have to take the TOEFL. I had to take TOEFL for New Jersey BON. They said it is a rule being a graduate of a foreign nursing school despite the fact that English is my native language. I was insulted by this considering I am an American citizen, educated in the United States from elementary school, middle school, high school and 4 years at a university. I only went to the Philippines to pick up a quick nursing BSN degree. But don't worry, the test is super easy. I took it and got perfect scores. No need to study at all! Although waste of time and money, that is all.

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Thank you for sharing your TOEFL experience with us. I live in NJ and im about to take my toefl exam for the second time.first time I got 77 total and 22 at speaking section.to be honest, I did not even prepare for that exam or to find out the exam structure.Lately ,ive been trying to learn like big academic words because my english sounds really simple when I speak.. But this time ive been preparing a little but more but I still feel unsecure.so scared...emotions kill me! After that, its the Board Exam :/ ive been using this site bettertoeflscores.com but ill try the website you suggested.thank you and any advice is more than welcome

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