Nursing Schools in the Philippines

gambutrol · Mar 14, 2009

try university of makati

Nyar · Mar 16, 2009

Wow, this topic was really helpful and answered most of my questions; thanks!

Now i just have a few questions of my own. I'm currently an undergrad student in the US just took 2 years of prerequisites for the Nursing Program (ADN) in my college but unfortunately didn't make the cut and was placed in the "waiting list" which ultimately means 'try again next year.'

So now I'm thinking of taking up BSN in the Philippines. Don't really have any problems with language because i can speak both tagalog & english fluenlty. Forgot to mention that i was born & raised in the Philippines then moved to the US when i was 15 (that was close to 5 years ago, so I'm still only a green card holder.) Still have plenty of friends and family members there to support me, so I'm covered in that area as well and I don't really mind sitting in for the NLE. As of now i currently have close to $10,000 in my savings (worked various odd jobs since i was 16 i.e. fast food joints, wal-mart and in a nursing home as a CNA.) Originally, I planned to transfer to a University and apply for a student loan but then this idea came to me.

So now for my questions, would it be easier to study in the Philippines as a American/Dual Citizen or as a Filipino Citizen? Because legally speaking I'm still a Filipino Citizen but can apply for American Citizenship anytime. And if i do decide to go there to study I understand that I would need a 're-entry permit' being only a green card holder, so i can stay there longer but even with the permit I can only stay there for a maximum of 2 years, am I right? So my question is can I still study there and just fly back to the US during summer break so it wouldn't seem like i abandoned my permanent residence here?

As for Universities there, I'm planning to go to Manila Central University (MCU), Caloocan (58% NLE passing rate 137 out of 235 passed.) I guess I'm asking for university opinions preferably near SM North EDSA or SM Fairview because that's where most of my family & friends are and a broad idea of school fees wouldn't hurt either. I know that my current savings won't be sufficient but i can probably borrow money from my parents, though i would prefer not to.

Concerning the prerequisite courses i took here (anatomy & physiology, chemistry, human development, microbiology etc;) will they be credited there or I would guess that it would depend on the university?

I probably have more questions but this is long enough haha. Any answer or opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. ;D

EwwThat'sNasty · Mar 17, 2009

Pfffft... half a mil peso... don't say that too loud or you'll have every hunky male in RP in love with you in a flash!

Now, I'm American and don't know diddly about the rules, but I'll give you my two cents, and it's up to you to check on the details.

If you can stay with relatives your 10k will suffice, I believe, for even the newer 5 year program (which I think, if you can--avoid). The real reason for the 5 year program seems to be that here in the US High School is up to grade 12. In RP it's to grade 10, or so I'm told. You have the grade 12. I suspect that study will be very easy for you.

Be careful about the dual-citizen thing. I believe that dual-citizenship no longer exists as part of the Homeland Security program! Further if you wish to become American and can stay a RP citizen in the interim, I would think that is the way to go. Why? Because your tuition will likely be higher if you are an American; further you will pay up to a $500 application fee, and there are other fees to obtain Student Visa status which are pricey and which are not applicable to a RP citizen. If you are American, you are rich (whether you are or are not (w/10k you are)) and therefore it is RP's duty to "fleece" you. (Remove you of as much money as possible).

A potential pitfall in this is that it might be difficult for you to take the NLE, I seem to remember it is hard for foreigners to take it. Worse, if you do not take the NLE and study as a RP citizen you will not be allowed (I think) to sit for the NCLEX. Therefore you could get stuck in a Catch 22. Look thoroughly into that path!

Course transfer is variable, though often, from what I have seen/heard "bleak." But if fees are per semester or year you could probably take loads of courses to include the ones you already have done. If you have done well, those will take little time for study, you might find that you could teach them. (54% pass rate does not imply an extremely high quality of education).

MCU does not list fees on their website. Also be aware that many schools simply do not allow foreigners. Many also do not allow anyone over age 25 (laughing out loud). Age discrimination is so blatant in RP.

To sum it up: I think that you have the $$ to do it, and I think it will be easy for you but you are in a minefield and need to carefully research such that you don't get caught in an impossible situation or accidentally lose the right to become an American citizen later.

Another thing to consider: Student loans are easy to get here, plain and simple. Under TheNursing Reinvestment Act about 75% of debt disappears over about three years if you work in the right hospital. (Almost all hospitals are "right".) Most hospitals have education loan reimbursement plans such that in about 5 years you could have $0 debt. It must be a hospital! Nursing homes, doctor's offices, even clinics do NOT count. Research Nursing Reinvestment Act and realize it could change (but I doubt it).

Even another thing to consider: In America even the tiniest schools have good access to clinical experience and the best modern equipment, this is not likely to be the case in RP. Now if you were planning to become a WHO (World Health Orginization) nurse working in Africa, the "get it done with what is available" point of view essential in RP might be truly invaluable. But if your plan is to go med/surgical to ICU the reverse is true and the lack of experience with good equipment and training could be damaging.

There is no advantage for me to study in RP unless I am interested in seeing RP and nurse education from within (which I am), essentially as part of a study on international nursing and as I mentioned I have other things on my agenda.

One last thing to consider: In America, I advise friends who ask: "what is the best way to get into nursing" to start as CNA/LNA (Nurses's Assistant), then after a year or six months join a college course of study for a one year LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) then after 6 months or one year working as an LPN, do a transitional LPN to RN college program which takes one year. Then work; two years have passed and you are RN (ADN) and then if you wish, attain the BSN, or even jump into a ADN to MN. Benefits: A wonderful transitional program where it is often easy to get your company to pay for part or all of costs and one gets a truly excellent set of experiences. This path is a very, very comfortable path, I think. Further though many do not know about LPN to RN transitional programs abound and since you are going in "a back door" those often do not face a multi-year waiting list. Call the Director of Nursing office and aks about LPN to RN transitional programs. Often they are arranged such the the LPN can continue working (weekend/evening), and you get a great group of co-students that have "been there, done that."

As far as being put on a "waiting list," consider doing something about it. If you are sincere, go visit the Head of the Nursing Program. Yes, you can talk your way in. When I started school (in med) I intended to become a MLT/CLS but was hijacked by the nursing students who said: "c'mon take a course with us."

So I visited the Director of Nursing and it just turned out that there was "one space left." Well, I figured out a year later that there really wasn't and as unfair as it might seem I got in before others on the list (or so I think), though I had no clue. You see, faculty wants students that they believe will add something to the mix.

Well, there are lots of stuff here to think about; persevere and you'll get there, and remember to have fun along the way! Too many nursing students forget to do that. But be very careful in the citizenship thing, lose it and you may never, ever regain that opportunity.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Mar 17, 2009

i know many people who have dual citizenship (uk/us) and have no problems

us dual citizenship: the u.s. government allows dual citizenship. united states law recognizes u.s. dual citizenship, but the u.s. government does not encourage it is as a matter of policy due to the problems that may arise from it. it is important to understand that a foreign citizen does not lose his or her citizenship when becoming a u.s. citizen. an individual that becomes a u.s. citizen through naturalization may keep his or her original citizenship. however, as some countries do not recognize dual citizenship, it is important to consider it carefully before applying for u.s. citizenship.

us immigration-dual citizenship

the key is knowing whether your own country accepts dual citizenship

nle can not be sat if you do not have philippine citizenship however if you are in this situation then you just get letter from prc confirming you are not allowed to sit nle and the state bon in most cases allows this and processes your application. most require formal letter indicating that you can not sit the nle

personally i would get citizenship sorted before deciding to live outside the us as you could still be classed as abandoning residency whilst in schooling abroad

EwwThat'sNasty · Mar 17, 2009

thank you silverdragon.

see: http://travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/citizenship_778.html

from that source:

"potentially expatriating acts

section 349 of the immigration and nationality act (8 u.s.c. 1481), as amended, states that u.s. citizens are subject to loss of citizenship if they perform certain specified acts voluntarily and with the intention to relinquish u.s. citizenship. briefly stated, these acts include:

obtaining naturalization in a foreign state (sec. 349 (a) (1) ina);
taking an oath, affirmation or other formal declaration to a foreign state or its political subdivisions (sec. 349 (a) (2) ina);

i have been told that dual citizenship is no longer possible, but from silverdragon's information and the above, clearly that is not the case.

however it still would seem very wise to obtain verification from a good immigration lawyer before doing anything that could compromise something as important as choosing a new citizenship.

for instance if i were to seek citizenship in rp and took an oath pledging allegiance to rp (note: i have no idea what is required but were i to move there i would want to obtain citizenship there) then as the above source implies the oath could be used as a declaritive act of intent to relinquish my us citizen status. ok, i'm anally retentive when it comes to law, and that has been, on occasion, very, very useful to me.

when it comes to law never think that you can apply logic. the logic of law often is entirely different than common logic. though i don't care for lawyers much, sometimes they are a necessity.

Nyar · Mar 17, 2009

Yeah, I don't really like the thought of already being debt right after graduating. So I would much rather prefer to study in RP if my savings will suffice and like I said, I don't really mind taking the NLE.

Wait, so applying for a re-entry permit and just fly back to the US before the 2 year time is up, during let's say summer break won't work?

Any more advice/opinion on how I would be able to study there legally without actually being an American Citizen would really help me out alot. Thanks!

2ndcoursergal · Mar 18, 2009

i would just like to ask if University of Makati is accredited in US or other countries? thanks

Silverdragon102, BSN · Mar 18, 2009

i would just like to ask if University of Makati is accredited in US or other countries? thanks

It will depend on transcripts and country In my opinion

gambutrol · Mar 18, 2009

Accredited? Is there are an accredition in the US for schools in the Philippines?

It all depends on the records showing the curriculum of the school just like what silverdragon wrote.

EwwThat'sNasty · Mar 19, 2009

Yes, I'm not sure where it is but retired military can go to schools under the GI bill for free, and there is a list someplace which tells which accredited schools an American studying under that bill can go to including foreign ones, but upon searching I cannot find it...

2ndcoursergal · Mar 20, 2009

thanks silverdragon. Is anyone of you studying in University of Makati? any feedbacks on the school and quality of education especially their Regis program for secong coursers.thanks

rosan_q · Apr 1, 2009

By the way, if you plan to study in the Philippines, make sure you finish the course. In the US, they do not really accredit on a "per subject" basis. Meaning, if you only took-up Nursing 101 in the Philippines, you will still have to re-take Nursing 101 in the US. But if you finished BS Nursing in the Philippines, the US will acknowledge that you are a BSN degree holder - after passing the NLE of course.