Australian RN to USA

suzanne4, RN · Feb 18, 2009

Majority of distance learning programs do not meet the criteria for the specifics for the US in terms of making up the hours.

You must have both clinical as well as theory hours during the same time period as well. And both the clinical as well as theory must be thru an approved school of nursing.

And just to add into this: NY requires the CVS, that is completed only thru CGFNS. CGFNS has tighter requirements than the state of CA as well.

I would highly recommend that you contact NY directly and find out if they will accept this training to meet their requirements. Always best to go directly to the source.

Best of luck to you.

allnurses Guide · Feb 19, 2009

If you're going via Deakin, everyone I know who did that had it accepted as it met requirements. I do not know anyone who went to NYS though. Given that Deakin is an approved SON and clinicals/theory are organized through them, I imagine you'd be fine. NYS probably won't be able to tell you until you send in the transcripts though.

casserooni · Feb 19, 2009

Thank you VERY much ghillbert - after reading Suzanne's reply I had a sleepless night and was hugely relieved to read yours as yes, I am at Deakin. Fingers crossed......

Thanks again, Hannah

suzanne4, RN · Feb 19, 2009

Have just seen a few that were refused that went thru CA and went thru on-line programs to make up the hours. That is what I am basing this on. And CA has been more liberal than many other states in accepting classes in the past.

We are seeing many states tighten up their requirements in the past few months. So always best to check directly with the BON that you are interested in.

Please let us know what you hear from NY.

casserooni · Feb 19, 2009

Many thanks for your help Suzanne. But I'm deeply distressed by your response as I am studying these two(expensive) courses as a distance education student because the university (Deakin) assured me that completing them would make me eligible for RN licensure in USA. As for CVS through CGFNS - my understanding is that this is a verification of credentials service only and CGFNS then forwards their report to NYSED which evaluates my credentials - is this correct??

Thanks again, Hannah

suzanne4, RN · Feb 19, 2009

Again, states are changing their requirements and frequently. Always best to hear what will be accepted directly from the licensing board that you are interested in and not the university that is located out of the US. Not all programs in the US are even accepted all over the country here.

And yes, you are correct that the CVS is just a verification of credentials, and that NY will do their own evaluation. That is why I told you to check directly with them.

But remember that you must also obtain the Visa Screen Certificate thru CGFNS as well.

I am not hear to change things but to keep you informed of what we are seeing now. Always best to know in advance what will be accepted and what will not. But no program overseas can promise that their courses are accepted by every single Board of Nursing in the US; that is just not the case.

suzanne4, RN · Feb 19, 2009

Before anyone undertakes any make-up of courses, please check directly with the state where you are wishing to get licensed and make sure that they will be accepted.

Do not rely on what the university is telling you as things are changing here all of the time.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 19, 2009

When in doubt contact the nursing board you want to work in and ask them. They at the end of the day have the final say

allnurses Guide · Feb 19, 2009

Deakin is NOT an "online course". It is a brick and mortar university with an approved SON and also offers the subjects by distance learning. The clinical is organized via the university at an affiliate hospital.

suzanne4, RN · Feb 20, 2009

Again, it is best to check directly with the BON for the state, we are seeing programs that are not being accepted. As well as the fact that this university told someone that their program was not accepted in a state as well.

CA has changed their rules lately as well.

Distance learning programs are not being accepted by CA, and this is the point that I am making. Again, one needs to check with the state that they are interested in.

casserooni · Feb 20, 2009

Hi Everyone

Many thanks for your responses. Totally agree that it is 'always best to know in advance what will be accepted and what will not' and therefore it is 'always best to go to directly to the source', contact BON directly etc etc. However given the other comments, eg 'states are changing their requirements and frequently' ..... 'things are changing here all the time'.....well, doesn't that make it impossible 'to know in advance what will be accepted'??

Cheers, Hannah