I've been advised to post this in the Canadian forum, I am also going to post in the international section, hopefully I will get some answers.
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 4
I am wondering if their are any Canadian RNs out there who completed their nursing training (Associates Degree) in the states and whether any of you are now working in the states.
Here is the thing, if I want to go to nursing school here, there is a 2yr+ waiting list plus prereqs (semester to year) and then nursing school would be another 4 yrs!
I am considering attending school in the states and first completing an ADN program and then working for awhile and eventually getting my BSN (the final goal is to get my masters).
I know the job market is tough right now but I am open to relocating (anywhere in the states) because I will not be able to work in Canada. Also in 3-4 yrs the job market could soften up (I am being optimistic here).
Also if anyone has gone this route, what steps did you take? Can I write the NCLEX-RN, and if I get a job offer is it easy to get a TN Visa?
Specializes in Hospital, Foot Nurse, NRSNG Educator.
I've been advised to post this in the Canadian forum, I am also going to post in the international section, hopefully I will get some answers.
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 4
I am wondering if their are any Canadian RNs out there who completed their nursing training (Associates Degree) in the states and whether any of you are now working in the states.
Here is the thing, if I want to go to nursing school here, there is a 2yr+ waiting list plus prereqs (semester to year) and then nursing school would be another 4 yrs!
I am considering attending school in the states and first completing an ADN program and then working for awhile and eventually getting my BSN (the final goal is to get my masters).
I know the job market is tough right now but I am open to relocating (anywhere in the states) because I will not be able to work in Canada. Also in 3-4 yrs the job market could soften up (I am being optimistic here).
Also if anyone has gone this route, what steps did you take? Can I write the NCLEX-RN, and if I get a job offer is it easy to get a TN Visa?
Thank you for your time
I am doing the same, I am going to PM you.... for help and support for both, or all of us. !
You can do OPT (Optional Practical Training) for one year after you graduate, however I'm not sure if you can obtain that with an associates degree. I did the OPT after I graduated with my bachelors. That would get you the experience you want before going for your BSN.
Specializes in Hospital, Foot Nurse, NRSNG Educator.
Wow, I had to check this a few times to see if "I" had written it, I too, want to go to school, but for my Associates Degree in states, and then if I have to , or am able to , work in US to do it, that is just fine with me. The US has been home to me for almost half of my life, but now live close to border in Can, but am 55 !!! I still want my RN !
I think it can be done, BUT, with the job market the way it is, you are limiting yourself with an Associates. The US is still extremely tight for jobs, and Canada accepts only the BSN from newer nurses. The Associates isn't recognized in Canada, so this means you can only work in the US. I would suggest just getting your BSN so that you'll have options.
Specializes in Hospital, Foot Nurse, NRSNG Educator.
Thats not an option. 6-7 yrs.... here in Canada, and 60-70 thousand dollars later, NOPE. I have done my research.... and am aware of the differences between both Countries, and courses, and costs. It is just a matter of finding the closest school, with the programs and courses that I need. Or if there is an online LPN to RN/ASN bridge.... that is accredited... etc... thats the goal.... I am no spring chicken, and this has been a 25yr dream.
gypsynurse
70 Posts
I am doing the same, I am going to PM you.... for help and support for both, or all of us. !