Can I be a CRNA as an international student?

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Hello.

I am planning to start ABSN program next year.

As far as I know, I will get only 1 year on OPT to gain experiences.

I would like to be a CRNA. The problem is CRNA schools demand 1 year of experience in critical care setting.

I think it will be hard for a new grad to get a job in ICU without prior nursing experience.

Some new grad training programs want 2 years of commitment to them but the problem is my OPT will expire after 1 year and I don't think I will be able to get H1B to continue working for 2nd year.

Please give me suggestions or advice.

Thank you very much.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Hello.

I am planning to start ABSN program next year.

As far as I know, I will get only 1 year on OPT to gain experiences.

I would like to be a CRNA. The problem is CRNA schools demand 1 year of experience in critical care setting.

I think it will be hard for a new grad to get a job in ICU without prior nursing experience.

Some new grad training programs want 2 years of commitment to them but the problem is my OPT will expire after 1 year and I don't think I will be able to get H1B to continue working for 2nd year.

Please give me suggestions or advice.

Thank you very much.

Can you work in critical care in your home country? As the technical intent of a student visa & OPT is education and practicum to prepare you to return to your home country to work. Granted the ABSN is rather unique to the US and not acceptable for nursing licensure in other countries. Many international students are having difficulty securing OPT as it's not always financially realistic for a hospital to spend several months training a new grad and their status expires 12 months post graduation. It's not impossible but is often difficult especially in popular metropolitan areas where there is a large nursing surplus (NY, MA, Chicago, parts of TX, CA, NJ, VA, etc)

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Sorry for my late reply.

I am an international medical graduate and I have rotated in ICU in my home country.

I have also finished USMLE steps but unfortunately, didn't have any luck in securing a residency position as anesthesiology is very competitive and I need visa.

So, I am considering to be a CRNA as I am interested in the subject and my home country doesn't have any good program.

Thank you very much for your reply.

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