Canada and the USA

[tellurianiam]

Hi everyone,

I apologize if my questions are redundant, I did seek answer in the

archives, but no shoe fits like the one that's made for you. :)

I'm a Canadian who is interested in nursing, and I would like to do my

schooling in the US as I have family in MI. However, I'm not sure how

that can work.

I would like to be an RN (although I'm not sure in which field). If I

pursue becoming a ADN (aka ASN?) and seek registration, can I apply

for a green card in the US so I can work in the US? If not, does my

ADN become a LPN when I cross the border back into Canada?

I believe I would prefer to be a ADN because I've heard it has more

practice/hands-on, rather than more administrative work, but nor would I mind

continuing my education till I have a BSN. At the same time however, I know

finances will be tight, and I would like to be able to earn money in between

having my ADN and earning a BSN. Could I work as a ADN in the US while studying

for my BSN? With the two year ADN is there anywhere I can work, on either side

of the border?

While I'm on the topic of international studies. Does anyone know of a good

International Student loan program?

Thanks so much for any help!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

This isn't quite the forum for the question. (see stickey 'what kind of forum is this?"). I'm going to first move it to the Canadian forum in the International section where hopefully someone will be able to help.

Best wishes.

[Vanillanut, DNP, RN, APRN]

Hi There,

I may be mistaken, so take the following with a grain of salt. I have done quite a bit of research on this though.

Basically your options are 1) Go to school in Canada, or 2) Go to school in the states.

If you go to school in Canada, a 2 year diploma is not enough to warrant a working permit under the NAFTA agreement between Canada and the states (requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree).

If you go to school in the states, you have to apply for an F1 visa. You do this only after you have been formally accepted by a school down there (there may also be a minimum credential requirement, such as a BSN vs a diploma). Also, note that schools in the states are about double if not triple the price of Canadian ones (I've been comparing public government institutions). You have to show your financial capabilities to the school so they can accept you and you can get the visa. You also can't work for the first year of obtaining the visa, so must show immigration proof of how you will support yourself, etc. After that year, you can apply for working permit but it is my understanding they are in no hurry to process it (you will have to show proof for the duration of study without income).

I wouldn't think that you can transport a LPN/ADN accross the border from USA-Canada either, as I earlier mentioned the above restriction of a minimum BSN as per the NAFTA agreement. You could however most likely come back here and challenge some exams or whatnot, if thats possible.

Lastly, I don't think the 2 year vs the RN is more "hands on" vs administrative. RN is less restrictive in terms of skills you have and use, and areas of clinical practice in which you can work. Ultimately, I suppose it depends on what area of nursing you'd like to get into.