Canadian Resident Thinking of Associate Degree

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Hi everyone,

I currently live in Canada in the Niagara Region near the Buffalo border. I am finishing my PSW certificate and would like to work for awhile to save money to become a RN. I have been doing a lot of research about the associate degree that is offered in the states. This appeals to me as it gives you all the skills you need to be a RN in a shorter amount of time ( as I am not ready to commit to 4 years at once). From my understanding an associate degree is just good in the United States, and basically does not include the bachelor of science. My question is if I was to do my associate degree in Buffalo, would it be valid in Colorado, or are associate degrees specific to the state you are in. Another question I have is if I was too eventually get my bachelor of science, would I also be able to work in Canada after taking the NCLEX specific to Canada . Lastly, is the associate degree usually two years?

I'm just unsure of how education transfers from the United States to Canada... My dream is to eventually live in the sunshine state Colorado.

Thanks in advance :)

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

You would be classed as an International student so fees will be high, you may not be able to work in Canada if you pass NCLEX for a US state but really the end result would be with the provincial college of RN's As a student you will be restricted on working whilst studying. You will have to also think on what permit/visa you are going to use to be able to live and work once you graduate.

Just some things to think about

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An American associate degree + an American RN-BSN degree is not necessarily equivalent to a Canadian BSN and Colorado has a surplus of new grads, so it is unlikely Colorado hospitals would hire you. Consider obtaining a Canadian BSN, working in Canada for at least two years, then applying to Colorado, maybe there will be a shortage of nurses in Colorado by the time you are qualified.

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Okay good to know, Thank you for the info!!

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