Canadians who went to the US to get education in LPN/RN/BSN

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Hello,

I'm hoping to get some information from those who have gone to the US to take programs for LPN/RN or BSN. I am just facing a dilemma on my next educational step and I have the option to go to school in either Canada or go a few minutes across the border in the US.

Just based on what I have been reading on admissions for nursing schools here in BC, I am finding the admission process way to complicated and demanding and the 3-4 year wait list to be ridiculous. I am just looking for a change as well and would just like to move forward in my life and faster. I am almost finish my degree and I dont care to spend another full time 4 years just to get a BSN when my objective is ultimately to move somewhere warm.

For those of you who have gone to school in the US, what was your experience like? did you face any issues in writing exams and obtaining your license? I keep hearing that a SSN is required to write the NCLEX-RN, is this true for LPN? Are there any states that do not have this rule? What about issues with obtaining jobs/visas?

All feedback is greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

SSN isn't always required to sit NCLEX RN however if you do your LPN you may have issued on returning to Canada as may not meet requirements and if looking at staying in the US and working LPN doesn't meet requirements for a work/immigrant visa

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After doing 1 full yr of school in the US i would be eligible to work one year as part of training - OPT. In BC lpn is only 1 yr and i noted that the programs that i am interested in is similiar to the one being offered across the border. I have yet to ever receive a straight forward answer from CLPNBC or CRNBC so im not even gonna bother asking them anything...but i dont even want to work here anyway. In the US they have direct entry masters for ppl without BSN and for RN with a degree other than BSN and getting a masters and DNP is my goal. Im in my 30's and do not care to spend another decade as a broke student!

Are you aware of what states do not require ssn. Im aware if Vermont but that is for foreign trained nurses.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

CLPNBC will not be able to make a decision until you submit a full set of transcripts so that could be why you don't get a complete answer.

Regarding states that accept without SSN you will have to check the various states out and I would suggest you check out the one you are training in. If you are on a F1 then you should be able to apply for permission to work and apply for a SSN although the first year you are limited to where you can work

Moved to the international forum

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Specializes in Hospital, Foot Nurse, NRSNG Educator.

Ok, so after spending and wasting so much time trying to figure all of this out,..... As a Canadian, living close to the Buffalo NY border, if I go to school in U.S. and get my 2 yr A.D. in nursing, am I legally able to work over there with that degree ? I know it does not come back here, and frankly our hospital situation is "dire" to say the least.... closing them or shrinking them left and right, so I would have to work there, if able....so maybe should just do that, shorter time back in school... cost may be ok.

On line is best (for as much as possible ) I have considered, Excelsior, (Carried the "Regents" booklet around in the 90's wanting to do this that far back as an LPN, although got my nursing here just few yrs ahead of that.).... there are a couple schools that give Canadians a price break.... to make it desirable, but making up for the cost factor....or somewhere there is an excelorated version... like Sarnia/Michigan split (to far away)...or what ever, I am getting so tired of the battle of trying to figure this out. I soooooo want to be able to do it, but budget is tight.

They want us to have our BScN, here, and yet do not make it available and obtainable. There is a limited amt of places to work when we come out, and yet say there is a shortage ? This is madness !

please......... thoughts, ? :nurse:

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Hi,

sounds like were both in the same boat...I even enrolled in the Excelsor program when I left nursing school a few years ago, lol. Im gonna pm you!

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Specializes in Hospital, Foot Nurse, NRSNG Educator.
SSN isn't always required to sit NCLEX RN however if you do your LPN you may have issued on returning to Canada as may not meet requirements and if looking at staying in the US and working LPN doesn't meet requirements for a work/immigrant visa

WHat ? First, I didn't know I may need a U.S. social to write the NCLEX, ? hmmmm, and then, you are talking about both LPN and RN... trying to clarify what you mean ?

I know the AD RN isn't qualified for the most part in Canada, (although now hearing whispers that "it may be possible now in some provinces after review...." ? not sure ) but.... the BScN IS .... in both Americas. U.S. and Canada. I am not sure about the U.S. LPN, move to up here, but I had to write state boards when took mine to the U.S. no resiprosity, for LPNs RPNs.

also...another question...does the AD RN meet the req's for the TN, or allow a Canadian to work in U.S. if live close ?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
WHat ? First, I didn't know I may need a U.S. social to write the NCLEX, ? hmmmm, and then, you are talking about both LPN and RN... trying to clarify what you mean ?

I know the AD RN isn't qualified for the most part in Canada, (although now hearing whispers that "it may be possible now in some provinces after review...." ? not sure ) but.... the BScN IS .... in both Americas. U.S. and Canada. I am not sure about the U.S. LPN, move to up here, but I had to write state boards when took mine to the U.S. no resiprosity, for LPNs RPNs.

also...another question...does the AD RN meet the req's for the TN, or allow a Canadian to work in U.S. if live close ?

There are a few states that require a SSN, mainly California, they will not accept any application without it. LPN training in the US isn't always the same length as Canada therefore may not meet Canadian requirements and for either RN or LPN when moving to Canada and meets requirements still have to sit CRNE or CPNRE

Not sure if ADN meets NAFTA requirements enabling work in the US

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Specializes in Hospital, Foot Nurse, NRSNG Educator.

I have an old version of the paperwork around here, filed... 10yrs old. but I cant remember..... and dont think I ever really knew .... but that is an important one. Hopefully will find out soon !

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