How should I prepare?

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Mar 26, 2013

Each school has specific entrance requirements including pre-requisite courses, previous grades from high/secondary school, and English language proficiency. Are you on a student visa? If so, does your current school have a nursing program?

Most nursing programs are highly competitive and require classes in statistics, algebra , microbiology, nutrition, English composition, anatomy & physiology, psychology, sociology and sometimes pathophsiology,

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 26, 2013

You will not be able to succeed in nursing school without improving your English skills. Without adequate spoken and written communication skills, you will not be able to communicate effectively with other members of the health care team. This will not only be inconvenient, but will also endanger your patients.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Mar 26, 2013

You will not be able to succeed in nursing school without improving your English skills..

I beg to differ. In my area of California, there are many nurses who speak English as a second language and whom do not speak English very well. I think completing classes at a community college may be difficult, but I know a *lot* of nurses from other areas of the world (the Filipenes and Africa come to mind) who have found a way to be successful without being strong English speakers. I suggest finding a school that has services to help people with your native tongue. I suggest working hard to learn English and not giving up on your goal. Where there is a will, there is a way.

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Mar 26, 2013

The requirements for getting into nursing school are the same for everybody, with typical courses mentioned above. If your reading/writing skills are fine and your grades are good, getting in shouldn't be an issue even with lack of listening/speaking skills. The 2 things I can think of that might hinder your application are the TOEFL and if an interview is a part of the application.

However, if I were you I would be more concerned about the work setting and clinical. You need a certain level of fluency to communicate with clients and coworkers. In the working work, people are generally not forgiving when it comes to lack of verbal skills.

But your English will improve if you put in the effort. Most people will see a pretty drastic improvement after a year or two of total immersion.

maddiem · Mar 26, 2013

I would work on your English speaking, reading, and listening skills first before taking any pre-nursing class. It will be a lot easier for you to understand the material being taught to you if you get better at English first! Take your time and do what you need to do to get yourself ready for pre-nursing classes! Good luck!

rachaelbennett · Mar 31, 2013

Requirements for nursing programs differ from school to school but the basics are: Math (basic algebra), English, all the sciences; Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Psycology, etc., Government (Political Science) and others. Get your pre-reqs done first. You can find out which classes you have to take at the Student Services office or counseling center at your school.

I would work on interpersonal communication because that is the basis of nursing. You need to have that "bed-side manner" that everyone talks about and have good team work skills to work with your fellow employees.

lauraline · Mar 31, 2013

You have a long road ahead of you, but it can be done. Don't get discouraged, I have seen a lot of my friends and classmates who are new to the U.S. succeed.

You might want to try completing a CNA program while you are working on your nursing prerequisites. It only takes a matter of weeks to complete. If you start working as a CNA, or even a HHA, you can practice your English in the health care setting. It could prove to be valuable experience.

And don't forget, you having a 2nd language will be a HUGE plus! Out here in California, some employers won't even look at you unless you have some 2nd language skills. I'm jealous! :)