International MD wants to become a nurse

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

Your ENT specialty is nowhere near similar to what most nurses do at the bedside. You have to get accepted to a nursing program, graduate, pass the NCLEX, and get registered with the BRN, then you can be a Registered Nurse.

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

I don't know why you want to become an RN.  We have a shortage of MDs in many parts of the U.S. and there are programs to expedite foreign MD immigration and practice.  Becoming a PA (Physician's Assistant) would be a better route for you than RN if you don't want to be an MD here.

https://www.rosmansearch.com/pages/How-to-work-as-a-Physician-in-the-US-FMG.html

Some states have eliminated the need for IMGs (International Medical Grads) to go through residency in the U.S.:

https://thematchguy.com/state-img-license-practice-without-residency-international-doctors/

 

 

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

You have impressive qualifications and experience as an MD specializing in ENT; however, there is currently no challenge exam or direct pathway available for transitioning from physician to Registered Nurse (RN).

This is because nurses and doctors have different training, responsibilities, and scopes of practice. As an MD, you would need to adjust to the nursing role, which focuses on patient care, support, and health education.

Each state, including California, has specific regulations governing nursing licensure. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requires applicants to have completed an accredited nursing program before they can apply for the NCLEX-RN.

• Educational requirements. You would need to obtain a nursing degree. In California, you can choose between:
  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Typically, a 2-year program.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A 4-year program that provides better job prospects.
  • Accelerated programs. Some schools offer Accelerated BSN programs for individuals with a prior degree, which could be beneficial given your medical background.
• Licensing requirements. NCLEX-RN Exam: After completing your nursing education, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to practice as an RN in California.

California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Apply for licensure through the BRN, which includes submitting your educational credentials and passing background checks.

Alternative Pathways

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) require a Master's degree in Nursing, but it aligns with your medical background and your comfort in a provider role.

Best wishes on your decision,

Nurse Beth

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

The NP route is a good recommendation. Just be aware that in California, MEPN programs (UCLA, UCI, UC Davis) have been restructured to graduate Master's prepared nurses that are eligible for RN licensure only. The route to NP has mostly transitioned to DNP (at least in the UC system). UCSF's MEPN is currently paused.

I would actually suggest PA which would be a faster route.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Nursing is a separate discipline from medicine in the US.   Check out accelerated baccalaureate programs  as they offer the quickest route to licensure as a registered nurse (RN) for adults who have already completed a bachelor's or graduate degree in a non-nursing discipline -- take between 11 and 18 months to complete, including prerequisites.  Many schools however require prior education credits to be completed within 5-10years to be applied towards a BSN degree.   See CA BON nursing license requirements along with link to accelerated  California BSN programs.

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

I also want to add that geographically, most of California has a provider shortage.  It seems most physicians only want to live on the coast (San Fran, L.A., Orange County, San Diego).  Well, that means the rest of the state does not have enough MDs, PAs, or NPs.  There are programs to expedite foreign MDs immigrating to, and working in, underserved areas.  This means rural California, smaller towns and cities, and some larger cities, too:

Redding and the surrounding areas, including farther north, west, and east

Sacramento

Fresno

Modesto

Stockton

Bakersfield

And all the other towns and cities in the noncoastal parts of California.

For someone who is already an MD, the fastest alternative provider option is to become a P.A.  

From the Google search AI:

Yes, California does have programs designed to attract and support international medical graduates (IMGs) who already hold an MD, with the goal of integrating them into the state's healthcare workforce. 

Here are some examples of programs and initiatives:

1. The UCLA international medical graduates (IMG) program

Aims to help physician-trained legal immigrants pass U.S. licensing exams and secure U.S. residency training in Family Medicine.

Primarily focused on preparing bilingual and bicultural Latino family physicians to practice in medically underserved California communities.

Requires full-time participation, residence in Los Angeles County, no outside employment, and fluency in English and Spanish.

Offers a curriculum designed to prepare IMGs for residency applications, including clinical experience in underserved settings.

Provides support for obtaining ECFMG certification and navigating the residency matching process. 

2. Special permits from the medical board of california

These permits allow international physicians to practice medicine under specific conditions, even if they don't immediately qualify for a full Physician and Surgeon's license.

Special Faculty Permits for academically eminent physicians sponsored by a California medical school.

Visiting Fellow Permits for postgraduate study in approved medical schools.

Clinical Fellowship Permits for postgraduate study in a specialty field at an approved hospital.

Faculty Service Permits for those with a full-time faculty position. 

3. IMG-friendly residency programs

Many residency programs in California are designated as "IMG-Friendly", indicating a willingness to accept international medical graduates into their programs.

These programs can be found across various specialties, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Pathology, among others. 

4. Addressing physician shortages

California recognizes the need to expand its healthcare workforce and has initiatives like the CalMedForce program that support Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs, including those for IMGs.

The state also has loan repayment programs, such as the Steven M. Thompson Physician Corps program, which incentivizes medical graduates to practice in underserved areas, according to the Healthforce Center at UCSF.

Some California health systems have received grants to specifically address physician shortages and expand GME programs, including those focused on serving underserved and rural communities. 

 

 

[Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN]

Short answer, no. Nursing is not a rung on the medical hierarchy; no medical or other related degree from anywhere will take the place of nursing education requirements. In the US, nursing licenses are granted by individual state boards of nursing. Criteria include graduation from an approved nursing program (approved and accredited by the state), or from a foreign nursing program if it demonstrates that its curriculum would meet state standards. English proficiency is required. Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is also required.