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.

[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.