International nursing student in US/Australia

[archie13]

I apologize if this is a long one with a lot of questions! I would appreciate all and any help, opinions, and suggestions. Thanks! 

Hi, I'm a student in a university in the Philippines studying an international nursing program where I would spend the first 2-3 years of the program in the Philippines and the last 1-2 years either in the U.S. or Australia (depends on which country I choose to continue the program) and then I'll graduated with a BSN from that country. I'm doing as much research as I can, but can say that I'm still not as familiar and unsure of the things I've seen online because some websites/articles will say one thing that would be contrary to what another website/article has said. 

I just want to know if I get a US BSN: 
1. Am I exempted from the long process of checking my credentials like a foreign educated nurse, seeing as I would graduate in a US university, and can I just go straight into taking the NCLEX after graduation? 
2. Do you know of how the visa processing/application would work after I graduate and exceeded the limitations of my student visa? 

3. The university in the US where the university here in the Philippines is partnered with is in West Virginia. Can I take the NCLEX in another state (California) seeing as that is my target state to work and live in? 

If I were to get an Australian BSN:
1. What exam is the equivalent of NCLEX in the licensing of RNs in Australia and can I also just take the exam right after graduation? 
2. Are there good job opportunities for someone like me (an international student in need of a working visa from an employer) after graduation? 

> Which country do you suggest is the better place to purse my BSN and get a job as a registered nurse? 

> Do you think I should just pursue a local BSN degree (considering it is a lot cheaper) and go through the process of verifying my credentials in whichever country I choose to work in or is the international BSN worth it? 

If you've gotten this far into this thread, I want to say thank you for being interested in helping me find answers. I just want to be sure and prepared. So glad I found this site. Thanks again! 

[sparticus2008]

can't say which one is better. It is worth considering as well whether you want to live in that country permanently, or plan to switch between. For example, an Australian BSN does not meet registration requirements without further study in many US states. 

but for Australia:
There is no exam like the NCLEX, once you graduate from your Uni Degree you apply for registration as a registered nurse with APHRA.

If you do not have a visa that gives you the right to work in Australia (AKA you need sponsorship), then this excludes you from being able to apply for most graduate nursing positions in the public health care system (which are jobs that specifically hire new graduate nurses for generally 12-month contracts to assist with the transition to nursing). 
You cannot be sponsored by the public health care system for a working visa as a graduate nurse (you need to have specialty experience)

However, there may be opportunities in private health, community etc. 

One advantage within Australia compared to USA is that the BSN is nationally regulated & registered, so once you have your registration you can freely move around the country without needing to go through registration. 

Each application is evaluated individually, however it is worth being aware that the Philippines is currently classed as a country where a BSN is unlikely to meet Australian registration standards (specifically around quality assurance and accreditation)
https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Accreditation/IQNM/Before-you-apply/Meeting-the-registration-requirements.aspx

[ChenYep]

Hi! I'm also looking for this thread, luckily I found it but unfortunately there's not much people who can answer it.

I think I know which university you are talking about, I'm also planning to enroll for INP for 2nd semester, how is it going with you now?

 I'm also torn of  studying a local BSN degree considering its much cheaper and can also bring me to US, UK, or Aus. 

[archie13]

I'm currently on the 5th week of the 1st semester with the international nursing program. It's going GREAT. The difference between the American and Philippine curriculum is undeniable. I'm glad I opted for the international program.

I have friends who are also majoring in nursing but with the local BSN degree. Everything they told me to expect during this time I did not experience. I guess it's because of the curriculum. Yes, sometimes you're stacked with school work but it's nothing excessive unlike what nursing students experience here in the PH. Also, the INP faculty is very accommodating and hands on. They really take care of their students. From the moment I inquired I have been guided by the head of the program herself. Graduates of the program assured me that the faculty stayed this active with the students until they graduate at whichever country they choose. I transfer schools a lot and I've never encountered an entire faculty that is as caring and considerate as the INP staff. 

I guess the affordability is one thing to really consider since there's a huge difference. Have you reached out to INP? If not, I can give you an idea as to how much it would cost. I'm taking 14 units and my tuition for the first semester is 60k. 

Personally, I chose the INP since Australia and the US are the only two places I'm considering to work in. And it's just more convenient if you're set on working as a nurse abroad and not in the PH. Also, Australia has a point-based immigration system (like Canada) so if you want to migrate to AUS right after graduating, getting an AUS degree at an AUS university is one way to do it.