International wants to STUDY nursing in the USA

[foreignstudent]

I want to study nursing in the USA - is there a comprehensive list of nursing colleges or schools?

I was thinking of going to a community college and doing the associate degree but I have concerns. I can afford the and show proof or even pay for the two years up front. But would I be able to work after the associate degree or do I have to go to a four year college? Do I have to take any other courses after the associate degree?

Being an overseas student, what are my chances of getting my f1 visa approved. I am scared they will say that I wont be returning since there is apparently a shortage of nurses in the USA. I am from africa and that might make it worse in terms of obtaining a visa. Are there any other foreign students in the same situation or those who managed to start their degrees without any problems? I need your advice.

Which colleges would you recommend - I really want to apply but there are so many colleges and I need a lot of info.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

as far as i am aware you are expected to show proof that you can afford to live in the us as well as pay your tuition up front when applying for your f1 student visa

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html

all applicants should be prepared to provide:

* transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended;

* scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the toefl, sat, gre, gmat, etc.;

* financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. for example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. if you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.

you may get permission to work but that can not be applied for until in the us at school and usually first year is restricted in hours and only on campus

because of retrogression you need to be aware on whether you adn training is accepted when you return home as there may be no way for you to stay in the us once you have completed your training

[foreignstudent]

Yes, I can prove funds for the associate degree, but that's not my question. I want to know if you can work as a nurse after the associate degree? For example in the UK if I could do the diploma I would work as a nurse without spending 3/4 years doing the degree. I am asking this because I can only afford fees and living expenses for two years and would like to work in the US anyway.

And is it more difficult to get a visa if you are going for nursing?

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

The title of your thread is in an issue.

There is generally no problem with international students studying nursing in the USA . A student visa is fine for studying in the USA but you are expected to return to your home nation when you are not a student.

There is NO nursing shortage in the US and there are thousands of unemployed nurses. That and the current severe retrogression has most current qualified nurses from overseas waiting 4 to 7 years for a working visa. A few people are getting through on H1b but those are very limited and getting cut due to the oversupply of nurses and are strictly limited to specialty nurses - new grads do not qualify.

We lost several staffers on my unit recently d/t these issues. They were excellent workers and many signed petitions to keep them. But their limited work provisions ran out and there are no exceptions to these rules.

In most nations it would be best to have a bachelor's in nursing, it is better Accepted in more nations.

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

It's best for you to choose a school that offers a degree that will be accepted in your home country. Most countries require a BSN to be licensed as a RN. An ADN wont do you good if it's not accepted by your home country. Generally most schools do offer a degree in nursing. Pick a state that you would like to study in and check out the BRN website for approved schools. Good Luck

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Yes, I can prove funds for the associate degree, but that's not my question. I want to know if you can work as a nurse after the associate degree? For example in the UK if I could do the diploma I would work as a nurse without spending 3/4 years doing the degree. I am asking this because I can only afford fees and living expenses for two years and would like to work in the US anyway.

And is it more difficult to get a visa if you are going for nursing?

ADN is not accepted in the UK and nurse training is changing in the UK where in the next couple of years it will become only BSN. Even now training for degree and diploma is the same just over 3 years in the UK. You really need to decide on what may happen when you finish training. Retrogression has been ongoing since Oct 2006 and I see no end in sight for several more years especailly with the current US job issues with many many nurses especially new grads struggling to find work. This makes it even harder for someone looking for a sponsor for a GC or work visa and H1B work visa requires a minimum of BSN

[foreignstudent]

Thank you i wasn't aware that there are no jobs for nurses in the US. Why are there many organisations advertising for jobs especially to foreigners?

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Thank you i wasn't aware that there are no jobs for nurses in the US. Why are there many organisations advertising for jobs especially to foreigners?

There are few ads here for nurses and the few are for part time , undesirable positions. Perhaps, you should contact those organizations and ask for RECENT references of those recently placed and how they managed.

Do be aware that there are some con artist agencies that make promises and take money falsely. Investigate carefully.