Is getting into a nursing school easy in other countries?

lovehospital · Jan 19, 2009

Since there are nurses who come from other countries to work here in the USA...I was wondering if they have the same problems getting into a nursing school like here in America? Were there any long waiting lists? Is the cirriculum just as hard or is it easier?

I think it depends on the country.In some countries you may be required to pass a biology exam or science exam,plus keep in mind that you need to pass NCLEX in the U.S in order to practice nursing.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 19, 2009

I'm not sure, but there are waiting lists for them to come and work here. Many wait years.

It's a frustrating situation right now with the many people wanting to be nurses, long waiting lists, and the need to import nurses.

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Jan 19, 2009

It seems other countries you can go to nursing school immediately. I don't know about the quality of the education they receive. Good luck in your education.

Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN · Jan 19, 2009

In Ontario, Canada you have to have a BScN - Bachelor's Degree in Nursing to be an RN. 2 years of college, bridging to 2 years in University, or 4 years University.(college and university are different in Canada) It is difficult to get into - you need a very high average coming out of high school. I believe there are long waiting lists, even if you do get accepted!

To be an RPN (which is 1 step below an RN) you also must be accepted to college - again , you need a fairly high average in high school.

lovehospital · Jan 19, 2009

It seems other countries you can go to nursing school immediately. I don't know about the quality of the education they receive. Good luck in your education.

Well since I'm a foreigner and I have friends from other countries I can honestly say they get very good training.

Ms. Nurse Assistant, LPN · Jan 19, 2009

In Ontario, Canada you have to have a BScN - Bachelor's Degree in Nursing to be an RN. 2 years of college, bridging to 2 years in University, or 4 years University.(college and university are different in Canada) It is difficult to get into - you need a very high average coming out of high school. I believe there are long waiting lists, even if you do get accepted!
To be an RPN (which is 1 step below an RN) you also must be accepted to college - again , you need a fairly high average in high school.

That sounds really tough. In America it seems much easier by comparison. So I guess if you want to be a RN in Canada, you better know it from the moment you hit the 9th grade (high school) and do good all through and not ever mess up

Vida · Jan 20, 2009

In Ontario, Canada you have to have a BScN - Bachelor's Degree in Nursing to be an RN. 2 years of college, bridging to 2 years in University, or 4 years University.(college and university are different in Canada) It is difficult to get into - you need a very high average coming out of high school. I believe there are long waiting lists, even if you do get accepted!
To be an RPN (which is 1 step below an RN) you also must be accepted to college - again , you need a fairly high average in high school.

And actually I am hearing now there are wait times for the RPN program as well. I did one in Ontario (ptbo) with no wait time, just a lot of pre-req's from HS, but that was 6 or so years ago.

Junebugfairy · Jan 20, 2009

msnursingstudent~

it is much the same way in the us. the more successful you are in hs or during your pre req's, the more likely you will be accepted into a nursing program.

i got into nursing school my first try, but i have a 4.0 gpa, finished all my pre req's, and scored very well on the entrance tests.

megaman · Jan 20, 2009

In the UK thoes going into medical diciplines seam to all have a specialty at university level (ie radiography or peadiactics) and while studying most have a lot of work experence placements.

is it like this in other countries?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2009

It's a frustrating situation right now with the many people wanting to be nurses, long waiting lists, and the need to import nurses.

I'm going to disagree with you in a very respectful manner. With all of the hiring freezes in some regions, canceled shifts at certain facilities, and many months that some newly graduated nurses must wait in order to get hired, I personally feel that there's no dire need to import nurses from other countries to work here.

allnurses Guide · Jan 20, 2009

It seems other countries you can go to nursing school immediately. I don't know about the quality of the education they receive.

"Some" other countries you can go to nursing school immediately.

In Australia, you enter a 3yr Bachelor of Nursing degree at university straight out of high school. Entrance depends upon your final year "score" - like an SAT score. Score required to get in depends on the demand for the course. There is no waiting list - you either get in, or you do not.