Nursing in a foreign country

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I am a U.S citizen. I am considering a bachelor's nursing program in a foreign country. Would it be difficult for me to come back to the states (California) to get my RN license? I am aware of some of the requirements to take the NCLEX such as being licensed in the foreign country first. If after getting licensed in California and I decided to move out of California would I be able to just transfer that license? I am just considering my options before I make a big decision like going out of the country. Are there certain accredidations that I should be aware of? Any advice that can point me a good direction would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Geriatrics.

First of all what country are you considering moving to? The Philippines just started giving the NCLEX in Manila last December. It could be a possibility if you are wanting to do it a little cheaper. There are a lot of grants here in the U.S. that could get you through and then you won't have to worry about a different language and culture.Good luck!

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f you train out of the US, you will always be considered a foreign grad; even if you hold a US passport and will need to meet the additional requirements in every state for licensure. You also cannot start the process for licensure until you have a completed set of transcripts, so it will be months before you will even be permitted to sit for the NCLEX exam.

Also be aware that passing rate for the exam if one trains out of the US goes down to about 45% for first time testers vs. over 85% if one trains in the US.

The NCLEX exam offered in the US is $200; to sit for it in another country and one has to add on an additional $150.

Also you need to be aware of the fact that not all programs out of the US meet the requirements for the US for licensure.

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