Nursing school in Belize

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Hello All,

I wasn't sure where to put this so please feel free to place it where you think it will get the most response. I am entertaining going to nursing school in Belize. Its not a shot in dark, I am actually moving there in July, my father lives there and I have been spending time there for about the last 30 years.

I have a Bachelors in Business Management currently as well as some experience as a medic.

I am curious as to the potential and hoops that I would have to jump through to work in the United States once I finished in Belize. I have spoken to the University and they have told me that I should become a Registered nurse in their country first and the transition to the U.S. should not be a problem. Belize is a member of the Commonwealth and the University has a definitive curriculum and requirements.

Just curious if anyone have any information that could help me out in making the decision. The other option is to go the Excelsior route, but am not sure I prefer that.

Any information would be most appreciated.

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Students from international backgrounds always have more red tape and inconvenience when it comes to getting a US nursing license. No way that you could stay in the US until you finish a nursing program? Excelsior is not a bad option for you. It would entail a trip back for the CPNE, but you have to make a trip for that anyway. You should do some reading on the international forum to see what being an out of country graduate entails. Good luck.

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Where would you want to work when you return to the US? Each state Board of Nursing has their own requirements and application process for graduated of foreign nursing schools.

Step 1 is usually evaluation of your credentials and the Belize curriculum by CGFNS (which can take up to a year). Then in most states, the BON would certify you as eligible to sit for NCLEX.

But definitely check out your own state's Board of Nursing website for the requirements.

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Thanks for the information..a couple of the reasons I was kicking this around is that I will be living there starting in July, and its pretty cost effective for tuition there.

I will probably be looking at the Pacific Northwest at the end of the trail, so I will start digging into that a little bit.

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I am also from Belize and was comtemplating also going back to get my RN. The cost for tuition and no waiting list seems like a good option. My aunt came from Belize back in the 90's and is working in the US an RN. I am also an LVN. I am in CA so Excelsior is not an option and the LVN-BSN through Indiana State seems like a hassle for CA students setting up preceptor. River 1 let me know if you do decide to do the program.

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aswad

If you are in CA, you should check out the WGU program. It is very affordable and your LVN license will help you get started. No going around looking for preceptors, they provide your clinical placements. Next cohort starts in April with another one starting in September, if you have the prereqs/coreqs done. http://www.wgu.edu

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Caliotter3

Thanks for the recommendation but I live in the Central Valley, so that is out of my area.

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Aswad69,

I am in So. Caifornia. I am also from Central America. Is there a way I can send you a private message via this forum?

Thank you.

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River1, are you in Belize already? I am in So. California, and I have some information. I am also from Central America. Is there a way I can send you a private message outside this forum? Thanks!

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