lee123

Thanks for the reply "Osorry1". I have 2 more questions. 1. Is there a shortage of APN's in the US ? 2 Are hospitals willing to sponsor APN's for employment as easily as they are for RN's? thanks again Lee

hi, I have a bachelor's degree in IT and want to get into nursing. I understand that i have many options, ranging from an ADN to a direct entry MSN program. I am in houston and will be an international student. 1. How competitive is it to get into a direct entry MSN program? 2. What is the scope for employment after graduating from a direct entry MSN program? 3. I hear that there aren't many openings for APN's since not many are required. Is this true? 3 Will i be an APN upon graduation? Thanks Lee

Hi Carissa, Thanks so much for your response. Its very informative. :) Is it easy to find APN positions upon graduation? I hear there aren't many openings for APN's since not many are required. Secondly, how long does it take(months) to complete a "full-time" load of 12-18 credits in a community college ? thanks again Lee

1.Be sure that ur first contact with a college/educational institution is after a month of being in the US. This is important since at the time of the COS interview ur intention to come to the US may be doubted. I've read this on many Websites. Do some volunteer work at a local hospital to certify ur interest. 2.Are u from a developing country? U may have to explain why u are taking up nursing to the immigration officer since the salaries in developing countries are like only 100 dollars a month. Be ready to answer this question! 3. Thirdly hire a lawyer since COS from visitor status to F1 status is complicated. 4. check on ur vistor visa.....that there is no line that says "COS not allowed" or something like it. Overseas embassy officials may often add this line if they feel that u may apply for as change of status in the US. 5. If ur fortunate enough to get a change of status to F1, dont leave the country till ur education is over and u find a job.........this is most important......since in order to get back u will need a student visa from the local US embassy.....this is when a rejection is likely (intention to immigrate issue). 6. Remember the GC is the only way of working as a nurse (with an ADN/BSN) after ur OPT is over. So if u dont want to go back to ur country after studies look for a hospital who is willing to sponsor for the GC......no point in working with a hospital who wont, during ur OPT. Many students make this mistake or apply for the OPT too late. My situation is quite like yours except that i can study anything i want in the US (my visa allows it) but i want to qualify for the OPT after studies, so i need F1 Status. I am thinking of the direct entry MSN though. Best of Luck.............oh one more thing i dont know whether u will get an F1 status in order to complete nursing prerequisites. Be sure to ask. bye Lee

hi, I have a bachelor's degree in IT and want to get into nursing. I understand that i have many options, ranging from an ADN to a direct entry MSN program. I am in houston and will be an international student. what is the scope for employment after graduating from a direct entry MSN program. Will i be an APN upon graduation? How long does it take to complete the nursing prerequisites at a community college? I have no idea what a credit-hour is ! thanks lee