ccampbell66

Joeldew, just thought I'd give you and any others interested an update. I did move to Australia and have been studying at QUT in Brisbane. Overall it has been a positive experience. I will graduate in June 2015. I will probably stay and work here while I sort out US course requirements, etc. I'm also considering continuing my adventure by looking at other overseas options for work. Coming here in some regards may have complicated my nursing career, but it has been an experience that few (especially at my age) get to have.At least I want be wondering what it would have been like if I had not taken the opportunity.

Thanks Joeldew!

Ongmtam85, thank you. I sent you an email.

Ongmtam85, I am an American. I am considering coming to Australia to study for my entire BSN. Where in Australia did you study? I'm looking at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane. Where are you taking your extra Paed and Obs? I'm told nurses in the US have a much harder work load. The differences you mentioned I believe are correct. I didn't quite understand your last statement? So are you being allowed to work in the US with an LPN designation while you take your extra coursework?

Joeldew, Have you kept up with your former American classmate?

I am curious where you studied in Australia for your BSN? I spoke to the head of nursing today at Armstrong Atlantic University located in Savannah, GA. She told me that in the past they have accepted foreign nursing students who are lacking a few courses to obtain licensure in the US. They are accepted as special cases.

Sarah, I read your post and am wondering how it is going for you? I am an American but have received and offer to study in Australia at Queensland University of Technology for my BSN. I am reaching out to people who may have some insight that will help me make a decision. I am assuming you are Australian. Do you think the process would be different for an American coming back? I would be interested in hearing if you got things worked out. Best, Carter

ghillbert, are you Australian? If so I would like to talk to you about a topic unrelated to this. Thanks. Carter

Elkpark, you make a valid point.

justbeachynurse and esme12, thank you for your input. Esme12, yes I have looked into accelerated programs, etc. What I find very frustrating in the US is that there are not standardized entry requirements. Every school I look into seems to have a slight twist on what their prerequisites are. I have been focused on the prereqs for a local university. If I want to apply to other programs, then their always seem to be other classes required. Then there are some programs that will not except some of my classes that are over 7 yrs old. It has just been a frustrating process. I will finish my prereqs for the local university after the first summer session, but because of when they will completed I can not start the program (assuming I get accepted) until the January intake. The Australian program starts in July. The nice thing about how Australia's nursing programs are structured is that they build the prereqs into the programs. I would get out approximately 9-10 months earlier from Australia. Granted I would have to probably take some bridge programs, but I would have had a learning experience of studying abroad. I just don't know what ultimately is the better way to go taking everything into account.

I am an American currently living in the US. I have been accepted to the nursing program at QUT in Brisbane. from the research i have gathered, it appears that QUT is a highly regarded University. I'm trying to decide whether or not to go. If I go I would graduate 10 months earlier than if I stay in the US. The downside is I assume I would have to take some bridge classes in order to be able to pass the NCLEX if I came back to the States. Time wise then it may work out to be the same. I just don't know what to do. It would be so helpful to talk to someone who is from the US that studied in Australia, or if not that, then an Australian nurse who came to the US to work. If you have any advise or a contact for me please let me know. Thanks! Carter

Congratulations! I have been accepted to the nursing program at QUT. I'm trying to decide whether or not to go. If I go I would graduate 10 months earlier than if I stay in the US. The downside is I assume I would have to take some bridge classes in order to be able to pass the NCLEX. Time wise then it may work out to be the same. I just don't know what to do. It would be so helpful to talk to someone who is from the US that studied in Australia. By chance do you have a contact? What would be your general opinion. It's hard to weight the experience against extra studies, however, if I stay in the States I can't start a BN program until January. I've been accepted at QUT for July. Like I mentioned previously if I go to QUT I would graduate approximately 10 Months earlier than staying in the US. Any thoughts or contacts to help me make a decision would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Carter

Thanks for your input suga_junkie.

Joeldew, Thanks for your input. I have been accepted to the nursing program at QUT. I'm trying to decide whether or not to go. If I go I would graduate 10 months earlier than if I stay in the US. The downside is I assume I would have to take some bridge classes in order to be able to pass the NCLEX. Time wise then it may work out to be the same. I just don't know what to do. It would be so helpful to talk to someone who is from the US that studied in Australia, or if not that, then an Australian nurse who came to the US to work. If you have any advise or a contact for me please let me know. Thanks! Carter

Thank you Silverdragon102. Are you Australian or American? I notice you have been practicing a long time. If this doesn't apply to you, do you know an American who studied in Australia that might be willing to talk to me? Thanks! Carter