Studied Abroad - How do I transfer my credentials?

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Hey everyone,

I just signed up with this forum and so far so good. Anyways, I am a US Citizen, born and raised in Texas. I moved to India in 2008. I recently graduated and just recieved all of my certificates, provisional degree and documents that allows me to be an RN in India. However, I will not be working in India at all, I am trying to figure out how can I transfer everything to the California Nursing Counsil. Please help me on what I need to do. So far I have:

1. Breakdown of Educational Program for International Nursing Program

2. All 4 years marks card (in English "transcript")

3. Provisional Degree (Allows me to work in India)

I have read a lot on how foriegners can transfer their credentials to the US, but not Americans that studied abroad. I am trying to come back to the states as soon as possible, thanks for the support!

- Shawn

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I am sure that the experts will wade in here very soon & provide you with the specific information you need. But, based on my own knowledge (friend is American expat with foreign degree), your citizenship means you don't have to deal with all the immigration 'stuff', but will not make a difference in the licensure process. You still have to complete the same steps as any other foreign grad.

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Thanks for the reply HouTx. I'm from Houston as well, and I think you are right. From what I have learned online that there is a special process for "foreign graduates". So yeah, I am not entirely clear where I should start, however, the plan is to send my sealed documents to the nursing board in California where they accept CP RNs from international schools.

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Specializes in ICU, step down, dialysis.

Moved to Nurse Registration for best response.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You need to apply to the CA BON first.They will let you know what you need to send.

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That's actually what I am doing, but should I apply first and mail them my documents? Tomorrow I am sealing my documents and mailing it to CA board, and then fly back to Houston to do the fingerprint and registration.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Check with the BON first. CA is notorious for their strict requirements on IEN's

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You can't just mail them stuff. You have to apply and find out what they want and how they want it.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Were you told to mail them your documents???? If not, I'd hold onto them until you get further, specific directions!!!

Don't risk getting your documents lost - California is a BIG state, and from what I've read here on AN with a not-too-friendly and accommodating BON.

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Alright, good to know.. So I need to apply first as an International Nurse and then find out what to do. The problem is, if I am applying as an American, I would have to apply, then fly to the states and Register myself and then fly back to India to get my University to mail my documents. I should call them

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

What do you mean by "register yourself?"

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I was told to mail them to Rn BON in Sacramento

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