Studying nursing in the USA from UK

[Britishnursestudent]

Hey,

I am a prospective student from the UK looking into studying in the states as I prefer the degree programs, and I am also likely to end up moving permanently.

I have experience as a nursing assistant (PCT) in a world renowned children's hospital, along with a vocational course in nursing competencies. My GPA has been calculated at 3.8, however these exams were taken 5 years ago. I am planning on sitting my SAT's and ACT in October 2017.

I'm really just looking for some advice in how to make my application as competitive as possible and whether there are any other international students out there that could offer guidance on how to present a good application.

Also, what would you all say the basic requirements are in submitting an application for the BSN?

Cheers! :) x

[shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP]

To start with, go to the websites of the nursing schools you are interested in. The admission requirements are right there. You will have to complete all the prerequisite courses with the best grades possible. Other things that can help you stand out are your healthcare experience, volunteer experience, and so forth. Most reputable nursing schools also require you to write essays, so get some people you trust to read your essays and give you feedback. You can also call or email schools you are interested in and ask to speak with someone about international admissions. Good luck!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

and ascertain whether the school and nursing program accepts international students. Many do not. Be prepared to spend 2-4x the tuition and fees of a citizen plus there rare financial requirements of a student visa.

[Britishnursestudent]

Thanks for your response! I'm so glad you bought up prerequisites. In the UK degrees programs are very different. Im a bit confused about prerequisites, from my current understanding prospective students enrol to the university, then once accepted enrol to the nursing program and start their BSN. Is that not how it usually works? Sorry to seem really silly, I just don't have limited knowledge on how the USA schooling system works and a lot of information I have read up is conflicting.

[FutureNurseInfo]

Thanks for your response! I'm so glad you bought up prerequisites. In the UK degrees programs are very different. Im a bit confused about prerequisites, from my current understanding prospective students enrol to the university, then once accepted enrol to the nursing program and start their BSN. Is that not how it usually works? Sorry to seem really silly, I just don't have limited knowledge on how the USA schooling system works and a lot of information I have read up is conflicting.

Before anyone can be accepted into an actual nursing/RN program, an applicant should complete ALL the required pre-req courses (like A&P 1 and 2, Micro, Chemistry/Organic Chemistry, Psych, and many more), pass entrance exams (some schools do not require them), letters of recommendations (for some schools) and other requirements. Such requirements vary from school to school, so it is very important for you to research school you wish to apply to and follow through each step of the application process, including completing the requires courses. Once you have done all that, apply to the nursing programs, and wait!

[shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP]

US News and World Report magazine publishes rankings of top nursing schools. You can start there. Here is a website that lists all nursing schools in the USA: List of Nursing Schools in USA, RN Schools, Colleges & Universities, address, phone numbers in usa

Pick some schools that look interesting to you and go to their websites - they are very clear and specific about the admissions requirements for both domestic and international students. Here are some nursing schools that you can check out: Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, University of Maryland School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), University of San Diego, San Diego State University, University of Pennsylvania. If you go to a public university or college, you will pay more than a US citizen. You must complete your nursing prereq's before you start nursing school and usually before you submit your application - again, check the website. The prereq's are pretty standard for all schools: Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, Nutrition, Algebra, Statistics, evidence of an advanced level writing course, Chemistry, etc. You can take your prereq's at any school, including community colleges or university extension programs, as long as they meet the requirements (some classes must have a lab component). Again, pick a school that looks good to you and call or email them! Most are happy to talk to you and answer your questions. The website usually has a way to be added to their email list and then you can emailed when they have webinars and information sessions. Good luck