Transfer from H1b to Nursing school..PLEASE HELP

[abhi4u]

Dear experts, forum users and seniors,

I am interested in nursing and willing to take courses for associate degree. I came to USA for my masters and applied for H1 and currently working for company on the same. But now I want to change my field and want to join nursing. How advisable is to join back a school for associate degree in nursing?. As far as I know I am not eligible for OPT after associate degree and how hard it is to find a employer who can take me back on H1. I do not need a quota for going back on H1 if I find a suitable employer after getting degree because I have still H1 period left and if I can find a employer who can take back is enough. I know it will take good 3 years to get degree including prerequisites. How well be the job market for a Registered Nurse after 3 years? I see many agencies saying there will a good shortage or RN in USA in next 10 years. How much can I believe these news. Can anyone please help in degrading this questions?

Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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Abhi

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

The issue i think will be finding a H1b employer as we are definitely seeing less and less due to the US job situation (who can predict how it would be in 3 years) and as a new grad you would not meet the H1b requirements on ADN as you need BSN plus H1b is specialised which as a new grad you will not be

[abhi4u]

Thank you for your reply Silverdragon102 . Yes when we cannot predict next 3 months doing it for next 3 yrs is tough. I was sure that I will not get OPT after ASN because I already used my OPT from masters in different field. But When I approached a attorney she said I might have chances because this is different field for study in different degree like ASN (other than masters) there are chances of me getting OPT and she is checking eligibility for it. Can work on OPT after ASN and RN?. If I could not find any job in first 6 months after ASN (and on my OPT status) I will then join for BSN and complete the degree. Will I be then able to work on my previous H1 which I left and join nursing (provided if I find employer then)?

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Thanks in advance

Abhi

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

But wouldn't you be under a F1 visa? So how can you work under your previous H1 when you're considered under F1 since you're studying nursing. Also there are some restrictions under the F1 visa.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

I really think this is something you will have to think about nearer the time when things immigration wise may be different (may not as retrogression has already lasted since Oct 06 and many US nurses are struggling to find work)

H1b is a specialist and 6 months experience I seriously doubt would make you specialised.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

You will not be eligible for H1B visa (specialist professional) after finishing associates degree. You must have a minimum of a bachelor degree, and the job must require at least a bachelor degree. Most nursing jobs don't. Plus, you need advanced or specialty experience which you won't have.