UK or USA training/average cost of accelerated BSN

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Hi,

I am currently looking into accelerated nursing programs in both the USA and the UK. I am a British Citizen but married to an American citizen so I am lucky enough to be able to have two options of places to study nursing. The nursing programs in the USA look excellent, however the nursing courses in the UK come highly recommended also.

The course available in the UK would be funded so I would not have to pay. When I search the USA university website it can difficult to find the exact cost of the accelerated nursing program - can anyone give me an average cost and, if known, the cost of some of the cheapest courses?

At this stage it would seem more logical to undertake the funded course in the UK, however, can a UK trained nurse work in the USA in future (with 1-2 years post grad experience?) Is it difficult to gain employment if a UK trained nurse? One day I would like to undertake a Nursing Masters program in the USA - do they usually accept British trained nurses?

Any opinions on best route to take would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your time

sbpart

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Costs for nursing school vary widely in the US. What state do you want to move to? Also consider you'll be required to meet residency requirements in order to avoid higher tuition rates if you're going to a state university. If you're moving from overseas, you might have to pay international tuition rates, which can be nearly triple regular tuition rates.

So, narrow down the area where you're going to reside, find some programs in that area and then contact the admissions department of each nursing program to find out exactly what you're looking at in terms of tuition & fees. Don't just look at tuition. Many nursing courses have fees that cost more than the tuition.

Also, if you want to be in an accelerated program in the US, you need to have a Bachelor's Degree in any field, plus the pre-reqs completed before you can apply. Otherwise, you'll have to go the traditional route.

As far as getting in to a Masters program with British education, again, each individual institution has its own policy. You'll need to contact admissions at each school you're considering.

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Oops, also forgot to add, as far as working in the US if you're trained in the UK: you'll need to contact the State Board of Nursing to see the requirements that need to be fulfilled before you can work in the US as a nurse.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Accelerated degrees aren't accepted in the UK

UK nursing degrees are not accepted in the US as they are specialty (adult, child, psych, ID, midwife) whereas US & Canada are generalist trained requiring theory & clinical in adult, maternal/OB, psych, pedi & geriatrics. Most US programs do not meet UK standards for clinical hours, especially accelerated BSN programs.

Basically if you wish to work in the US you should train in the US. If you wish to work in the UK train in the UK that way your education & training will meet the standards of the country you wish to practice.

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Sorry this is so delayed but wanted to say big thanks for the replies! Lots to think about and many decisions to make, thanks for the advice!

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On 2/25/2014 at 9:18 PM, JustBeachyNurse said:

Accelerated degrees aren't accepted in the UK

UK nursing degrees are not accepted in the US as they are specialty (adult, child, psych, ID, midwife) whereas US & Canada are generalist trained requiring theory & clinical in adult, maternal/OB, psych, pedi & geriatrics. Most US programs do not meet UK standards for clinical hours, especially accelerated BSN programs.

Basically if you wish to work in the US you should train in the US. If you wish to work in the UK train in the UK that way your education & training will meet the standards of the country you wish to practice.

Hello, I searched and found this post. Are you sure accelerated BSN in the US is not recognized in the UK? I am just about to study an Accelerated BSN in the US and worried about getting a job in the US due to nationality. Then I thought about doing an Accelerated BSN first in the US and then applied for a job in the UK because visa processing time is shorter in the UK. I have been searching this information everywhere. Could you please give me more details? Thank you a lot! I am very worried. Back in a bit, is a US accelerated BSN accepted by the UK as a nurse associate rather than an RN? I mean if I lowered my goal to equated the Accelerated BSN to a nurse aide in the UK, is it possible? tHANK YOU!!

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