Want to become a nurse in Maryland, need advices!

[kanv]

Hi all,

I am a new comer and want to know more about nursing career in the States. First of all, I have to get the license. Here is my situation:

I was a registered nurse in Hong Kong and moved to Maryland in Dec., 2006. I had applied the examination packet in Oct., 2006 and followed the steps to apply the credential evaluation from CGFNS. I got the credential evaluation report (applicant copy) in April 2008. I plan to take the nursing licensure examination this year.

I learned from the website of MBON that I have to reapply the examination packet because it expired already. However, I want to ask

1. should I take the English test after I receive the packet or could I take it now?

2. do I take either TOEFL iBT or TSE?

3. will the application period be extended if I can't pass English Test within one year?

4. is the credential evaluation report from CGFNS still valid? Or should I apply the credential evaluation again?

I've sent emails to MBON for the above questions but there is no reply from them. Just curious to know whether they will reply any inquiries.

I also want to ask which English test TOEFL, TSE or ILA-OPI, is easier for a nonnative English speaker?

Could anyone give me some advices on the above inquiries.

[suzanne4, RN]

They will not accept your application for licensure and permit you to test for the NCLEX until you actually pass the English exams. They do not make any exceptions to this rule. The application is only good for one year for them and they will not extend the period. Best to pass the English before even applying thru them.

Your CES report should still be valid provided that you have not gone on with your schooling or have been licensed as an RN anywhere else.

If TOEFL, the you are going to need to complete the iBT series, the others are old. You will need to check on their website to see if they are accepting the IELTS series; if they are, then you will need the academic branch with the speaking section.

TSE is just the speaking section for the TOEFL exam and is no longer offered on its own like this, it is part of the iBT.

I always prefer the IELTS for those that are from SE Asia, but you will need to check to see if they accept it. States are always making changes to their requirements as to what they will accept and not accept.

You were actually lucky that the CES report was issued if you had it done for Maryland, CGFNS now requires that one has the English done if a state requires it before they will issue the actual CES report.

Best of luck to you.

[kanv]

Thank you for your advice.

I'll check on the ETS site for the English tests.

[suzanne4, RN]

ETS is only for the TOEFL exam, they will not have anything about the IELTS exam. Check directly with Maryland to see what is on their site as far as what they will accept.

[kanv]

Thanks again.