Want a BSN in Philippines

World Philippines

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Hi, all:

I'm in a bit of dilemma. I'm a U.S. citizen aspiring to be a nurse here in the States, but I think I've finally hit my dead end. The original plan was to accomplish an Associates Degree in Nursing in a local community college -- cheaper and faster. My pre-reqs are all finished. All I need is entrance to an ADN program. In terms of transoportation I can only commute to a certain distance from home, as I won't have any means to transport myself. So that limits me to a few schools within the area. Unfortunately, two of those schools deem my science pre-reqs GPA too low :crying2:, and this other school that I've applied to for three semesters (to no avail) is ridiculously impacted :mad:. I've thought about doing the LVN route but I can barely get a class now, as I've already maxed out my welcome at community college (I have two Associate Degrees). In addition, I'm not qualified for aid anymore, as there's a limit of units taken... obviously I've maxed out obtaining my two Associates plus my RN pre requisites.

I've thought about going to private schools... but they're just too expensive and their credits don't seem to transfer over to alot of schools. I looked up an LVN program from this one private school and it cost around $30,000 :eek: :down:! Seriously?! An LVN program for 30k doesn't sound like it's worth it. And with the current state that the U.S. is in (US fresh RN grads having difficult time finding a job), I think I'd become very anxious with a debt like that without even a guarantee of employment. Then I checked the BSN programs here, and I checked out. I can't afford that. And it would take me a very long time.

Here I am, so discouraged and wondering if I've just wasted my time schooling just to hit a freakin' wall :uhoh3:. one of my science pre-reqs is in danger of reaching its 5-year recency (which most community colleges' limit). I can't support myself yet. I do want to become a nurse, but it's so challenging and competitve. I don't want to think that I endured those science classes for nothing. I'd like to see them be of use. So now I've come to the conclusions that I should get my BSN in nursing in the Philippines.

Now I've been reading alot on this topic and read what the naysayers have said (cons). But perhaps things are different now in the Philippines (?). I'm a bit aware of the retrogression issue, though I'm not sure how this would apply to me being a U.S. citizen. The education is cheaper and there are good schools out there. I just really want that BSN! :crying2: Are there any U.S. citizens out there who took this option? If so, what can you tell me about the experience?

Here are my questions:

1. Would it be better for me to obtain Student Visa or Dual-Citizenship?

2. Are there any negative effects with having a dual citizenship?

3. Considering my two Associates degrees, will all the classes I've taken be credited, thus making my class load lighter (or i can finish BSN in 2-3 years)?

4. If I took the dual citizenship route, will I still be required to take the Boards in Philippines, even if I intend to work in the Sates?

5. With just a student Visa, will my tuition rate be more expensive than the locals'?

6. Will having an MSN in Philippines make a significant impact when one wants to work in the States?

7. To U.S. citizens, did they have to make you attend relgious studies, CAT/ROTC classes in Philippines?

8. Which RN schools should I stay away from? And which are reputable by American standards?

I'm desperate, y'all. Please give me some helpful answers. Thanks.

I already inquired at different schools and all you will need is to show your transcripts so that they can determine which classes that you've taken in the U.S. will be given credits...where do you plan to study???

(i don't know how to use the PM on this forum as well)...

anyway, i'll keep on checking your post....

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Hey, maxmus. I think I'm planning to study schools in the visayas area. So when is your target date to study in Manila? And you're a 2ndcourser, yes? I've heard (but I could be wrong) Philippines have done away with 2nd courser programs, and all will have to start back from scratch (btw, can any expert confirm if this is correct?). I really hope I'm wrong, as I don't want to have to repeat all of the classes I've taken. Most of my friends there did suggest that whatever school I plan to go, should be more than willing to credit the subjects I've taken considering it's from an American college.

So what about you? What's the status of your evaluation? Did your target schools give you credit for classes you've taken in Canada?

Btw, if you are going by this route, too, I'd assume it's pretty competitive, complicated, and difficult to get into nursing schools there? How are things in Canada, as far as applying to nursing schools, employment for nurses, and employment of foreign-trained nurses?

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I'm sorry but I'm from California. Yes, credits were given to most of the courses I've taken. Where in the Visayas are you going to study? Schools do require 5 years as from what I heard. Yes, I'm a 2nd courser and therefore don't have to spend that long there. I hope that I can finish all documents required from the embassy so that I can start soon.

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I'm sorry but I'm from California. Yes, credits were given to most of the courses I've taken. Where in the Visayas are you going to study? Schools do require 5 years as from what I heard. Yes, I'm a 2nd courser and therefore don't have to spend that long there. I hope that I can finish all documents required from the embassy so that I can start soon.

Oh, my bad. So you're from Cali, I see. Same here. What was your reason for wanting to do it in the Phils? If you already have your Bachelors, the new criteria system for most community colleges (ADN) should merit you for that along with your prereqs and TEAs scores. But anyway, when did u start with your embassy requirements and how far along r u, as I'd like 2 get an idea of the time-frame so I can get my stuff done, too. And will u b doing dual citizenship? And do you have any idea what kind of entrance test you'll b taking in Phils?

Yes, the new curriculum is 5 years in Phils, but a friend told me that some schools are finding ways to circumvent that by sacrificing their schools' summer breaks (I've heard 3 summers, so at least u get 2 keep the last 1 for urself. hehe). I'm still doing a canvas of schools (preferably the prestigious ones) right now and am applying to a few rn schools in cali for the spring opening, with the hopes that this time around, I'll get accepted so I don't have 2 go 2 Phils (leaving my family, jumping through hoops as a foreign-trained nurse, etc...). But we gotta do what we have 2 do, right.

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Hey i sent friend requests to the both of you. I am in the EXACT same position as both of you as well as being from San Diego, Ca. My dad is retired in the phillipines and offered for me to stay with him while I attend St. Cabrini's. Its ranked 4 or something in the nation and had alot of prestige given to it- (according to my dad). It seems its too costly to attend classes here and Id rather spend my time now while I have the opportunity to study and finish my degree. My question to both of you- When we all graduate, (i know things might and prob will change) whats the procedure to coming back to work in Cali? I hear well have to jump hoops of course but at least we have our degrees... but what EXACTLY are those hoops, do you know? Anyways get back to me when you can

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hey i sent friend requests to the both of you. I am in the EXACT same position as both of you as well as being from San Diego, Ca. My dad is retired in the phillipines and offered for me to stay with him while I attend St. Cabrini's. Its ranked 4 or something in the nation and had alot of prestige given to it- (according to my dad). It seems its too costly to attend classes here and Id rather spend my time now while I have the opportunity to study and finish my degree. My question to both of you- When we all graduate, (i know things might and prob will change) whats the procedure to coming back to work in Cali? I hear well have to jump hoops of course but at least we have our degrees... but what EXACTLY are those hoops, do you know? Anyways get back to me when you can

All requirements will be on the BRN website (link can be found at the bottom of the page) however things may differ now to then when you complete your training

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Specializes in Sub acute.

Gosh....I'm totally in the same situation. I'm also planning to attend a BSN program in the Phil, but i just don't know where to start. Have u found a school that's willing to accept your credits from Cali? I'm from Sacramento and the nursing program here is so impacted.

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Try New England College, 40 Quezon avenue Quezon city. nec.edu.ph Their website Ain't updated though

I am one of their product. When I was studying there I had classmates who were from California and other states who were already LPN's and finishing their BSN degree at the College. Their Lectures were all pure online and the time that I got to be classmates with them were during our clinical exposures. The students from CA and other states were all given full credits for the courses (subjects) that they took in the US. I think the current group of foreign students are at Batch 5.

Some of the students were US army and navy nurses. :yeah:

International students outnumber the local students at the school.

I graduated and reviewed at NEC for my local NLE and I am proud that I made it with flying colors. By the way, I was an international student in the US - (NY) studying a different major , NEC credited all of my subjects, plus they allowed me to fully load on subjects as long as I sign a waiver. The waiver is for you to agree that yes you advanced a subject while taking the prerequisite subject, but if you fail the prerequisite then you fail the advanced subject as well. So, if you want to finish your NSG education ASAP, then I guess it is doable but sacrifice on your social life is a must.:up:

For international students with an Associates degree I think your path is easier since all of the lectures will be online and you only come to the Philippines for 2-3 months to finish your cases. That's what I was informed by the US students ... Please contact the school to be accurate. The admin is very helpful. :yeah:

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((((((((((((HELP)))))))))))))))

In regards with the acquisition of a Dual Citizenship, will there be any negative consequences with that in the long run? I mean, as far as reaching a certain age (25)? because I've heard some cases that a person who's dual reaches 25 yrs of age... the US notifies them to pick one citizenship over the other, so I'm kinda worried if this applies to Philippines... or does it not? Has anybody ever been dual with philippines to study abroad and was 25 yrs of age or over and not experience this kind of prompt from the US embassy (that u have to pick 1 citizenship over the other)?

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Hello! I am a US Graduated RN.

Just wanted to make a friendly reminder to US people thinking to go to the PI to skip the competitiveness of the USA.

I have 2 examples:

1. A former US high school classmate of mine decided she would go to the PI to study her BSN. She returned to the US in hopes of passing the NCLEX-RN. Unfortunately, after 4+ years and multiple times trying to pass the exam, she became a LVN instead.

2. A US relative thought she could become a Doctor in the PI, to return here to become a RN. In short, that didn't pan out and she now works as a clerk.

***I have yet to hear of a successful US person going to the PI to study nursing and come back to the US as a RN.

I am not trying to be discouraging. But when there are a lot of red flags, such as your family warning you that it is potentially useless.

I would listen.

https://www.ncsbn.org/1237.htm

Check out this link that shows the relationship between type of education/location and passing the NCLEX-RN.

The statistics do not lie.

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The passing rate of NCLEX by foreign RNs has a lot of factors in place and only one of which is the quality of education. Bear in mind that if the education has not been determined to meet minimum standards for the USA then they would not be permitted to take NCLEX in the first place.

Factors include the comprehension of English as well as the delay between graduation or registration and taking NCLEX.

Lag time studies by NCSBN and CGFNS have proven this lag time issue to be the largest single factor since foreign nurses must undergo years of processes before taking NCLEX (Local licensing, fulfilling state requirements, then finally the actual licensure application and then taking NCLEX).

NY state, for example, takes approximately 18 - 24 months for a foreign RN to become eligible and be able to schedule for the NCLEX exam. Imagine a US graduate waiting 2 years to take NCLEX and consider the chances of his/her passing the exam.

For US citizens planning to come to the Philippines to study nursing there are a few things to keep in mind.

Some states DEMAND a local license in the country where you were educated. In the case of the Philippines you will not be permitted to become licensed as a non-citizen, therefore it will limit your ability to work in the USA if you do not have a local license in states such as IL and TX.

NOT ALL COLLEGES ARE CREATED EQUAL.

Review PRC's list of top nursing colleges ranked by the % of nurses who pass the local board. The top ten list from there will dramatically narrow down your selection process for which one you should attend to ensure that you have a quality education.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I find on average it takes 4-6 months for most states to process application. New York appears to take on average 6-8 months. I haven't heard of any waiting longer than 12 months to obtain eligibility from New York to sit NCLEX

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