Are you an international nurse aspiring to practice in the United States? If so, this blog post is your guide to becoming a registered nurse, walking you through each essential step and the NCLEX requirements for international nurses!
What is the NCLEX-RN?
If you’re an international nurse aspiring to practice in the United States, you must prepare to take the NCLEX-RN examination. The NCLEX-RN examination is a standardized, proctored test that assesses your ability in delivering safe client care, as expected of a competent registered nurse.
Unlike most other examinations, the NCLEX uses computer adaptive testing (CAT) to tailor the type of questions you receive based on your performance. In other words, the more you get right, the harder the questions! You can expect the NCLEX to cover a wide range of nursing skills and knowledge you’ll use throughout your career, from birth to old age.
Who is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN?
In order to have the opportunity to take the NCLEX-RN exam, you must have received a nursing degree equivalent to an associates or bachelor’s program in the United States. A credentials review agency is responsible for reviewing your nursing degree. The review agency consists of highly trained professionals, many of which are nurses.
This process can be lengthy because the agency requires original transcripts, syllabi or course descriptions, clinical hours, diplomas, and disciplinary actions (if applicable) sent from your institution (not you!). For more information and an example of a report, check out the NCBSN website!
What are my requirements for registering for the NCLEX-RN?
Like all candidates seeking to take the NCLEX-RN, you must submit federal fingerprint checks and disclose any felonies, misdemeanors, or plea agreements (if applicable). Assessment of felonies, misdemeanors, or plea agreements are a case-by-case basis completed by the board of nursing. You must also disclose any substance use disorder in the last five years. If so, you may be required to complete a substance use evaluation to determine safe practice.
In addition to taking the NCLEX-RN examination, you may be required to complete an English proficiency exam. The English proficiency exam evaluates your reading, speaking, listening and writing skills in English. However, if English is your native language and the nursing school you attended used English textbooks, you may be exempt. If you have questions about this exam, reach out to your state board of nursing.
Do I need to physically take the NCLEX-RN in the U.S.?
If you can’t take the NCLEX in the continental U.S., don’t fret! The NCLEX is also offered internationally in the following locations:
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- England
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- India
- Japan
- Mexico
- Philippines
- Puerto Rico (U.S. territory)
- Taiwan
How do I practice as an RN in the U.S.?
Besides receiving approval from the credentials review agency and taking the NCLEX-RN examination, there are a number of other steps that must be completed in order to practice in the United States.
Visa Process
The visa process can be lengthy and time consuming! Make sure you start planning early and follow the following steps:
1. Health care worker certification
According to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, all international health care workers must complete a comprehensive screening process before being able to practice in the United States.
2. Employee sponsor
In order to practice, you must have a designated employer willing to sponsor your job. In many cases, this is done through a recruitment agency. In order to be your sponsor, your employer of choice is required to complete the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) Form I-140.
3. Social Security Number
Some states require a social security number before issuing a nursing license. Oftentimes, you can apply for a social security number along with your visa. However, if you did not apply for a social security number with your visa, no problem! You can visit your local social security office for assistance. Keep in mind, they will require you to bring your immigration documents, documents confirming identity and age, and a Social Security Form SS-5.
If you do not have a social security number and would still like to obtain a nursing license, reach out to your state board of nursing for other options. Certain states require an exemption form to be completed.
So, what’s next? Prepping for the NCLEX!
Once you’ve officially sent in all your U.S. nursing license application documents—big high five! 👏 That administrative stuff is out of the way, which means it’s time to zero in on the NCLEX prep. This exam is the necessary step to getting your nursing license and kicking off your career.
That’s where Blueprint Nursing can help! We would love to be a part of your journey from start to finish!
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