Nursing is one of the most sought after profession among international students because of the global demand for nursing services in the healthcare sector. Students who choose to Study Nursing in USA will have the opportunity to study in state-of-the-art clinical facilities and be trained by great teachers.
Students who want to build their future in Nursing can find some of the most advanced courses in the United States of America which will help them build a solid nursing foundation. Students can opt for undergraduate nursing courses as well as postgraduate courses according to their earlier educational standing.
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Benefits of Studying Nursing in USA
There are several benefits for international students who choose to acquire their nursing training in the United States of America. The following are the many reasons why students choose to study nursing in USA:
- Students will have the opportunity to be trained in modern health facilities with access to state-of-the-art equipment which will enhance their learning.
- Studying Nursing in the United States will offer the student the opportunity to meet, interact and learn from people from various race, ethnicity, religion and educational background.
- There is job security for nursing graduates in the United States of America.
- There are career development opportunities for nursing graduates in the United States.
- There is high demand for nursing professionals globally especially those who are trained in the United States.
- There is competitive compensation offer for nursing professionals in the United States.
Admission Requirements for Study Nursing in the United States
As an international student or a domestic student, you will need to meet some of the admission requirements of the host institution for you to be admitted to study a certain nursing program in the USA. Some of the programs include Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Accelerated BSN Programs, etc.
Some of the requirements include:
- Applicants applying for undergraduate nursing offer must have completed their secondary education and have obtained minimum credit passes in all relevant subjects.
- If you are applying for a master’s degree in nursing, you must have completed your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with a good grade.
- International applicants must have cleared an English language proficiency test like TOEFL, IELTS, etc.
- Some universities may ask that applicants present GRE/GMAT scores.
The following are some of the supporting documents that should be submitted while applying for a Nursing course in a United States’ university:
- Official Academic Records
- Recent CV or Resume
- Two Reference letters
- Statement of Purpose
- Proof of Financial Resources
- A copy of your passport.
- English Language Test Score
See Also: Top Tuition-Free Nursing Schools for Students to Study Abroad
Top Nursing Universities in the USA
The United States is known to be the home for some of the best universities in the world because of the high education and learning standards of its educational system. This section will list some of the top universities in the USA for nursing studies.
|
Name of the College/University |
QS World University Rankings |
THE World University Rankings |
|
13 |
14 |
|
|
24 |
15 |
|
|
University of Washington |
80 |
26 |
|
18 |
9 |
|
|
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill |
102 |
69 |
Cost of Studying Nursing in USA
The cost of enrolling for a nursing course in the United States of America is mostly divided into tuition fees, academic supplies and cost of living. The tuition fees for nursing courses in US universities varies between 12,930 and 80,000 USD per annum and can reach as high as 120,000 USD depending on the program, university and location.
The Table below gives a summary of the average cost of nursing studies and compares the cost based on the program of study.
| Type of Nursing Program | Minimum Cost | Average | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $4,000 | $8,000 to $12,000 | $28,000 |
| ADN-RN | $12,000 | $18,000 to $25,000 | $35,000 |
| BSN-RN | $40,000 | $40,000 to $80,000 | $120,000 |
| APRN | $63,000 | $63,000-$100,000 | $200,000 |
Keep in mind that these numbers are based on US averages, and may not reflect the total cost of a nursing degree including books, travel, etc.
Funding Opportunities
As an international student, the cost of funding nursing degrees can be quite scary especially to those who are from low-income countries. However, there are some funding options available for such students to take advantage of. Some of them include:
- School Financial Aid: Many schools offer financial assistance directly to their students through various schemes. This aid is often awarded based on the amount of assistance a student needs and their financial situation. Have in mind that you will have to declare your income, the income of your parents/guardians, etc.
- Student Loans: Student loans can be applied through the student’s bank or their state. It is often advised to take student loans only if it is necessary and to avoid taking out a student line of credit from the bank as you may have to pay interest on it. Government loans are often more lenient with interest when dealing with students.
- Scholarships: There are several nursing scholarships which students can take advantage of to actualize their academic dreams and are usually awarded based on merit. Some schools offer partial scholarships to fully funded scholarships depending on the program a student is enrolled in. Students should research on the various scholarship offer that are available to them and also learn how to apply for scholarships.