How to validate your nursing degree in the United States
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The dream of building a new life in the United States is a common desire among many Health professionals. The country offers diverse career opportunities, a dynamic job market and a high quality of life.
To nurses, the outlook is even more promising, with a constant demand for qualified professionals. However, to practice the profession in the US, it is necessary to diploma validation by the competent authorities.
Nurse approved for EB2-NIW to the US in just 4 months
Know how validate nursing degree for USA It is a process that requires attention to several details and can generate doubts regarding the procedures and costs involved.
Thinking about it, the D4U Immigration prepared this Complete Guide to help you at every stage of this journey.
Here you will find the following detailed information about the Nursing Degree Validation Process for the USA:
5 Steps
Basic Requirements
Required documents
Credential Assessment Companies
Estimated costs for each phase of the journey
Type of Visa for Nurses
Main questions about the subject
With this guide you will have a clear view of how to validate your nursing degree and you will be closer to realizing your dream of working in the United States. Keep reading and discover all the information you need to take the next step in your career!
5 Steps to Validating Your Nursing Degree for the US
THE validation of nursing degree in the United States is the process of ensuring that your academic education meets the standards set by North American higher education institutions.
This process is essential so that you can request the nursing license in a given US state and practice the profession legally.
Sending documents: You must send all documents requested by the chosen company, such as diploma, academic transcript, proof of registration with COREN and others.
Document analysis: The company will analyze your documents and issue an evaluation report, which will indicate whether your training is equivalent to North American standards.
Registration with the Board of Nursing: Once your assessment report is issued, you can apply to the Board of Nursing in the state where you wish to work.
NCLEX Exam: Most states require foreign nurses to pass the NCLEX exam (National Council Licensure Examination), which assesses the knowledge and skills of nursing professionals.
Nursing Degree Validation for the United States: Required Documentation
THE required documentation The cost of validating your nursing degree for the United States may vary depending on the credential evaluation agency you choose and the specific state where you intend to practice your profession.
In some cases, a professional reference letter or a letter of good conduct issued by COREN.
Nurse approved for EB2-NIW - US Visa in 7 months
In addition to the specific documents to validate the nursing degree for the USA, to practice the profession in the country, it is also necessary to have:
Passport: Copy of your valid passport;
Birth certificate: Copy of your birth certificate;
Curriculum vitae: A detailed CV in English, highlighting your education and professional experience;
Sworn Translations: It is essential that all documents are translated into English by a certified translator. The list of certified certified translators varies by state;
English Proficiency: In some cases, proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS, may be required.
D4U Immigration was elected in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as the Best Immigration Consultancy in the United States and Latin America, with an approval rate of 99% and more than 11,000 beneficiaries.
Choosing a visa to work as a nurse in the United States depends on several variables, such as your qualifications, experience and the job opportunities you get.
EB-2 Visa: This visa is intended for foreign professionals with advanced skills and experience in the field. It is an excellent option for nurses with a postgraduate degree or significant experience and a job offer from an American employer.
EB-2 NIW Visa: A category within EB-2 that allows professionals with exceptional skills and academic backgrounds to apply for permanent residency without the need for a specific job offer.
H-1B Visa: This visa is intended for foreign workers in occupations that require higher education. It is an option for nurses who receive a job offer from an employer in the US. It is important to emphasize that this is a temporary visa.
Understand what the EB2-NIW Visa Requirements — an excellent option for professionals with a solid academic and professional background who wish to immigrate to the United States.
Nurse approved for EB-2 NIW to the USA
Nurses with more than 5 years of experience and exceptional skills may qualify for a Green Card — a permanent resident card in the United States, which allows a foreigner to live and work legally in the country.
Steps to obtain a work visa
Diploma validation: Submit your nursing degree for evaluation by an accredited agency.
Passing the NCLEX-RN: Take and pass the nursing proficiency exam.
Finding a job: Search for job opportunities in hospitals, clinics or other healthcare institutions in the USA.
Recruitment and visa application: Your employer will sponsor your work visa and begin the petition process.
Consular interview: You will be interviewed at an American consulate to complete the process.
THE D4U Immigration can help you throughout this journey, from validating your diploma to obtaining a work visa. Contact our immigration experts for more information.
D4U Immigration: Your Partner on Your Journey to the USA
D4U Immigration is a Specialized Immigration Consulting, which offers comprehensive support for nurses who want to validate their diplomas and build a new career in the United States.
Our services include:
Guidance on the diploma validation process
Assistance in choosing a credential assessment company
NCLEX Exam Preparation
Assistance in obtaining a work visa
Immigration advice
Top Questions (FAQ) about nursing in the USA
To clarify all points about how to validate a nursing degree for the United States, we have highlighted the main questions on the subject that we have received from countless candidates served by D4U Immigration over the years. Check them out below:
1. I am a nurse in Brazil, can I work in the USA?
Yes, Brazilian nurses can work in the United States. To do this, you need to follow a diploma validation process and get the nursing license to practice the profession. This process involves evaluating your diploma, passing an English proficiency exam, and passing the NCLEX-RN.
2. How do I know if my diploma is valid in the USA?
To find out if your diploma is valid in the US, you need to submit it to a credentials assessment by a recognized agency, such as the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). This agency will compare your degree to U.S. nursing education standards.
3. How much does it cost to validate a diploma in the USA?
The cost of diploma validation varies depending on the agency chosen and the services contracted. In addition to the agency fees, you will need to pay for certified translation of documents, document shipping and other administrative fees.
The cost of the NCLEX exam also varies depending on the state in which you intend to take the exam. It is important to check the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website (NCSBN) for the most up-to-date pricing information.
5. What is on the NCLEX test?
The NCLEX is a comprehensive exam that assesses the knowledge and skills essential for nursing practice. The questions cover a variety of areas, including:
patient health care
patient safety
nursing process
pharmacology
mental health
among others.
You can consult the Free NCLEX Prep Guide on the official website of the institution responsible for administering the exam.
6. How to pass the NCLEX?
To pass the NCLEX, it is essential to study diligently and use specific study materials for the exam. There are several preparation courses available, both in person and online — as indicated in the previous question.
Additionally, it is important to practice with simulations to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
7. What are the costs involved in Validating a Nursing Degree for the United States?
The costs of the nursing degree validation process for the United States may vary depending on the company chosen and the services contracted.
In addition to the costs of the credentials evaluation, you will be required to pay the following: Board of Nursing registration fees and the NCLEX exam fees.
9. How long does the Nursing Degree Validation process take for the United States?
The time it takes to complete the diploma validation process can vary, but it usually takes a few months. It is important to start the process early to avoid delays.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse salaries in the United States can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as:
Specialty: Pediatric nursing, intensive care, oncological, etc.
Experience: More experienced professionals tend to earn more.
Location: Areas with a higher cost of living generally offer higher salaries.
Institution size: Larger hospitals may offer better pay.
Additional certifications: Specializations can increase market value.
That said, the average salary for nurses in some of the US states (in US dollars and in alphabetical order) is:
Alabama: US$72,000
Alaska: US$103.000
Arkansas: US$78,000
California: US$133,000
Colorado: US$94,000
Connecticut: US$99,000
Delaware: US$96,000
Florida: US$68,000
Georgia: US$69,000
Hawaii: US$113.000
Illinois: US$92,000
Indian: US$85,000
Iowa: US$83,000
Kansas: US$81,000
Kentucky: US$75,000
Louisiana: US$77,000
Maryland: US$97,000
Massachusetts: US$104.000
Michigan: US$87,000
Minnesota: US$91.000
Mississippi: US$73,000
Missouri: US$82,000
Nebraska: US$80,000
Nevada: US$93,000
New Hampshire: US$90,000
New Jersey: US$98,000
New York: US$100,000
North Carolina: US$70,000
North Dakota: US$64,000
Ohio: US$86,000
Oklahoma: US$79,000
Oregon: US$106.000
Pennsylvania: US$88,000
Rhode Island: US$95,000
South Carolina: US$71,000
South Dakota: US$65,000
Tennessee: US$74,000
Texas: US$76,000
Vermont: US$89,000
Virginia: US$67,000
Washington: US$102.000
West Virginia: US$66,000
Wisconsin: US$84,000
Wyoming: US$63,000
The national average salary for nurses in the United States is approximately US$$73,300 per year.
Salaries can vary significantly within each state, depending on the city, type of institution, and specialty.
Disclaimer: D4U is not a law firm and does not practice law in the State Of Florida. This means that some services/protections, like the attorney-client privilege, may be different from those you could get from a law firm. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected].
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