Last Updated on October 28, 2024
Healthcare is a noble and prestigious university, and nursing is integral to it. Colleges of nursing in USA can be challenging but equally rewarding regarding quality education and future work experiences. These colleges have widespread popularity among all study abroad, aspirants due to increased emphasis on preventive care, the surge in chronic conditions and the demand for healthcare facilities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for resident nurses is expected to grow by 7% by 2029. Intakes generally occur either during fall, which is August or September or during spring, which is in January. Sometimes, even a summer intake in USA from May to June takes place.
Why Nursing in USA?
Nursing in USA is one of the most sought-after courses among students all over the world. This is because of the following reasons-
- 2 year nursing program in USA for international students is available
- The US healthcare sector is one of the 5 most trusted ones globally
- Flexible jobs of either working as a part-time or a full-time nurse
- In-demand course with a plethora of opportunities available right after completion of studies
- Outstanding salaries ranging from INR 3,039 per hour
- a wide variety of courses like ~ Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Health care policy, nutrition, ethics, psychology, biology etc
- specialisations include Clinical services operation, Nursing informatics, Anaesthesia, Adult-Gerontology, Acute care nursing and paediatric nursing
Top Universities & Fees for Nursing in USA
United States of America is home to some of the best universities in the world. Students from various nations apply to these institutions. Here is a list of the well-known and top-ranked universities for nursing programs in the USA, along with their fees-
| Universities for Nursing in USA | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
| Harvard University, Cambridge | 48 L |
| Yale University, New Haven | 43 L |
| John Hopkins University, Baltimore | 58 L |
| University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia | 37 L |
| Columbia University, New York City | 39 L |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 33 L |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | 48 L |
| University of Washington, Seattle | 31 L |
| New York University, New York City | 46 L |
| University of Texas, Austin | 21 L |
| University of California, Davis | 40 L |
| University of Wisconsin, Madison | 35 L |
| University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | 20 L |
| University of Southern California, Los Angeles | 18 L |
| University of Minnesota, Minneapolis | 32 L |
| University of California, Irvine | 27 L |
| Ohio State University, Columbus | 52 L |
| University of Maryland, College Park | 46 L |
| Michigan State University, East Lansing | 28 L |
| University of Florida, Gainesville | 24 L |
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is for 4 years and lasts for just 2 years if opted after an associate degree. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is for 2 years and is available under the best specialisations of neonatal, family care, psychiatric mental health care, etc. Certificate courses and doctoral degrees are also offered in the nursing program in the USA. A PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) requires 3-4 years to complete. However, a DNP Degree can be completed within 2 to 3 years.
Eligibility Criteria for Nursing in USA
International students would need to meet the requirements for nursing in USA to secure a seat in one of the prestigious universities in the USA. These requirements are listed below-
- Suppose you want to apply for admission to the Bachelor of Nursing. In that case, you must complete higher secondary education in a relevant subject with minimum percentages and study chemistry, biology and English at this level.
- If, instead, you wish to pursue a master’s degree in Nursing, then you ought to complete your undergraduate level with at least a B grade.
- Some universities/nursing colleges demand a 3.0 GPA score on a scale of 4.0
- You must clear an English language proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL and some universities also accept OET exam scores- IELTS: 6.5-7.0 and TOEFL iBT: 90-100
- Certain universities may require a GRE/GMAT scores
- Some experience working within a healthcare service (depending on the university)
- Some universities also conduct interviews, so the applicant needs to pass that to get admitted
Documents Required for the Admission Process
Most importantly, you must get a student visa to study nursing at a US university. The candidate must apply for the visa at least three months before travelling to the United States. To apply for a US Student visa, you must provide the offer letter you may have received from the university where you used the course. Other documents required to be provided while applying for a Nursing program in the US institutions include-
- Official Academic Transcripts and certificates
- Updated Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
- Letters of Recommendation
- Two reference letters from professors and previous employer
- Statement of Purpose
- Proof of financial resources
- English language proficiency test scorecard
- GRE scorecard
- Passport
- An essay based on the prompts given by the university
International students must submit these documents either by post or through mail directly to the admission committee of the respective university.
Cost of Studying Nursing in USA for Indian Students
The cost of studying nursing courses in the USA for international students is divided into tuition fees and cost of living. The tuition fees for Nursing courses in US universities are 10 lakh and 51 lakh INR per year. The living expenses are between 1 lakh and 2 lakh INR per month. Nevertheless, the cost of living depends much on the student’s lifestyle.
Scholarships offered by Nursing Colleges in the USA
The majority of universities’ schools of nursing provide scholarships specifically for students pursuing a course in Nursing colleges in the USA. Many healthcare service providers, NGOs and third-party organisations also offer funding to the nursing students. Some of the awards and scholarships offered to international students in the USA by such organisations are listed below-
| Name of Scholarship | Awarding Agency | Education Level | Amount (in INR) |
| Undergraduate Tuition Scholarship by SON | University of Washington | Undergraduate | 20K to 3 lakh per quarter |
| Graduate Tuition Scholarship by SON | University of Washington | Graduate | 41K to 2 lakh per month |
| The promise of Nursing Faculty Fellowships | Several National Hospitals and Healthcare Agencies | Graduate | 83K to 6 lakh per year |
| Undergraduate Scholarship Program | Foundation of National Student Nurses Association | Undergraduate | 83K to 8 lakh |
| Academic Education Scholarships | American Association of Occupational Health Nurses | All degree levels | 1 lakh to 2 lakh |
| American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program | National Society of the Colonial Dames of America | All degree levels | 1 lakh per semester |
| Hurst Review Services- American Association of Colleges of Nursing Scholarship | Hurst Review Service & AACN | All degree levels | 2 lakh per year |
| NURSE Corps Scholarship | Nurse Corps | Undergraduate, Graduate | 100% tuition fees |
In addition to these scholarships, students enrolled in a bachelor’s program in nursing are eligible to apply for entrance merit scholarships and other awards offered to students of respective universities. Similarly, master’s in nursing students can apply for scholarships offered by graduate schools of their universities. PhD students can avail themselves of other funding options available through research funds and teaching assistantships.
Scope after pursuing Nursing in USA
Students pursuing a nursing degree can apply for the NCLEX- RN exam, providing them with a Registered Nurse license after scoring a passing mark. A nursing graduate can come across immense career opportunities in the field of nursing in USA. There are jobs such as
- Nurse
- Nurse midwife
- Head nurse
- Mental health nurse
- Occupational therapist
- Nurse practitioner
- Staff Nurse
- Public health nurses
- Long-term care nurses
The salary of nurses in the USA ranges between 30 lakhs and 1 crore INR. The salary you receive also depends on your years of experience and job profile.
Conclusion
Nursing can be an extremely demanding job, as you might have to work rotational shifts and odd hours. However, with an increasing employment rate and a rise in demand for skilled nurses, the pay grade is continuously increasing in this sector. This makes nursing colleges in the USA one of the lucrative and best study options for international students.
FAQs for Nursing in USA
Can Indian students work as Registered Nurses in the USA after completing their Nursing degree?
Yes, Indian students post-graduation can apply to become registered nurses in the USA but will be required to take the NCLEX, the nurse licensing exam.
Is a nursing degree from the USA valid in India?
A nursing degree from the USA is accepted in India if nurses get approval for registration from the Equivalence Committee under Section 11(2)(a) of the INC Act.
Which city in the USA is best for international students to apply for nursing programs?
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Seattle, New Haven, etc, are some cuties in the USA that are best for international students to pursue Nursing courses.
What scholarships are available for Indian students pursuing nursing in USA?
Some scholarships you can apply for as Indian students while pursuing Nursing in USA include the American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program, Alexandra Beebe, BSN’74, student emergency fund, Kindred Spirit, and the Tammy Flake Honours Award by UNC.
Are there any post-degree certificates in nursing in USA?
Students can apply for short-term courses instead of a doctoral degree after their master’s. These post-degree certificates can be completed within 1 to 1.5 years in Health systems management, nurse educator, HIV primary care, palliative care, family care, etc.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
