How-to Guide on How to Get to the USA as an RPN
If you’re an RPN dreaming of working in the USA, there’s a bit of a catch due to the NAFTA agreement. Unfortunately, TN visas, which facilitate easier cross-border employment, are only available for certain healthcare professionals, and RPNs aren’t on that list – RNs are. But don’t hang up your scrubs just yet! You can still make the leap by enrolling in a bridging program or challenging the NCLEX-RN exam to become an RN. Once you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN exam, you’ll be all set to apply for that TN visa and start your nursing adventure in the USA.
The RPN to RN Leap:
So, you’re an RPN with big dreams? The first step on this exciting journey involves leveling up to RN status, and the key to this transformation is the NCLEX-RN. Think of it as your golden ticket to the vast world of U.S. nursing. This is a nurse driven process and needs to be completed by the individual.
Citizenship Check:
Before you embark on this adventure, make sure you’re a citizen of either Canada or Mexico. The TN Visa is an exclusive opportunity for citizens of these countries. It’s like ensuring you’ve got the right passport before a grand journey.
English Proficiency – Speak the Language of American Care:
Communication is at the heart of nursing. Being proficient in English is not just a requirement; it’s the bridge that connects you with patients and colleagues. So, brush up on your language skills – you’re going to need them.
Check with Board of Nursing (BON)
Each BON has it’s own criteria. You may be eligible based on your nursing education, nursing clinicals and your nursing experience.
- Research State Requirements: Confirm that the state will recognize your RPN background as eligible for the NCLEX-RN.
- Educational Equivalency: Some states may have specific requirements to verify if your RPN education aligns with RN standards.
- Application and Documentation: Submit the necessary paperwork, including transcripts and, in some cases, work experience letters, to support your application.
State-by-State Eligibility Overview:
The following chart summarizes the eligibility of Canadian RPNs to challenge the NCLEX-RN across U.S. states. This information is based on current guidelines from each state’s Board of Nursing as of Jan 25, 2024.
State Allows RPNs to Challenge NCLEX-RN? Notes Alabama No Requires graduation from an approved RN program. Alaska Yes Accepts international applications; requires credential evaluation. Arizona No Mandates completion of a recognized RN program. Arkansas No Does not accept LPN equivalency for RN licensure. California Yes Requires detailed transcript evaluation; may mandate additional coursework. Colorado Yes Accepts international graduates; credential evaluation required. Connecticut No Requires graduation from an approved RN program. Delaware No Does not accept LPN equivalency for RN licensure. Florida Yes Accepts international applications; requires credential evaluation. Georgia No Requires completion of an approved RN program. Hawaii Yes Accepts international graduates; credential evaluation required. Idaho Yes Requires credential evaluation and may mandate additional coursework. Illinois No Does not accept LPN equivalency for RN licensure. Indiana No Requires graduation from an approved RN program. Iowa Yes Accepts international applications; credential evaluation required. Kansas No Does not accept LPN equivalency for RN licensure. Kentucky Yes Requires credential evaluation and may mandate additional coursework. Louisiana No Requires completion of an approved RN program. Maine Yes Accepts international graduates; credential evaluation required. Maryland No Does not accept LPN equivalency for RN licensure. Massachusetts No Requires graduation from an approved RN program. Michigan Yes Accepts international applications; credential evaluation required. Minnesota Yes Requires credential evaluation and may mandate additional coursework. Mississippi No Does not accept LPN equivalency for RN licensure. Missouri Yes Accepts international graduates; credential evaluation required. Montana Yes Requires credential evaluation and may mandate additional coursework. Nebraska No Requires completion of an approved RN program. Nevada Yes Accepts international applications; credential evaluation required. New Hampshire No Does not accept LPN equivalency for RN licensure. New Jersey No Requires graduation from an approved RN program. New Mexico Yes Accepts international graduates; credential evaluation required. New York Yes Requires credential evaluation and may mandate additional coursework. North Carolina No Does not accept LPN equivalency for RN licensure. North Dakota Yes Accepts international applications; credential evaluation required. Ohio No Requires completion of an approved RN program. Oklahoma Yes Requires credential evaluation and may mandate additional coursework. Oregon No Does not accept LPN equivalency for RN licensure. Pennsylvania No Requires graduation from an approved RN program. Rhode Island Yes Accepts international graduates; credential evaluation required. South Carolina No Does not accept LPN equivalency for RN licensure. South Dakota Yes Requires credential evaluation and may mandate additional coursework. Tennessee No Requires completion of an approved RN program. Texas Yes Accepts international applications; credential evaluation required. Utah Yes Requires credential evaluation and may mandate additional coursework. Vermont Yes Accepts international graduates; credential evaluation required. Virginia No Does not accept LPN equivalency for RN licensure. Washington Yes Requires credential evaluation and may mandate additional coursework. West Virginia No Requires graduation from an approved RN program. Wisconsin Yes Accepts international applications; credential evaluation required. Wyoming Yes Requires credential evaluation and may mandate additional coursework. Important Considerations:
- Credential Evaluation: States that permit Canadian RPNs to challenge the NCLEX-RN typically require a thorough evaluation of educational credentials, often through agencies like the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or Josef Silny
- Additional Requirements: Some states may mandate supplementary coursework or clinical experience to address any educational gaps.
- State Regulations: Licensure requirements are subject to change. It’s essential to consult the specific Board of Nursing for the most current information.
Conquer the NCLEX-RN:
Picture yourself triumphing over the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). It’s not just a test; it’s your initiation into the world of Registered Nurses and a crucial step towards U.S. nursing dreams.
Visa Screen – The Final Checkpoint:
Once you’ve conquered the NCLEX-RN, the next stop on your journey is the Visa Screen. This is like the last checkpoint – a process to validate your credentials and ensure you’re all set to make a difference in U.S. healthcare. You can get a Visa Screen from CGFNS or a Visa4Nurses certificate from Josef Silny. View the differences between the certificates.
Apply at IntelliStaff Medical
Now that you got all your documents ready and you are officially an RN, one of our recruiters will be eager to assist you in finding an RN job in one of the states listed above. Apply now.
Ready to Work in the USA:
Congratulations! You’ve ticked all the boxes. With your NCLEX-RN triumph and Visa Screen in hand, you’re now ready to spread your wings and work in the USA under the prestigious TN Visa.
IntelliStaff Medical – Your U.S. Nursing Destination:
And here’s the cherry on top – if you’re a Registered Nurse with Canadian or Mexican citizenship, IntelliStaff Medical is your go-to platform for U.S. opportunities. RPNs who’ve upgraded to RN status, you’re not just invited; you’re celebrated. Once you have VisaScreen in hand, apply with IntelliStaff Medical and we will help you across the finish line.
Read an article about how Morgan challenged the NCLEX-RN exam and became an RN.
