How to Get a U.S Nursing License for a Foreign-Educated Nurse

You must test for English proficiency if your courses were not in English.

If you are a foreign educated registered or practical nurse now living in the U.S, you may qualify to work in your field in certain states. You will be required to file several applications and pass some tests, but you may not need to take additional courses. The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, or CGFNS, is a nonprofit organization that helps you through the process.

Things You'll Need

• to be a registered nurse in country of your origin
• transcript from your nursing school
• study guide books

Instructions

1. Download the certification application and instructions form for the CGFNS Certification Program at CGFNS.ORG. Complete the application and submit it along with a passport size photo and the required fee. You will receive a study guide for an exam.

2. Request a transcript from your nursing school. If your transcript is not in English, you must have it professionally translated into English. Send the translated transcript to CGFNS along with Nursing Education Form/list # 5 and 6 from your application packet. Send a Registration Form/ list # 7 to the authority from which you received your current license.

3. Acquire English Language Proficiency Certification if your nursing education was not provided in the English language. Go to the Educational Testing Service at ets.org and register for Test Of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL. Send the TOEFL form/ list # 10 to CGFNS with your ETS Registration number and the date of your TOEFL exam.

4. Download an application form for Professional Credential services at PCSHG.com, after you've successfully completed the CGFNS Certification Program. Mail the application to the attention of the designated person at the state board of nursing for the state in which you wish to receive your license. If you are eligible, you will receive a letter of eligibility, and you can then register at National Council of State Boards Of Nursing for your NCLEX exam date.

Tips & Warnings

• Beginning Jan. 2011, the CGFNS accepts only online applications, and you must have an email address to receive correspondence.

References

• CGFNS: Certification Program Instructions
• ETS: TOEFL
• NCSBN: NCLEX Examinations