Best Universities in USA for Nursing: For Indian medical students who want to study abroad to become nurses, the United States of America (USA) has become a cult favourite. The USA, which is renowned for its top-notch educational system and advanced healthcare infrastructure, provides a wealth of options for students hoping to succeed in the nursing profession.
To meet the unique requirements and objectives of students, nursing programmes are offered in the USA at a range of academic levels, including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees. These programmes offer thorough education that combines academic learning with real-world clinical experiences, allowing students to gain the information and abilities necessary for success in the nursing field.
The University of Pennsylvania, renowned for its prestigious nursing programme, Duke University, renowned for its modern research and multidisciplinary approach, and Johns Hopkins University, renowned for its excellence in healthcare education are notable universities in the USA that excel in nursing education. These colleges provide top-notch nursing programmes that draw students from all around the world who want to advance their education and career options in Nursing.
We will delve deeper into the renowned nursing programmes provided by various universities in the USA in this article guide on the best universities in USA for Nursing. We will also explore the opportunities available at various levels of study and highlight the outstanding educational institutions that make the USA an ideal destination for nursing aspirants.
Best Universities in the USA to Pursue Nursing Courses
Among various nursing course options in the US, the BSN (undergraduate) and MSN (postgraduate) courses are the most popular courses opted by students. One can find several universities and colleges in the US offering nursing courses throughout the country. Here, you can check the list of the top universities in the USA to pursue nursing courses along with their fee structure:
University |
QS World University Ranking |
Nursing Courses Offered |
Tuition Fees |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
$44,376 per year- MSN |
||
2 |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
$1,688 per credit |
|
9 |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
$41,670 per year |
|
10 |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
$34,098 per year |
|
11 |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
$30,345 per year |
|
17 |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
$43,990 per year |
|
24 |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
$1,838 per credit |
|
40 |
Masters in Nursing (MSN) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
$84,700 per year- MSN $64,230 per year- DNP |
|
51- 100 |
Masters in Nursing (MSN) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
$1,395 per credit- MSN/ DNP |
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Nursing Courses for International Students in the US
International students can opt for nursing courses at an undergraduate level, postgraduate level, doctoral level or even opt for short-term nursing courses in the US. Find out the different nursing courses for international students in the US below:
Undergraduate Nursing Courses in the US: International students have the option to either choose to study ADN or BSN courses at the undergraduate level:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): ADN is a 12- 24 months nursing programme offered at various community colleges in the United States. ADN is a career-oriented course and it is designed to provide students with technical training in the field of nursing. After completing the ADN course international students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination to receive a nursing license in the United States. After acquiring the licence, international candidates are registered as nurses in the United States and are eligible to treat patients and provide mental support to the family members of the patient. As per the data of the US Department of Labor Statistics, the average wage of a nurse in the US who has completed an ADN course is around $67,490 per annum.
Gateway Technical College, Care Hope College, University Of South Carolina - Lancaster, and Premiere International College are some of the colleges in the US that offer ADN courses.
Bachelor of Nursing (BSN): BSN is a four years degree programme offered at various universities in the United States. It is a comprehensive nursing degree programme designed to train students to opt for a nursing profession at healthcare, clinical centres and hospitals. BSN is a popular nursing course for international students at an undergraduate level as it provides better job prospects and a higher pay scale.
Some of the popular universities in the US offering BS in Nursing courses include Pace University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Illinois, Chicago etc.
Masters Level Nursing Courses in the US: International students interested in acquiring an advanced degree in Nursing can opt for a Master in Nursing (MSN) course offered at various US universities. Usually, students opt for an MSN degree programme to acquire a specialisation in the field of nursing. Various job prospects available for a candidate that holds an MSN degree are Adult Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Women Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner etc.
As per the data of the US Department of Labor Statistics, the average wage of a nurse in the US who has completed an MSN course is around $60,000- $150,000 per annum.
Eligibility to Study Nursing in the US
The general eligibility criteria to apply for a nursing degree at an undergraduate level at a US university is as follows:
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The student must have passed Class 12th a recognised board.
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The student must meet the English language requirement i.e. TOEFL 100/ 120 or IELTS 7.0/ 9.0 with no band less than 6.5/9.0 is required.
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The student must submit academic transcripts while applying for admissions
The eligibility criteria to apply for a nursing degree at a master's level at a US university is as follows:
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The candidate must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
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He/ She must have good grades in previous studies. Grade requirements vary for different universities.
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The student must have a valid Graduate Record Examination (GRE)scorecard.
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The student must meet the English language test requirements for a specific university.
Admission Process for International Students to Study Nursing in the USA
International students can apply for nursing courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels in the United States. There are various universities across the US that offer nursing courses to international students. Before applying to one of the universities, students must confirm the eligibility criteria for nursing courses at a specific university, the documents needed, courses and deadlines to apply for admissions. Based on the preference of location, course fee and eligibility one shortlists the nursing colleges in the US and applies for admissions.
Let's find out the admission process for nursing admissions in the United States for international students here:
Admission Process for Undergraduate Nursing Courses in the US
International students can either apply for ADN or BSN courses at an undergraduate level if they wish to take admission to nursing courses in the US. ADN is a career-oriented course that can be completed in 1 or 2 years whereas BSN is a fours undergraduate nursing course offered in the US. Of the two courses, BSN is the preferred course choice among international students.
BSN Application Process in the USA
Know how to apply for BSN courses in the various nursing colleges in the United States here:
Access the online application form on the official website of specific universities and fill in the application form before the deadline.
The applicant will need the following documents to apply for the BSN course in the US:
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IELTS (6.5)/TOEFL (100) Scorecard
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Letter of Recommendation
MSN Application Process in the US
Find out how to apply for the MSN courses in the US below:
Fill in the online application form for MSN courses for specific universities through the official website of the university. The list of documents needed to complete the application process for MSN admissions in the US is as follows:
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A baccalaureate degree in nursing
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Academic Transcript
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Official scores of GRE
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IELTS (6.5)/TOEFL (100) Scorecard
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Essay
Study Visa to Pursue Nursing in the USA
Once admitted to the nursing course in the United States, international students need to apply for an F-1 visa. It is a study visa needed to complete academic studies in the US. The study visa can be applied through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) of the US. Candidates must complete the visa application form and pay the SEVIS fee to get the study visa processed.
The list of main documents needed to apply for a study visa in the US is as follows:
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Transcripts
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Degree/Diploma Certificate
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Evidence to prove one's intention to leave the US after completion of the academic programme.
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Evidence of sufficient funds to pay for tuition fees and manage living expenses in the US for a definite period.
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Passport
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Passport-sized photograph, etc.
Scope of Studying Nursing in the US
For Indian students, studying nursing in the USA offers a wide range of options. The USA has a growing healthcare sector that appreciates professional and educated nurses, and the field of nursing is in great demand.
First off, the job outlook for nurses in the USA is really positive. The Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts that the employment of registered nurses will increase by 9% between 2020 and 2030, which is substantially faster than the average for all occupations. A growing number of chronic diseases, an ageing population, and improvements in medical technology are all contributing causes to this development.
Additionally, a nursing degree in the USA might open up profitable employment options and pay scales. In the USA, the median yearly pay for registered nurses was USD 75,330 in 2020. Now, the typical annual compensation for registered nurses (RNs) in the United States is about USD 89,010, or USD 42.80 per hour, which is much more than in many other nations. Even greater incomes are possible for specialised fields including nurse practitioners, nurse anaesthetists, and nurse educators.
Furthermore, the country's state-of-the-art medical facilities, cutting-edge research possibilities, and exposure to a variety of patient groups are advantageous to Indian students studying nursing there. Also, studying nursing in the USA gives Indian students a global perspective and opens doors to prospects for employment abroad. The cultural variety and global education that Indian nurses offer to healthcare organisations increase their prospects of finding jobs or pursuing advanced studies abroad.
To summarise, the opportunities for Indian students to study nursing in the United States are vast. With a rising need for competent nurses, a promising employment market, high earning potential, and access to top-tier education and healthcare facilities, Indian students may pursue a successful and happy career in nursing by studying in the USA.
For more details on admissions to nursing colleges abroad, you can write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com.
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