Nursing in the USA for International Students: Top Universities, Course Details & Eligibility

Healthcare is a noble and prestigious industry, and nursing is an integral part of it. Quality nursing care is a cornerstone of a robust healthcare system. If you want to build your future in Nursing, you can find some of the most advanced courses in the United States of America. Nursing courses in the US are offered by some of the best academic institutions in the country, and you can attend these to learn from some of the brightest minds in this field. You can opt for Nursing courses available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels according to your earlier educational background.

Why study nursing in the USA?

Here are key reasons to consider studying Nursing programs in the USA:

1. Growing Demand: The USA healthcare sector projects a 6% growth in nursing jobs from 2023 to 2033, translating to roughly 194,500 openings annually, driven by retirement and career shifts. Advanced roles like Nurse Practitioners are set for a remarkable 46% growth, reflecting high demand across hospitals, clinics, and community settings (BLS).

2. High Earning Potential: Nurses in the USA earn competitive salaries. For example, Registered Nurses have a median wage of $80,820, while Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Anesthetists earn around $126,260 and $212,650 annually, respectively. This financial stability is a major draw for those seeking long-term career prospects.

3. Quality Education & Training: USA nursing schools are globally recognised, and their programs emphasise advanced clinical skills, technology, and research.

4. Flexible Career Paths: The USA offers diverse settings for nursing professionals—from hospitals and outpatient centres to educational and community roles—allowing nurses to pursue specialisations or leadership roles in their field while meeting the country’s healthcare needs.

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Nursing courses in the USA for International students

Nursing courses in the USA teach students to assist doctors and care for patients. Whether you opt for BSc in Nursing or MSc in Nursing in the USA, you will come across several courses in the field. Let's shed some light on the Nursing courses in the USA for international students.

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Microbiology

• Health Care Policy

• Patient care

• Biochemistry

• Nutrition

• Healthcare law and ethics

• Statistics

• Psychology.

Some of the specialisations that you can choose from include:

• Clinical Services Operations

• Nursing Informatics

• Anaesthesia

• Adult-Gerontology

• Acute Care Nursing

• Paediatric Nursing.

Cost of studying nursing courses in the USA for Indian students

Here’s the cost of studying Nursing in the USA for international students:

• Tuition Costs: Nursing program costs vary widely depending on the type of degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a public institution can cost between $37,000 and $50,000 for the program duration, while private institutions may exceed $100,000. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs typically cost less, ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.

• Living Expenses: The BLS estimates that living costs, including housing, food, and personal expenses, range from $15,000 to $22,000 per year. These expenses vary by region, with urban areas like New York or California generally on the higher end.

• Additional Costs: Students should budget an additional $1,000 to $2,500 annually for textbooks, supplies, health insurance, and miscellaneous fees. International students may also need to cover visa and SEVIS fees, which add approximately $300-$500.

Eligibility criteria and admission requirements to study nursing in the USA

You would need to meet the Nursing in the USA requirements to get a seat in one of the prestigious universities in the USA. Let us take a look at the USA nursing requirements.

• If you are keen on taking your admission to the Bachelor’s of Nursing, then you must have completed higher secondary education in a relevant subject

• If you are applying for Master in Nursing, you must have completed your Bachelor’s in Nursing with a B Grade, at least

• Some colleges/universities ask for a 3.0 GPA score on a scale of 4.0

• You must have cleared an English language proficiency test like IELTS

• Some universities may ask for GRE/GMAT scores.

You must get a student visa to study nursing at a US university. You must apply for the visa three months ahead of traveling to the United States. To apply for a US student visa, you must provide the offer letter you received from the university where you applied for the course.
Documents to be provided while applying for a Nursing course in a US university:

• Official Academic Records

• Updated CV or Resume

• Letter of Recommendation

• Two Reference Letters

• Statement of Purpose

• Proof of Financial Resources

• English Language Test Scorecard

• Copy of your Passport.

Top universities/colleges for nursing courses in the USA

The USA offers some of the best nursing programs globally, providing students with high-quality education, access to cutting-edge research, and extensive clinical experience. With comprehensive coursework and hands-on training, these top programs equip aspiring nurses with the skills needed to excel in diverse healthcare settings.

Career prospects after pursuing nursing in the USA

You can come across immense career opportunities in the field of Nursing in the USA. As you start applying for Nursing jobs in the USA, you can look for profiles such as:

• Nurse

• Nurse Midwife

• Head Nurse

• Mental Health Nurse

• Occupational Therapist

• Nurse Practitioner

• Staff Nurse.

Nursing in the USA salary ranges between 36,000 USD to 1,67,000 USD, approximately. The salary you receive also depends upon your years of experience and the job profile you choose. You must know that most Nursing jobs have rotational shifts, and you must be prepared for that.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different types of nursing specialisations offered in the USA?

The specialisations you can opt for while studying Nursing at a US university are –
Anaesthesia, Clinical services operations, Nursing informatics, Adult gerontology, Acute care nursing, and Paediatric nursing.

2. Can Indian students work as Registered Nurses in the USA after completing their Nursing degree?

If you are completing your Nursing degree and applying for Registered Nurse in the USA, you would need to take NCLEX, which is a nurse licensing exam.

3. How much IELTS score is required to study Nursing in the USA?

To study Nursing in a US university, you must have a 6.5 IELTS score.

4. Is a Nursing degree from the USA valid in India?

A Nursing degree from the USA is accepted in India if the nurses get approval for registration in India with the reference of the Equivalence Committee under Section 11(2)(a) INC Act.

5. What is a 2-year Nursing degree in the USA?

The Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a 2-year degree that one can pursue to become a Registered Nurse. Upon graduation, you have to take the NCLEX-RN examination to become licensed by the state.

6. Which city in the USA is the best for international students to study Nursing programs?

The cities in the USA that are the best for international students to pursue Nursing programs are Philadelphia, Baltimore, Seattle, New Haven, etc.

7. What scholarships are available for Indian students to pursue Nursing in the USA?

Some scholarships you can apply for while pursuing Nursing in the USA are the John Hopkins School of Nursing Scholarship, Undergraduate Tuition Scholarship by SON, University of Washington, Alexandra Beebe, BSN `74, Student Emergency Fund, American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program, etc.
Also check popular scholarships to study in the USA

8. What is the average salary for a Registered Nurse in the US?

The average salary of a Registered Nurse in the US is approximately 36,000 USD to 1,67,000 USD.