For students who would like to become LPNs within the US but who are not in fact US citizens and who live in another country, there are online LPN programs for international students that they could make use of. In addition if you are a US citizen who would like to work elsewhere in the world, there are online LPN programs that you can enroll in so as to be prepared for a job as a nurse in a different country.
Requirements
There are a number of requirements that you will need to meet if you intend to enroll in online LPN programs for international students. These may vary from program to program, but generally you need to be 18 or older. In addition you will have to provide a high school certificate equivalent or college experience. Transcripts and detailed information of what you studied will be required from each of the schools that you attended. In addition, for online LPN programs that are based in the US you must be able to demonstrate your proficiency in English, both orally and through written work. TOEFL tests will be required for second language speakers.
Application Tips
There are a number of application tips that foreign students can keep in mind:
- Before applying at your school you should take the necessary English proficiency test so that your score can be presented along with your application.
- Be certain to contact your prospective schools well in advance of your application so that you are sure that you have all of the necessary information for the application procedure.
- Apply to more than one school in more than one area.
- Many schools require you to take other tests. Make sure that you take these before applying so that you can present your scores along with your application.
Tips For Finding Good Online LPN Programs For International Students
Because there is a shortage of nurses all across the globe, it is easy enough to find employment as a nurse in a foreign country. This is what online LPN programs for international students are meant to prepare you for. Different countries have different nursing regulations, and the best way to ensure that you comply with those regulations is to take an online course from the country you are interested in nursing in. however some online programs will be more suitable for you personally than others, and this is a decision that must be made carefully.
Select A Country
There are a number of important things to keep in mind when considering which country you would like to work in as a nurse. Two of the most important factors are:
- Language
- Culture
Both of these could be barrier to your effectiveness as a nurse, so it is generally recommended that you attend an online LPN program that is offered in the same language that you speak and that will gain you access to a country with a similar culture to your own. In the US there are a number of online LPN programs for international students who speak English. You will need to take an English test to determine your proficiency.
Check Your Credentials
Different countries have different rules and regulations regarding what qualifications and so on a nurse must have. You therefore need to make sure that the online program that you enroll in will, in fact, adequately prepare you for a job as a nurse in that country. You can check whether or not your credentials are sufficient through:
- The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
- The admissions department of your chosen school
It is essential that you do not omit this step as you will waste a lot of time if you do which can be very frustrating.
Do Your Homework
When applying for online LPN programs for international students you need to start preparations early. Ideally you should begin looking at options about a year before you intend to actually enroll in one of the schools you are interested in. you should avoid focusing on only one school. Applying for at least three schools will increase your chances of being accepted. In addition you should apply for schools in many different areas of the country you would like to work in – the classes are online so the location is not a serious factor. Take any exams or prerequisite courses that are required before applying for the schools that you are interested in.
Look Into Scholarship Programs
There are a number of scholarship opportunities to help students who are studying through online LPN programs for international students. These scholarships can be offered privately, by the government, or, most importantly, by the school itself. If you come across schools that offer financial assistance of some kind, and if you are eligible to benefit form that financial assistance, you should probably move that online school to the top of your priority list as this will lessen your financial burden. Note that some schools do use financial assistance as a draw card and may not have the best quality tuition on offer. Other factors must therefore also be considered.
Schools
Kaplan University
Kaplan University is one of the several universities in the US that offer online LPN programs for international students. More information about the eligibility requirements in order to enroll in their program can be found at http://online.kaplanuniversity.edu/pages/international.aspx, as can information regarding the tuition fees that you will be expected to pay as an international student. Minimum requirements for entry to this school include being proficient in English (as demonstrated by your test scores on English tests) and being at least 18 years of age.
International students who would like to enroll in Kaplan’s program can find out more through these methods:
- Email: international@kaplan.edu
- Telephone: +954.515.4015
The University Of Phoenix
This university offers a number of nursing qualifications which means that you will have the opportunity to advance your skills:
- Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Nurse Education courses
- Nurse Practitioner Education courses
- Nursing Management courses
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing/Nursing & Health Care Education
- Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration/Health Care Management (dual degree)
- Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Health Administration (dual degree)
- Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
For more information:
Online Campus
University of Phoenix
3157 E. Elwood St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
866.766.0766
Jacksonville University
This is an excellent online school that offers tuition for local and international students. The program provides an online system that will allow you to succeed in your studies. These online programs include the following features:
- Interactive Classroom Tools Keep You Connected
- Streaming Video Lectures
- Discussion Boards
- Live Chat Rooms
- E-Learning Resources Can Help You Succeed
- Online Nursing School Faculty and Student Support
- Your Program Representative
- Customer Service and 24/7 IT Support
The number that international students can call in order to find out more about this university is +1 813-612-5302.
Keiser University Online
This is another online program that offers nursing qualifications online to local and international students who are interested in becoming nurses in the US but who do not, in fact, have the time and resources necessary to study full time in a campus setting. Fortunately the fees are very reasonable and the online program allows you to study from any location at any time that suits you best.
Contact information:
1 888 4-KEISER (1 888 453-4737)
(U.S. only) for Admissions
1 866 534 – 7371
Local: 954-351-4040
FAX: 954-229-1695
Keiser University
Online Division
1900 W. Commercial Blvd, Suite 100
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
Working after Graduation
Once you have completed your program you may:
- Need to complete further tests before you can find employment in the US
- Need to obtain a work visa in order to be allowed to work in the US (this will be compulsory for all international nurses)
If you plan ahead and have a working knowledge of what is required of you in order for you to work in the US you will have a smoother transition from student to employee than if you neglect to do this research until after you graduate.
Nurses are needed everywhere in the world, and you needn’t be restricted to your country of origin if this is the line of work that you are interested in pursuing. The number of online LPN programs for international students that are available make it easy enough for students to become nurses in other countries. There are, generally speaking, a number of considerations to think about before enrolling, such as whether or not you will be given access to the country in question. Despite this, it remains a viable option.