FAQs

15. I graduated from a nursing program where all courses were taught in English. Am I still required to take an English-language proficiency examination for the program?

16. This sounds too good to be true. How do I know that this is not just another scam?

17. Is it true that I will need to have a substantial amount of money in a bank account before I can be accepted as a U.S. F-1 student?

1. What are the prospects of becoming a nurse in the U.S.?

In a word – fantastic! The U.S. is in dire need for nurses – as many as 800,000 now. And nurses are paid well. The average U.S. nurse earns $63,000 per year and with overtime nurses can make much more. Nurse managers – nurses with master’s degree in healthcare administration – can earn as much as $150,000 a year. Further information can be found from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition: here.

2. How long is the program?

The master’s program can be completed in as little as 24 months. This assumes that a nurse has a comparable U.S. bachelor’s degree (120 academic credits). For nurses with three-year nursing diplomas, the program is extended to earn the needed undergraduate credits before final completion of the graduate program.

3. What is an average schedule?

Whether a nurse has a bachelor’s degree or a three-year nursing diploma, the first year is the same. Upon arrival, nurses are enrolled in our master’s program. All classes are held on Saturdays and evenings. The first year includes beginning academic coursework, participating in an intensive preparation program that will result in being licensed as a registered nurse in the U.S., and work-study. For the first year, student will work in health-related jobs until they are licensed nurses. After becoming registered nurses, nurses will work in hospital and healthcare centers and continue their studies in years two and beyond.

4. How is the visa granted?

Students are admitted into the Master of Business Administration with a concentration in healthcare administration at either Northwest Christian University or Sullivan University. The university will provide applicants with the “Certificate of Eligibility” to attend the school. This certificate, known as the I-20, is used by the student to secure a student visa to enter the U.S. and attend school.

5. Where is the program located?

The program is offered at two locations: Northwest Christian University located in Eugene, Oregon and Sullivan University in Louisville, Kentucky. Both schools are high-quality, and full accredited U.S. institutions of higher learning.

6. Where do students live?

We assist students with short-term housing. Our experience is that students prefer to find their own long-term housing based on their individual needs.

7. Do I need a car?

No. Both the Eugene Oregon and Louisville Kentucky areas have modern public transportation systems. The universities and student housing are conveniently located to public transportation. Work-study and employment sites are also accessible by public transportation.

8. When can I start the program?

We have rolling admission with new classes beginning every other month. Interested international students should contact us soon as possible. Simply send us an email and we will begin the process.

9. What will it take for me to succeed in the program?

Nursing students who are successful are those committed to taking a major step forwarded in their careers. As with any program involving professional development and graduate study, students must be motivated and disciplined to commit themselves to a rigorous, yet rewarding program.

10. I am interested in attending Northwest Christian University, but I am not a Christian. Will I feel welcomed?

Absolutely! NCU is non-denominational and a welcoming community for anyone of any faith or background.

11. How do I apply for the program?

We are delighted if you would like to apply now. Contact us and let us help you begin the process.

12. If I fail the NCLEX-RN, how often can I retake the exam?

For the State of Oregon (students of Northwest Christian University), you can take the NCLEX every 46 days. The exam can be retaken an unlimited number of times for up to three years from the original date of application to the Oregon Board of Nursing. Each time the exam is retaken, the nurse candidate must pay a $25 reapplication fee to the Board of Nursing and a $200 fee to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

For the State of Kentucky (students of Sullivan University), you take the NCLEX every 46 days. There is no limit to the number of times the exam can be retaken. Each time the exam is retaken, the nurse candidate must reapply to the Kentucky Board of Nursing paying the application fee of $110 and a $200 fee to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

13. Can I bring my spouse and dependents to the U.S. with me?

Yes. Your family will need to apply for a F-2 (spouse/dependent) U.S. visa. You will need to provide copies of their passports, marriage certificate (for spouse) along with a letter providing the following details for each family member: full name, date of birth, country of birth, and country of citizenship. In addition, you will need to show an increase in your bank statement of $6,000 per each family member that you plan to bring with you. In order for your spouse and dependents to accompany you, the university must issue a separate 1-20 form.

14. How long does the entire application process take?

From submitting your application to receiving your visa, it takes about two months. This assumes that you stay active in the process and do what is needed.

15. I graduated from a nursing program where all courses were taught in English. Am I still required to take an English-language proficiency examination for the program?

Unless you are from Canada (expect Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom, you are required to take an English-language profiency examination.

16. This sounds too good to be true. How do I know that this is not just another scam?

It is unfortunate that so many international nurses have been victims of fradulent programs and agents. You are very wise to carefully review our program, and verify our claims. We have active collaborations with both Sullivan University and Northwest Christian University. Check out their websites. In addition, we can put you in contact with the directors of international studies at either university or students who are attending the program.

17. Is it true that I need to have a substantial amount of money in a bank account before I can be accepted as a U.S. F-1 student?

The U.S. government requires all international students to have a full year of tuition, in advance, in a bank account. This can be your money or the funds of a sponsor. Please understand that you would not be required to spend this amount immediately but only to demonstrate the ability to fund your first year of studies. However, our experience is that students only need to fund their first or second term since through work-study employment, they are earning their tuition and living expenses. The amount required by Sullivan University is $25,000; the amount required by Northwest Christian University is $20,000.