MSN Degree Application for International Students in the US
Help Apply for an MSN Degree in the US as an International Student
With the extremely high career outlook for nurses, the demand for those with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is projected to grow exponentially. Motivating a registered nurse (RN) toward applying for an MSN degree in the US as an international student after completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or ADN program. We provide support services for international students applying for an MSN degree in the United States. Our team assists applicants with visa documentation, resumes, statements of purpose and interest, and recommendation letter preparation, among others. We ensure a seamless journey toward achieving your academic and professional goals in nursing.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be over half a million new RN positions, with another half a million required to replace those who may retire or otherwise leave the field. Additionally, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has warned of the surging shortage of physicians, noting a deficit of approximately 120,000 physicians by 2032 across the United States. Together with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the AAMC indicated that registered nurses with an advanced degree in nursing practice can provide care when needed, thus increasing the demand for MSN degree skills.
MSN degree programs in the US are offered by different institutions to equip students with advanced training and skills to deliver outstanding nursing care in various specialties. Prospective international students are required to fulfill various admission criteria, including possession of a BSN degree and an RN license and other minimum academic requirements for an MSN program in the US. Among other benefits, after excelling in the National Council Licensure Examination and earning an MSN degree from the United States, one gets the privilege of multiple career opportunities across the world, including working as a nursing consultant, nurse educator, clinical nurse specialist, research nurse, nurse administrator, and other highly demanded professional roles.
This article contains information on the factors to consider when applying for an MSN in the US as an international student.
Factors to be Considered by International Applicants for an MSN in the US
An MSN degree opens one's eligibility to limitless opportunities in the medical field and beyond. Applicants for foreign nursing schools must attain such institutions' admission criteria and qualifications requirements. The applicant's academic and personal backgrounds ought to portray their willingness and eagerness to solve the challenges of the modern-day healthcare systems. An international applicant should possess a reasonable background, previous academic preparedness, career goals, and research interests, in addition to the minimum scores for relevant tests and required documentation. Depending on whether one is interested in a part-time or a student's full-time program, below are some of the considerations for MSN international applicants to the US.
(1). Prerequisites for admitting international students to an American school of nursing
Prospective international students should be holders of an RN license. These include those who have completed BSN and ADN programs or are holders of a baccalaureate degree, as well RNs with qualifications from other backgrounds. RN holders or an associate degree in nursing are also eligible for an MSN program in the US. All the prerequisites must be fulfilled prior to admission based on the university and MSN specialty of choice.
(2). English proficiency requirements
International applicants from countries where English is not the native language are required to undertake English proficiency tests before being offered admission. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum score requirements must be attained to prove that the applicant understands the language well enough to complete the coursework without communication barriers. Whether applying for a master's degree in nursing or the undergraduate level, one must excel in the recommended English proficiency test before admission.
(3). The type of MSN required
There are different options for an MSN degree that an international student can pursue. The options depend on factors such as:
- Whether one has a degree in nursing or not.
- The type of nursing degree the applicant is in possession of.
- The desired end goal; whether one wishes to remain in the clinical setting or not.
The possible MSN options include:
- The entry-level MSN program is for holders of an undergraduate degree outside the nursing field.
- RN-to-MSN program for holders of an associate degree (ADN).
- The BSN-to-MSN program is for nurses who have completed their bachelor of science in nursing.
- Dual MSN program for practitioners who would like to enhance their graduate nursing education with a different graduate field of study including public health or business administration.
Before sending an application to a specific university, it is fundamental to evaluate the options available depending on one's background, the total cost for completion, future career, and professional goals, among other factors. The requirements and application deadline for each program should be noted to maintain the timelines.
(4). Required documentation for international applicants
The variety of documents required may differ with the type and focus of the specific MSN program and the particular American university. All applicants must meet the graduate degree requirements amid the competition in the selection and admission processes. The most commonly required documentations include transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation, personal statements, statement of purpose, proof of graduation, and other requirements as discussed below.
(a). Licenses and certifications
Applicants who have completed a BSN program should submit evidence of graduation and a Registered Nurse license if they have chosen the option of MSN for the registered nurse entry. Certifications in relevant areas such as basic life support (BLS), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS), or first aid should be provided.
(b). Current resume
When applying for an MSN in the US as an international student, professional resume writing services can be helpful in showcasing the prospects' educational and career background, skills, and experiences that uniquely qualify them for the program. With the dependency of the nursing field on extensive training on practical healthcare issues, international applicants ought to be creative when compiling their resumes to be sure they contain unique qualities linked to evidence-based practice.
Both hard and soft skills required in the specific MSN program ought to be factored in the resume, with all the certifications, achievements, leadership skills, awards, licensing exam scores for the undergraduate bachelor of science degree, and all other elements that demonstrate one's expertise in the field. We offer excellent writing services for resumes to BSN, MSN, or DNP international applicants to enable them to stand out to secure admission.
(c). Transcript evaluation
Official test scores attained in all colleges and universities attended prior must be provided in transcripts as proof of having completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. All international applicants must ensure official English translation for their transcripts before enrolling to study nursing at the master's level in the US. The certified English translations facilitate seamless transcript evaluation to ensure the official scores, institutions attended, courses studied, degrees or certification programs are clearly represented. A course-by-course evaluation of the transcripts must be provided to ascertain the scores and fitness for admission.
(d). Personal Statement
The personal statement for MSN applicants provides one with an opportunity to tell the admissions committee more about themselves. One should consider addressing why they would like to pursue the MSN program in that specific American university, professional and future career goals, and the significance of the program in achieving them.
(e). Letters of recommendation
Recommendation letters should be provided, letterheaded, and signed by the referrer. The recommender should be someone who well knows the applicant and can provide enough information about them. They should be available and willing to be conducted by the office of admissions in the American institution to provide relevant information pertaining to the applicant. Our company provides the best letter of recommendation writing help to both domestic and international applicants at all academic levels at affordable and reasonable rates. We are available and accessible any time, 24/7, to facilitate consultation, ordering, inquiries, and work progress tracking through the company website.
(f). Statement of purpose (SOP)
A statement of purpose ought to be submitted along with the other documents when applying for an MSN program in the US as an international student. Through the SOP, the candidate finds an opportunity to tell the admissions committee what makes them special from other candidates and enables the American School of Nursing to understand the applicant's background and their chances of adapting to the dynamic and diverse environment if admitted. With excellent statement of purpose writing services from our experts, one can rest assured of the proper articulation of academic, professional, and personal experiences, backgrounds, and skills in a manner that stands them out from the other candidates and creates a positive impression with the representatives of the faculty of the nursing school of interest.
(5). Visa requirements for international students
A visa application statement of purpose must be provided to the issuing agency to convince them of the prospective student's eligibility for the country and the program being applied for. Before issuing a visa for academic purposes, the agency must be convinced that the applicant's experiences and achievements are relevant in making them an asset to the school in which they are seeking admission. The type of student visa to be issued depends on the expected duration of stay in the US and the type of MSN program applied for.
(6). The cost of studying the MSN in the US
MSN programs may be more expensive in the US for international students relative to the natives. One must be aware of the total costs and lay down a feasible strategy for manipulating the financial aid and funding sources available to cater for the pre-arrival, admission, tuition fees, and living expenses in the US. Before admission, the applicant ought to be sure of how they should raise the funds to study the competitive nursing programs without straining or calling off the course mid-way.
The options for MSN prospective international students include merit-based scholarships, loans, grants, and payment plans for those paying their tuition fees in cash. It is, therefore, imperative to choose the option that works for an individual and prepare accordingly before the application deadlines elapse.
Considering these factors and compiling a comprehensive application can lead to successful admission to the MSN program of choice in the US as a foreign student. Our professional writers ensure that all the requirements for international applicants are attained with thorough editing and proofreading for every document to ensure flawlessness and excellent quality. We have a proactive customer service team to serve you any time of the day and respond to your inquiries. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you
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