Why the U.S. is an Ideal Destination for Aspiring Nurses: Study and Work Opportunities for International Nursing Students

U.S. is facing a healthcare crisis that’s also a global opportunity. With healthcare spending soaring and a rapidly aging population, the country needs nurses—and fast. For international students with a healthcare background or those looking to transition into the nursing field, this moment presents a powerful gateway: study, train, and work in the U.S. healthcare system while building a long-term career. 

 

1. The Booming U.S. Healthcare Industry: A Land of Opportunity

The healthcare industry in the U.S. continues to expand at an unprecedented rate. In 2023, healthcare spending in the U.S. reached over $4.5 trillion, representing nearly 18.3% of the national GDP [Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024]. This growth is fueled by an aging population, advancements in medical technology, and increased demand for specialized care.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth in nursing jobs from 2022 to 2032, with over 193,000 job openings expected annually for registered nurses.

2. Post-Pandemic Labor Shortages and the Global Nurse Demand

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the nursing shortage in the U.S., leading to burnout, early retirements, and high turnover rates. According to the American Nurses Association, the U.S. will need more than 1 million new nurses by 2030 to meet healthcare demands.

This shortage has created a favorable environment for international nurses to step in—especially those who are already licensed abroad and are looking for educational advancement and employment opportunities in the U.S.

3. Why Should You Choose the U.S. If You Want to Be a Nurse

Nurses in the U.S. earn some of the highest salaries in the world. As of 2023:

• The median annual wage for registered nurses in the U.S. is $86,070.
• In comparison, average RN salaries in the UK and Australia range between $40,000–$60,000 USD annually.
• States like California, Hawaii, and Oregon offer wages exceeding $100,000/year for experienced RNs BLS, 2024.

This strong earning potential makes the U.S. an ideal destination for students who want to work and build a rewarding career in healthcare. But if the demand is so high and the compensation is great, why aren’t more foreign-trained nurses making the move?

4. Why More Aren’t Taking the Leap

Despite the demand and high salaries, becoming a nurse in the U.S. as a foreigner is anything but simple. Here are the top barriers holding talented candidates back:

1) Immigration & Visa Challenges

There’s no direct, streamlined visa for foreign-trained nurses unless you already have a U.S. job offer and be able to start your work visa or greencard sponsorship before coming to the US. The H-1B visa rarely applies to RNs, and while the EB-3 green card is technically available, it requires employer sponsorship, labor certification, and can take years depending on your country of origin (especially India and the Philippines).

The real catch? Employers want nurses who are already licensed in the US and ready to work—not ones still going through paperwork or have to do the RN exam when they come to the US.

2) Licensing & NCLEX-RN Exam

Foreign-trained nurses must pass the same licensing exam as U.S.-trained nurses—the NCLEX-RN—but before they can even sit for it, they must undergo a credential evaluation through CGFNS or a state-approved agency to verify that their education meets U.S. standards. Each state has its own licensing requirements; while some are more accommodating, others may demand additional coursework or repeated clinical training. The process is often slow and bureaucratic, taking 6 to 12 months just to get approval to take the exam, and it’s further complicated by the need to gather official documents—like transcripts and licensure proof—from institutions in the nurse’s home country, which are not always quick or cooperative.

3) Educational Gaps & Lack of U.S. Experience

Many foreign nursing programs don’t align directly with U.S. clinical training standards, which means internationally educated nurses may need to complete a bridge or refresher program— or even pursue a second degree, such as a U.S.-based Master of Science in Nursing—to, to meet eligibility requirements. Even for those who are technically licensed, the U.S. Employers often favor candidates with domestic clinical experience, familiarity with local patient care protocols, and strong medical English communication skills.

4) Financial Burden

U.S. nursing programs can be expensive, with tuition ranging from $20,000 to over $60,000 depending on the degree and location.

*Top Nursing Programs for International Students in the U.S.

Here are some popular nursing programs that accept international students:

Source: TopUniversities.com

Although these programs offer world-class education, they may come with limited work authorization options or high costs.

5. A Smarter Path: Hybrid Professional MSN with CPT Work Authorization

In response to rising demand in the U.S. healthcare industry, several private universities have introduced an innovative format of MSN programs specifically designed to support international students: the hybrid professional program.

These programs are structured to provide a blend of online coursework and limited in-person sessions, enabling students to remain compliant with F-1 visa requirements while gaining practical experience through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) starting in their first semester. Under current USCIS guidelines, CPT is permitted when it is an integral part of the academic curriculum and authorized by the school’s Designated School Official (DSO).

Hybrid programs that include first-semester CPT are designed to meet this standard by incorporating practical training as a required component of the degree. This structure allows students to begin paid internships or employment relevant to their field of study right away, helping to offset tuition and living expenses.

In addition to immediate income, these programs give students early exposure to the U.S. healthcare system, boosting their resumes and enhancing their chances of securing long-term sponsorship for H-1B visas or employment-based green cards.

For agents and recruitment partners, promoting first-semester CPT programs offers a compelling value proposition—combining affordability, real-world experience, and immigration compliance into one attractive package.

These hybrid Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs typically span 18 to 24 months and are offered by accredited private universities across the U.S. Tuition generally ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 for the entire program, making it more affordable than many traditional nursing degrees. Students attend one in-person session per semester to maintain F-1 compliance while completing the majority of their coursework online. Crucially, these programs offer CPT work authorization starting from the first semester, allowing students to gain paid, hands-on experience in a healthcare setting while studying.

If you're an agent or recruitment partner working with qualified nurses or nursing students, we can help your candidates get admitted into these USCIS-compliant programs.

We offer free school application assistance and CPT authorization support, and we also provide referral fees to our recruitment partners.

📩 Contact us today to explore how we can support your students and grow your placement business.