Graduate Nurse in Philippines seeking RN license in Houston, TX

[BughouseMaster 3]

My fiancé barely missed the passing point for the N.L.E in the Philippines and as she will be living here in the U.S. with me, was wondering if she can just show that she graduated from an accredited school, one of top-notch Nursing schools (UPHS) and take the NCLEX test here? Anyone in the same position as her who can speak from firsthand experience?

I will call the Texas state board on Monday and ask them about this, but at worst case I think they'd make her pass the N.L.E. then again the NCLEX here......... but if the school she went to is good enough for here in Texas, she could probably just study up for the NCLEX and take that test here and be on her way, right?

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

I know 4 nurses from the PI who could not get certified in the US until they took more classes and took the NCLEX. I can't speak to the schools where they were certified in the PI, and I'm sure that might make a difference, but be prepared to send her to school when she gets here in order to get certified in the US.

[mztreiz 0]

Why would she need to take more classes if she's already a nurse in the Philippines? That's just like saying her degree from another country is not good enough in the United States..... and of course it'd make a difference what type of school your 4 nurse friends attended. If they were from schools who were not accredited and cost P100/sem then of course it's not equivalent to that of the U.S.!

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

Because that's the way I have seen it work with the 4 nurses I know from the PI. Can't speak as to the why, or what school they got their degrees from. Perhaps some schools in the PI are accepted under US accreditation, but it seems not all are. Only way to know for sure is to apply for and try to take the NCLEX, I guess.

[Bumbero 130]

Because that's the way I have seen it work with the 4 nurses I know from the PI. Can't speak as to the why, or what school they got their degrees from. Perhaps some schools in the PI are accepted under US accreditation, but it seems not all are. Only way to know for sure is to apply for and try to take the NCLEX, I guess.

You're absolutely right.

I'm not sure why people are so argumentative on this site lately. A lot of Filipinos, I know quite a few, who were RNs in the PI have to take additional courses to qualify them to take the NCLEX. It's a case by case basis. Different training requirements, different techniques and different skills can be taught in US nursing programs. Best thing to do us contact the state and find out if they will accept her degree from the Philippines but don't be surprised if they say additional courses are needed.

[pete_falcone 7]

Yeah, those days are numbered. It used to be that you only have to take some sort of exam to get your license, but education has become such a cash cow over the past 7 thanks to these "international [insert specialty] programs." My wife will need to go back to dentistry school for a couple of years to even become a registered dental assistant. It is what it is.

[RnL 3]

Why would she need to take more classes if she's already a nurse in the Philippines? That's just like saying her degree from another country is not good enough in the United States..... and of course it'd make a difference what type of school your 4 nurse friends attended. If they were from schools who were not accredited and cost P100/sem then of course it's not equivalent to that of the U.S.!

Because she's not a "registered/licensed" nurse. She's a nursing graduate.

In order for anyone to be called an RN in the Philippines, one has to pass the Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE). One does not automatically become an RN in the Philippines by simply graduating. No matter how high his/her grades are in college/university.

Different states have different requirements. If they say that you have to be registered nurse, you have no other choice but to comply.

[RnL 3]

My fiancé barely missed the passing point for the N.L.E in the Philippines and as she will be living here in the U.S. with me, was wondering if she can just show that she graduated from an accredited school, one of top-notch Nursing schools (UPHS) and take the NCLEX test here? Anyone in the same position as her who can speak from firsthand experience?

I will call the Texas state board on Monday and ask them about this, but at worst case I think they'd make her pass the N.L.E. then again the NCLEX here......... but if the school she went to is good enough for here in Texas, she could probably just study up for the NCLEX and take that test here and be on her way, right?

You're right, better to call the Texas BON.

Here's a link of a forum discussing application in Texas:

http://allnurses.com/nurse-registration/filipino-graduate-applying-827016-page3.html

A link to Texas BON requirements:

http://www.bon.texas.gov/olv/examination.html

1. International Candidates - to be eligible to take the NCLEX, you will need the following:

   A) A completed Application by NCLEX® Examination, all fees, a completed criminal history report, proof of passing scores of English Proficiency exam (if program was not conducted in English), an original Credential Evaluation Service (CES) Full Education course-by-course report, sent directly from an approved organization and a Verification of Licensure (VOL) form from all countries, states, provinces and/or territories you hold or have held a license. The VOL must come directly from the licensing authority and must bear the authority’s official seal. The VOL is only valid for one (1) year after it is signed and sealed by the licensing authority.

   *Note: the CES Full Education course-by-course report will contain your original country of licensure’s VOL.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

Edited August 23, 2013 by RnL