The Cost Of Becoming A Nurse In The USA

Jun 04, 2024 4 min read
Cost Of Becoming Nurse In USA

Key Takeaways

  • Becoming a registered nurse entails passing the NCLEX exam and obtaining a state license, which can be a hefty amount of money.
  • Pursuing a nursing career requires a significant investment in education. The costs of tuition, textbooks, supplies, and accommodations are also involved.
  • Effective financial planning and budgeting are essential to manage the expenses associated with a nursing career successfully.

Introduction 

Are you a nursing graduate planning to pursue your career in the USA? Then you must have done all the initial research about the NCLEX Exam, right?

Becoming a nurse in the United States is a noble and rewarding endeavour, but it has its financial challenges. From education and licensing to ongoing professional development, there are several costs involved in pursuing a nursing career in the USA. 

In this blog, we will break down the total cost involved in becoming a nurse and provide insights into the various expenses you may encounter along the way.

NCLEX Exam
NCLEX Exam Preparation Course

Credential Evaluation 

Before practising as a nurse in the USA, international nurses must meet specific educational and licensing requirements. This includes credential evaluation. The fees for credential evaluation can be around $300 to $500.

NCLEX Exam

If you plan on becoming a nurse in the US, you must be aware of the NCLEX Exam by now. 

The NCLEX, or the National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardised examination that individuals in the United States must pass to obtain a license to practice as a registered nurse in the US. 

Here's the list of costs involved in the NCLEX Exam procedure:

Item

Fees in USD

Registration Fee

200 

Additional International Scheduling fee

Change the nursing regulatory body after the registration fee

150 

50 

Change exam type (RN/PN) after registration fee

50 

Change exam language (English/French) after registration fee

Not Applicable

Refund Policy

This is a non-refundable nature of registration fees and the international scheduling fee. The refunds will not be issued under any circumstances, which include but are not limited to:

  • Duplicate Registrations: Candidates are ineligible for a refund if they have multiple active registrations for the same exam.
  • Failure to Reschedule or Cancel: No refunds to candidates who fail to reschedule or cancel their exam appointment with more than 24 business hours notice.
  • Failure to Appear: Candidates who do not appear for their scheduled exam appointment will not be eligible for a refund.

Exam Preparation

Passing the NCLEX Exam is not a walk in the park. It requires meticulous preparation with the study materials, mock tests, coaching and everything. This would take approximately about USD 300-USD 500. 

Visa and Immigration Costs

International nurses who wish to work in the USA must obtain the appropriate visa to legally practice nursing. The most common visa for nurses is the H-1B. 

Visa application fees can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. Additionally, candidates must cover the cost of legal and administrative expenses, medical exams, and other documentation necessary for the visa application process.

NCLEX Course by Academically

Academically is an ed-tech company that helps healthcare professionals pursue their dreams across borders.  For such aspiring professional nurses, Academically has developed an exclusive course for the NCLEX Exam- the NCLEX Exam Preparation Course. 

You can learn from this course in the comfort of your home or work. All you need to do is get a stable internet connection. And even if you miss out on the live classes, you will get access to the recorded sessions.

Apart from this, you will also be provided with mock tests and the previous year's question papers. You can have one-on-one interaction with the lecturers and clear your doubts. 

The course fees are not even heavy on your pockets, and you can even pay them in instalments!!

Conclusion

Becoming a nurse in the USA is a worthwhile investment in your future, both professionally and personally. 

However, it's essential to be aware of the financial commitments involved in pursuing this career. The total cost of becoming a nurse can vary widely depending on factors like location, type of program, and individual circumstances. Planning and budgeting are crucial to managing these expenses effectively.

Despite the costs, nursing offers a fulfilling and stable career path with numerous opportunities for growth and specialisation. 

If you are passionate about healthcare and dedicated to making a difference, the financial investment in becoming a nurse is a step worth taking.

Fill up this form for a free one on one counselling session. 

Dr. Indu K
Dr. Indu K
about the author

Dr. Indu K is a dentist with one year of clinical experience. She seamlessly transitioned into content writing three years ago. Her passion lies in making complex medical information accessible to everyone. She uses her unique blend of medical knowledge and exceptional writing skills to bridge the gap between healthcare and the general audience.