Nurses require different qualifications depending on the country or region they work in. In the US, LPNs complete a one-year certificate program, while RNs have a four-year degree. Nurses must pass background checks and licensing exams, and some must take follow-up exams. Foreign nurses must obtain special certifications and take a different licensing test.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) hold various educational, vocational, training, and licensure qualifications, depending on the country or region in which they are working. Nurses generally hold advanced degrees, with most registered nurses having four years of education and vocational training. In the US, you must pass a background check and a licensing exam. Trained foreign professionals who are interested in nursing qualifications in the United States will have to obtain special certifications.
For the educational qualification, an LPN is usually required to complete a one-year certificate program, with core education courses. RNs typically have a four-year degree from an accredited institution, with a course load consisting of liberal courses, nursing care, and health sciences. Due to the difference in nursing qualifications, a registered nurse is able to supervise professional or practical nurses.
Most registered nurses must undergo a period of professional training at a hospital or clinic. These technical courses are taken while the nursing student is still in school, usually at the end of their course. Nurses interested in advanced qualifications typically require a series of vocational training courses.
Medical professionals often have a history free of serious crimes or serious misdemeanors. Nursing qualifications often include the ability to pass a series of extensive background checks before a nursing professional can practice medicine. A comprehensive background check can help protect employers and institutions.
Educational, vocational, and training qualifications are all prerequisites for future nurses to be able to take licensing exams. Some nurses will have to take a follow-up exam every two years to ensure their medical competence as well. In the United States, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers different forms of licensing for LPNs and RNs. The Practical Nurse for National Board Licensing Exam and Registered Nurse for National Board Licensing Exam are computer-based tests consisting of a variety of medical questions. Tests for Registered Nurses tend to be more difficult, with questions focused on patient management and delegation.
Foreign nurses interested in working in the United States will have to take a different licensing test, given by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Schools of Nursing. This test is internationally recognized. Prospective students who pass this test demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to possessing nursing qualifications aligned with US practice.
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