An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) are two ways in which recent immigrants who were doctors or nurses in their home country can transition into the American medical industry quickly using skills they have already acquired from their foreign education. The Nursing Program for Foreign Medical Graduates & Physicians – ADN Program is an RN nursing program offered by FVI School of Nursing and Technology for people who want to take full advantage of their skillset and medical knowledge.
The benefits of an ADN for foreign medical graduates or foreign-trained doctors include:
- Foreign doctors can continue in their field of medicine without having to reinvest countless years in medical training
- Enter the U.S. medical field with background knowledge and confidence
- The ADN is much more affordable than enrolling in medical school
- These programs are less intense, especially for bilingual medical professionals
The benefits of immigrant doctors working as a nurse in the U.S. include:
- Increased opportunity to find work in the U.S. than abroad
- A career in nursing is less competitive and less stressful
- High compensation and excellent working conditions in U.S. hospitals
Transitioning from Physician to Nurse For Immigrant Doctors
Though most consider a nursing program for foreign-educated doctors to be a blessing, some doctors may consider it a “step down” or a “loss of prestige.” In an article by The Atlantic, they mentioned that for the majority of these foreign doctors-turned-nurses, those negative feelings don’t last.
“What we’re hearing from them is that they actually really, really enjoy the role of nurse practitioner in the United States because it’s more like the way they practiced in their home countries.” – Maria Olenick, Program Director at Florida International University 1
Medical professionals have a desire to help others, and that is not something that disappears overnight. In fact, a move to a new country may even increase that desire. A return to what you know, love, and understand is often the best cure for any culture shock and continuing with your life’s purpose is the best way to satisfy that desire.
Indeed the U.S. medical system already depends heavily on foreign-born healthcare professionals. If you are a foreign-educated physician and recent immigrant deciding to pursue a nursing career in the U.S., rest assured you won’t be alone. This is especially true in South Florida, where many healthcare professionals and nurses originally came from other places around the world including Asia and South America, which is a plus for both medical institutions and patients.
“With the increasing diversity of the U.S. population, it’s important our healthcare workforce reflect that diversity. Certain patients, such as immigrants or those who speak a different language, may prefer or do better with doctors born outside the U.S. due to cultural or language factors.” – Dr. Vineet Arora, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine 2
Why Choose FVI School of Nursing?
FVI School of Nursing and Technology has assisted many foreign-educated medical professionals as they begin a new career in the United States, using their previous medical knowledge to further education and leverage job opportunities. It’s the best way for foreign-educated medical doctors to secure a medical career in the US.
Applicants can enroll in the nursing program and obtain an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Applicants can complete the required training program, which includes an up to date NCLEX review course, in the minimum amount of time to start a gratifying career.
Upon completion, graduates will receive an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) and are ready to start their careers and, ultimately, their new life in the United States. Learn more about our Florida Nursing Program for Foreign Medical Graduates & Physicians – ADN Program and other healthcare programs by giving us a call or contacting us today! We have nursing programs in Miramar and nursing programs in Miami.
Sources
- Sophie Quinton & National Journal, The Atlantic – How Immigrant Doctors Became America’s Next Generation of Nurses
- Lisa Rapaport, Reuters – S. relies heavily on foreign-born healthcare workers
