2026 What NP Programs Are Open to Foreign Medical Graduates?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an NP program as a foreign medical graduate?

The core concept revolves around two main programs designed for non-nursing bachelor's holders: the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and the Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Both tracks allow the foreign medica graduate's evaluated medical degree to fulfill the non-nursing prerequisite. After completing the initial nursing education and obtaining an RN license, the Direct-Entry MSN focuses on advanced practice coursework, leading directly to NP certification and the ability to diagnose, treat, and prescribe. This route offers a faster, more stable path to a respected, autonomous, and financially rewarding career in U.S. healthcare.  

Where can I work with an NP program?

Graduates who transition from being foreign medical graduates to becoming nurse practitioners enjoy a wide range of employment settings across the U.S. healthcare landscape, often leveraging their existing medical specialization.

The single largest employers are physician offices and general medical and surgical hospitals, where NPs work collaboratively to manage patient care, often in primary care roles like Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Beyond these traditional settings, NPs are in high demand at outpatient care centers and specialized facilities like psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals for those with a PMHNP specialization. These diverse industries benefit from the NP's expanded scope of practice and the dual clinical perspective brought by former foreign medical graduates.

The former foreign medical graduates who become NPs also find substantial opportunities in non-hospital and private sectors, frequently choosing settings that offer a higher degree of autonomy or specialized focus such as:

• Home Health Care Services
• Retail Clinics and Community Health Centers
• Specialty Private Practices
• Academia and Research

How much can I make with an NP program?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for nurse practitioners is approximately $129,210 per year. However, this figure varies widely by state, experience, and setting. New NP graduates, including former foreign medical graduates, can typically expect a starting salary range between $100,000 and $115,000, with top earners starting as high as $130,000 or more in high-cost-of-living areas.

Specialization is a primary factor in maximizing earning potential. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs), a common choice for former physicians, are among the highest paid, with salaries often ranging from $135,000 to over $170,000 annually due to high demand. Geographic location is also critical, with NPs in states like California and New Jersey earning mean annual salaries over $145,000, while some lower-paying states may have average salaries around $110,000. 

What NP programs are open to foreign medical graduates?

Foreign medical graduates seeking to leverage their medical knowledge and transition into a nursing career in the United States have several established pathways to becoming a nurse practitioner (NP). While a direct FMG-to-NP program is rare, a common route involves completing an accelerated nursing degree to become a Registered Nurse (RN), followed by a master's or doctoral degree in nursing.

The fundamental requirement for any foreign medical graduate is the evaluation of their foreign medical degree by a credentialing service to prove its equivalency to a U.S. bachelor's degree. Following this, candidates must complete specific prerequisite courses and typically gain a U.S. RN license before entering an NP program.

There are primarily two routes for foreign medical graduates to pursue an NP career: specialized bridge programs and general accelerated nursing programs.

1. Dedicated FMG-to-Nurse Programs (Bridge Programs)

A handful of universities have recognized the unique background of foreign medical graduates and have designed specific "bridge" programs to facilitate their transition into nursing. These programs often provide a more direct and supportive pathway.

Some prominent programs include:

• Florida International University (FIU) - Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences: FIU offers a well-known Foreign Educated Physician to BSN/MSN track. This accelerated program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and seamlessly transition to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become a nurse practitioner in approximately three years.
• Monroe College - School of Nursing: Monroe College provides an International Medical Graduate (IMG) Option for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This is an accelerated program designed for those who have earned the equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited non-U.S. medical school.

2. Accelerated BSN and Direct-Entry MSN Programs

This is the most common route for foreign medical graduates. These programs are designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. FMGs can leverage their evaluated medical degree to meet the bachelor's degree admission requirement.

• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Programs: These are fast-paced programs, typically lasting 12 to 18 months, that lead to a BSN. Upon graduation and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a foreign medical graduate can work as an RN and then apply to an MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program to become an NP.
• Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs: Also known as Entry-Level Master's (ELM) or Master's Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), these programs are for non-nursing graduates. The initial portion of the program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, and the subsequent coursework focuses on advanced practice nursing, leading directly to an MSN and eligibility for NP certification. For those seeking flexible learning, consider exploring accelerated NP programs online.

How are foreign medical credentials evaluated for US NP school applications?

For a foreign medical graduate, having your medical credentials evaluated is the mandatory first step to being considered for a U.S. Nurse Practitioner (NP) school. This process independently verifies that your education is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's or master's degree, a standard requirement for admission into graduate-level nursing programs. 

This rigorous academic verification ensures the applicant possesses the necessary foundational knowledge, similar to the advanced preparation provided by online clinical counseling and psychology masters programs for careers in mental health. In 2024, 2.8% of registered nurses (RNs) reported holding a non-nursing doctorate as their highest credential. I

Here is a detailed breakdown of how the evaluation process works:

Choosing an Evaluation Agency

You must use a third-party agency that is recognized by U.S. universities and state boards of nursing. The two most prominent and widely accepted agencies are:

• World Education Services (WES): WES is a popular choice for general academic evaluations. Many universities across the U.S. accept WES reports for admission purposes.
• Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) International: CGFNS is specifically focused on the nursing profession. While many universities accept WES, some nursing programs or state boards of nursing may specifically require a CGFNS report, especially if you plan to use the evaluation for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) as well.

Always check the specific requirements of each NP program you are applying to. Their admissions page will state which evaluation agencies they accept. If they accept both, WES is often noted for a slightly faster turnaround time for general academic purposes. If you anticipate needing the evaluation for nursing licensure down the line, using CGFNS from the start can be a strategic choice.  You can also explore shortest nurse practitioner programs to complete your qualifications faster.

Selecting the Right Type of Report

The type of evaluation report is critical. NP schools almost universally require a Course-by-Course Evaluation.

• Document-by-Document Evaluation: This is a basic report that simply verifies your degree and states its U.S. equivalency (e.g., Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree). This is not sufficient for NP programs.
• Course-by-Course Evaluation: This is a detailed report that lists every subject you took, converts your grades and credits into the U.S. semester credit system, and calculates a U.S. Grade Point Average (GPA). This is mandatory as it allows admissions committees to verify that you have completed the necessary science and other prerequisite courses.

The Evaluation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process is meticulous and requires careful attention to detail to avoid delays.

Step 1: Create an Account and Start an Application

You will begin by creating an online account with your chosen agency (WES or CGFNS) and selecting the "Course-by-Course Evaluation." You will need to pay the application fee, which typically ranges from $200 to $400, depending on the agency and the services selected (e.g., rush service, extra copies).

Step 2: Gather and Submit Required Documents

This is the most crucial part of the process. While specific requirements can vary slightly by your country of education, you will generally need to provide:

• Degree Certificate/Diploma: A clear, legible copy of the diploma for your medical degree (e.g., MBBS, MD).
• Official Transcripts/Mark Sheets: These documents must list all the subjects you studied and the grades you received for each year of your medical program.

For many applicants, gathering these documents from their previous institutions is a major administrative step, similar to the initial effort required for students applying to advanced degrees who might seek streamlined admission through online master's in counseling no GRE programs. 

Crucially, these documents must be sent directly from your medical university to the evaluation agency in a sealed, official envelope. The agency will not accept transcripts sent by you. You will need to contact the registrar's office of your alma mater to make this request.

Step 3: Provide Certified Translations

If your original documents are not in English, you must provide a complete and certified, literal word-for-word translation. The translation must be done by a professional translation service, your university, or a consulate. You cannot translate the documents yourself. Both the original non-English documents and the certified English translation must be submitted.

Step 4: The Agency's Review and Verification

Once the agency receives all your documents directly from your university, they will:

• Verify Authenticity: They will confirm that the documents are legitimate and were issued by a recognized institution.
• Analyze Coursework: They will analyze each course on your transcript, determine its U.S. credit equivalent, and convert your grades to the standard A-F scale to calculate a GPA.
• Issue the Report: After the analysis is complete (which can take several weeks to a month or more), the agency will finalize the report. They will then send official copies directly to the NP schools you designated in your application and provide you with a personal copy.

What are the core eligibility requirements for foreign medical graduates to get into NP programs?

As a foreign medical graduate aiming to become a nurse practitioner in the United States, your medical background is a significant asset. However, you must meet a specific set of eligibility requirements designed to bridge the gap between your medical education and the U.S. nursing framework.  One option to consider is enrolling in masters in nursing programs for non nurses to transition more smoothly into the nursing profession.

Here are the core eligibility requirements you must fulfill to be a competitive applicant for an NP program.

1. Proof of an Equivalent Bachelor's Degree

This is the foundational requirement. U.S. NP programs are graduate-level, meaning every applicant must hold a bachelor's degree. You must have your foreign medical degree evaluated by a recognized U.S. agency to certify that it is equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor of Science degree. This is a non-negotiable first step. The evaluation must be a course-by-course report to allow admissions committees to assess your coursework and calculate a U.S. GPA.

2. Completion of Prerequisite Nursing Courses

While your medical degree covers advanced health sciences, it may not include foundational courses specific to the U.S. nursing curriculum. Nearly all accelerated nursing programs require a specific list of prerequisites, which must be completed at an accredited U.S. college or university with a minimum grade (usually a 'C' or higher). These courses often have a "recency" requirement, meaning they must have been completed within the last 5 to 7 years.

Common prerequisites include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• General Chemistry
• Statistics
• Developmental or Lifespan Psychology
• Sociology or a social science elective
• Nutrition

3. English Language Proficiency

If your medical education was not conducted in English, you must prove your proficiency through a standardized test. This is a strict requirement for both university admission and future nursing licensure.

The most common tests are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Each university sets its own minimum score, but competitive NP programs often require a TOEFL score of 100 (out of 120) or an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher.

4. Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure (Program Dependent)

This is a critical point that depends on the type of program you choose:

• For Direct MSN/DNP Programs: If you are applying to a traditional Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, you must already be a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States. This means you would have already completed an accelerated BSN, passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtained a state RN license.
• For Accelerated BSN or Direct-Entry MSN Programs: For these entry-level programs designed for non-nurses, you do not need an RN license to apply. The curriculum is designed to prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become a licensed RN, after which you would proceed to the graduate-level NP coursework.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) were most employed in physicians’ offices (122,830), followed by general medical and surgical hospitals (58,080), and outpatient care centers (23,760). The following chart shows the top employers of NPs.

What prerequisite courses do foreign medical graduates need for accelerated BSN or MSN programs?

The prerequisites for foreign medical graduates applying to accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) or Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are generally similar to those for any applicant with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, but foreign medical graduates may have additional requirements related to transcript evaluation and English proficiency.

The most frequently required courses, which often must be completed within a certain time frame (e.g., the last 5-10 years) and with a minimum grade (e.g., C or better), typically include:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II with Lab: Often an 8-credit sequence, sometimes requiring two separate semesters of Anatomy and Physiology.
• Microbiology with Lab: Usually 4 credits.
• Chemistry with Lab: Often General Chemistry, sometimes requiring two semesters or a course with an organic/biochemistry component.
• Statistics: A college-level course in general or inferential statistics.
• Human Growth and Development / Developmental Psychology: A course that covers the human lifespan from conception/birth through old age.
• Nutrition: A course specifically in human nutrition.

Are there specific bridge programs designed for foreign doctors to become NPs?

Yes, there are specific and specialized pathways, often referred to as bridge or fast-track programs, designed for foreign medical graduates to become NPs. Accelerated master’s in nursing programs produced 4,779 graduates in 2024, reflecting continued growth in fast-track nursing education.

The most direct and well-known route for foreign medical graduates to become an NP is through a Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that has a specific track for Foreign Educated Physicians (FEPs).  This expedited educational path prioritizes practical clinical expertise, much like the advanced theoretical and research skills developed by students in a PhD in management online program who are focused on leadership and organizational strategy.

1. FEP/FMG to Direct-Entry MSN Program (The Direct Path)

A few institutions offer programs uniquely tailored to leverage an FMG's existing medical education:

• Foreign Educated Physician to BSN/MSN (FEP BSN/MSN): This is the most specific type of bridge program. A notable example is the program at Florida International University (FIU).

2. The General Direct-Entry MSN Route (The Common Path)

Many foreign medical graduates also apply to general Direct-Entry MSN programs (also known as Master's Entry into Nursing Practice) open to applicants with any non-nursing bachelor's or advanced degree. Another pathway to explore is online RN programs for non nurses, which can provide foundational nursing training before advancing to graduate-level studies.

Foreign medical graduates with a medical degree (equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's or higher) apply to these programs. The curriculum first trains the student in foundational nursing to become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Once licensed as an RN, the student completes the advanced practice portion of the MSN to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in a chosen specialty.

A foreign medical graduate's medical education often means they have completed all the necessary science prerequisites (Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology) and possess a strong clinical foundation, making them highly competitive for admission. Many schools offer these programs, including Johns Hopkins University, MGH Institute of Health Professions, and Vanderbilt University.

How long does it take for a foreign medical graduate to complete NP program prerequisites?

The time it takes for a foreign medical graduate to complete the necessary NP program prerequisites is highly variable, but it generally ranges from three to 18 months.

The duration depends almost entirely on the specific courses the foreign medical graduate needs and how quickly they can complete them.

Foreign medical graduates have a significant advantage because their medical degree typically covers the majority of the major science prerequisites for a Direct-Entry MSN or Accelerated BSN/MSN program. These generally include:

• Human Anatomy (with lab)
• Human Physiology (with lab)
• Microbiology (with lab)
• General Chemistry

In most cases, these science courses from medical school are accepted, provided the foreign medical graduate submits an official course-by-course transcript evaluation that verifies the course equivalency.

How long does it take to get licensed as an NP after graduating from a US program?

The entire process to get licensed as a nurse practitioner (NP) after graduating from a U.S. program generally takes between 2 and 4 months, but this can vary significantly by state.

The timeline involves three sequential steps:

1. Requesting Documents: Your university must send official transcripts and program completion verification to both the national certification board (like ANCC or AANP) and your State Board of Nursing (BON). This step can take a few weeks depending on the school's processing time.
2. National Certification: You must successfully pass a national board certification exam (e.g., FNP, AG-ACNP) in your specialty. Once you pass, the national board will confirm your certification to your BON. This focus on specialty certification and advanced training is common across many high-demand fields, including those where professionals seek to leverage specialized credentials, such as the benefits of ABA for special education teachers.
3. State Licensure: The State Board of Nursing (BON) reviews all your documents (transcript, national certification, and state application with fees/background checks) and issues your Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license. This final step is the most variable and can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks or more, depending on the state's processing backlog.

It's important to start the licensure application with the BON immediately after graduation to minimize the waiting period before you can legally begin to practice.

The top-paying state for NPs in 2024 was California, with an annual mean wage of $158,130, well above the national average. The next chart shows the top five highest-paying states.

What's the difference between an MSN, DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate for a foreign medical graduate?

The primary difference between a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a Post-Master's Certificate for a Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) lies in the entry requirements, length, and final degree/career focus. 

Here is a breakdown of how these pathways compare for a foreign medical graduate looking to become a nurse practitioner:

1. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• Purpose: The standard and most common entry point for NP practice. It is designed to prepare a registered nurse (RN) for an advanced practice role. Among licensed APRNs in 2024, only 9.9% were certified nurse practitioners, highlighting the relatively small proportion of certified specialists within the APRN workforce.
• Entry Point for FMG: FMGs typically cannot apply directly to a traditional post-BSN MSN-NP program because they lack a U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Focus: Advanced clinical practice in a specific population (e.g., Family NP, Adult-Gerontology NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP). The curriculum focuses on advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and clinical skills.
• Length: The time to get to an NP license is often shorter than a DNP. For an FMG using a Direct-Entry track, the total time to NP could be around 2.5 to 3 years.
• Outcome: Qualifies you to sit for the national NP certification exam and obtain state licensure as an NP.

2. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• Purpose: The highest level of nursing practice education (terminal degree). It is a practice-focused doctorate that adds a strong emphasis on leadership, systems-level change, and evidence-based practice (EBP).
• Entry Point for FMG: Similar to the MSN, the foreign medical graduate must first obtain their RN license. DNP programs are typically structured as:
• Focus: Clinical practice (same as MSN) PLUS systems leadership, healthcare policy, quality improvement, and a required DNP Scholarly Project (e.g., implementing an EBP change in a clinic).
• Length: It is the longest pathway. A BSN-to-DNP track can take 3 to 4 years of full-time study, depending on the specialization.
• Outcome: Qualifies you to sit for the national NP certification exam and obtain state licensure as an NP, plus you earn a doctorate, which may be beneficial for leadership, academia, and a competitive edge in the job market.

3. Post-Master's Certificate (PMC)

• Purpose: Designed for nurses who already possess a master's degree in nursing and wish to specialize in a different NP population focus.
• Entry Point for Foreign Medical Graduate: This is not a viable initial pathway for foreign medical graduates for they cannot typically apply for a post-master's certificate unless they have already completed a separate MSN degree first (which may be an MSN in a non-APRN specialty, or an NP in a different specialty).
• Focus: Only the clinical courses needed for a new NP specialty. It excludes the core master's courses (like advanced research or theory) that the applicant has already taken.
• Length: The shortest program, typically 1 to 2 years, but only for those who already have a graduate degree in nursing.
• Outcome: Qualifies you to sit for a second national NP certification exam in a new specialty.

What should foreign medical graduates look for when choosing an NP program?

For foreign medical graduates choosing a nurse practitioner program, the selection process is more complex than for a traditional registered nurse (RN) program. Foreign medical graduates must prioritize programs that offer a structured path to obtaining a U.S. RN license before beginning the NP coursework.  Some schools even offer accelerated options, such as 1 year NP programs, which can help you transition more quickly into advanced practice.

A foreign medical graduate-friendly NP program should have specific features that account for your prior medical education but lack of U.S. nursing credentials:

1. The Right Entry Pathway

Since foreign medical graduates are not U.S. registered nurses with a BSN, the program must accommodate this gap. Look for programs that offer:

• Foreign-Educated Physician (FEP) to MSN/DNP Tracks: These specialized bridge programs are explicitly designed for foreign medical graduates. They leverage your extensive medical background to fast-track the prerequisite BSN and RN licensure steps, allowing you to quickly enter the graduate-level NP curriculum.
• Credit/Waiver for Prior Education: Inquire if your medical coursework (e.g., advanced physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology) will be evaluated for credit transfer or course waivers. This can significantly reduce the program length and cost, recognizing your clinical expertise.

2. Clinical Placement and Preceptor Support

This is the most critical logistical factor for all NP students, but especially for foreign medical graduates who may lack an established professional network in the U.S.

• Guaranteed Preceptor Placement: Choose a program that secures all required clinical preceptors and sites for you. Programs that leave students to find their own preceptors should be avoided, as this is a very common cause of delayed graduation.
• Diverse Clinical Exposure: Ensure the program offers a variety of clinical sites to provide a well-rounded experience aligned with your chosen NP specialty.

3. Academic and Support Environment

The program should provide the specific support necessary for the foreign medical graduate transitioning to the U.S. nursing model.

• NCLEX-RN Prep and Licensure Guidance: The program should integrate preparation for the NCLEX-RN (the exam for RN licensure) and provide guidance on applying for the state Board of Nursing license, as this is the absolute first step.
• Cultural Competence Training: Look for curricula that address the U.S. healthcare system, legal scope of practice, and cultural context of nursing. Your medical knowledge is extensive, but you'll need to master the nursing framework of care delivery.
• Foreign Medical Graduate-Friendly Faculty: Seek programs where faculty and advisors are accustomed to working with FMGs, understanding both the knowledge base you bring and the specific licensing hurdles you face.

4. Program Quality and Outcome

Regardless of the entry path, the NP program must be high-quality and fully accredited.

• Accreditation: The program must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized body, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation is non-negotiable for sitting for the NP national certification exam.
• Certification Pass Rate: Look for the program's first-time pass rate for the national NP certification exam (AANP or ANCC). A consistently high rate (ideally over 90%) indicates effective preparation.
• MSN vs. DNP: Decide whether the MSN (shorter, primary focus on clinical care) or the DNP (longer, adds emphasis on leadership and systems change) aligns with your ultimate career goals and timeline. Both qualify you to practice as an NP, and you can explore direct entry MSN programs online if you’re looking for an accelerated pathway into nursing at the graduate level.

What are the key components of a successful NP school application for a foreign medical graduate?

The key components of a successful nurse practitioner school application for a foreign medical graduate focus on translating your medical expertise into the nursing framework while ensuring all required U.S. credentials are in order.

A strong foreign medical graduate application must proactively address the major differences between the MD/MBBS and NP education models.

1. Required Credentialing and Prerequisites

The initial prerequisite for foreign medical graduates applying to an NP program is a Foreign Credential Evaluation, typically from services like WES or ECE, which translates the foreign medical degree into a U.S. equivalency and GPA.

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency by submitting acceptable scores from the TOEFL or IELTS, unless their medical schooling was conducted in English. While most foreign medical graduates can waive core science courses due to their background, they often need to complete specific prerequisite coursework in areas like U.S. history, ethics, or specialized statistics to meet nursing program and state-level licensing requirements.

2. The Personal Statement 

The personal statement is the opportunity to frame medical background as an asset for the NP path. The core of this narrative must respectfully and clearly address "Why NP, Not MD?", positioning the NP choice as a deliberate pivot toward the holistic, patient-centered nursing model while leveraging accelerated foreign medical graduate program options.

Although lacking U.S. RN experience, the foreign medical graduate must demonstrate an understanding of the difference between the physician and nursing roles, using a brief, complex patient case from their medical practice to highlight their advanced clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills, which will ensure success in graduate-level coursework. The statement must convey a strong commitment to the specific program by linking its mission and specialty directly to the foreign medical graduate's refined career goals as a future APRN.  

3. Letters of Recommendation and CV

To support their NP application, foreign medical graduates must provide a robust set of letters of recommendation and a tailored curriculum vitae (CV). The recommendations should be a blend of academic endorsements from a foreign medical school or U.S. instructor, and professional letters, ideally from a U.S. physician or supervisor, to demonstrate integration into the U.S. healthcare setting.

The CV, while documenting all medical experience, must strategically pivot to highlight experiences relevant to advanced practice nursing, focusing on patient-facing roles, research capacity, and crucially, any U.S. clinical exposure to validate both their high level of clinical competence and readiness for the American academic and healthcare culture. 

Here's What Foreign Medical Graduates Have To Say About Their NP Programs 

References:

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (n.d.). Accelerated baccalaureate and master’s degrees in nursing [Fact sheet].
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2024). 2024 nurse practitioner practice report [PDF].
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). NP student snapshot 2015–2024 [PDF].
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). What nurse practitioner students need to know about certification.
• Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools International. (2024). 2024 nurse migration report [PDF].
• Florida International University, College of Nursing and Health Sciences. (n.d.). FEP BSN/MSN program.
• Nurse.org. (n.d.). Nurse practitioner survey.
• Smiley, R. A., Kaminski-Ozturk, N., Reid, M., & Burwell, P. M. (2025). The 2024 national nursing workforce survey. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 16(1), S1–S88.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational employment and wages, May 2022: Nurse practitioners (Occupational code 29-1171).

Other Things You Should Know About NP Programs for Foreign Medical Graduates