Dhiraj Kandel
Managing DirectorSchedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study
Nursing
The USA has a vast number of opportunities to study or work as a nurse and excellent medical facilities, characterized by hospitals in New York to clinics in the country.
Nursing in the USA is the best way to acquire internationally recognized qualifications, practical clinical experience, and skills in changing the lives of patients.
Nursing is not a job but a career prospect for Nepali students because it can guarantee them secure jobs and favourable wages, which may also include a possible permanent residence.
This is one of the most secure and respected career choices, as the demand for qualified nurses in the USA keeps growing.
At Goreto Educational Consultancy – the best educational consultancy in Nepal – we’ve helped many Nepali students join respected U.S. nursing programs.
From choosing the right course to preparing your visa application, we guide you through every step to make your study abroad journey smooth and stress-free.
If you’re ready to begin your nursing career in the USA, start here: Study in the USA from Nepal, or message us on WhatsApp for a free consultation.
Why Study Nursing in the USA
That is why studying nursing in the USA is an exclusive opportunity when high-quality education and an impressive scope of clinical training are combined with the greatest job opportunities within the healthcare sector, which await Nepali students.
Nurses benefit from good job security with competitive salaries since the country has had a persistent shortage of qualified nurses.
- High Demand for Nurses
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 193,000 openings for registered nurses every year through 2032, driven by an ageing population and healthcare expansion.
- Worldwide Training & Facilities
USA nursing school programs integrate didactic and clinical studies with clinical training at hospitals, neighborhood clinics, and specialty health facilities.
- Powerful Career Security
The profession of nursing is among the most well-established careers in the USA, with highly competitive salaries and benefits, as well as promotion.
- Venturing into the Pathways to the Work Visas
The USA has several employers who sponsor eligible nurses to obtain a work visa, like H-1B or even the EB-3 green card category, which can be a viable option for portraying potential long-term opportunities.
- Global Recognition
The USA nursing degree commands respect in other countries, and the graduates can work in other countries such as Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Nepal.
Course Levels & Highlights
Various degree opportunities in nursing are available in the USA, which include baccalaureate programmes, all the way down to specialisation.
Depending on your experience, finances, and ambitions, you will pick one or the other.
| Level | Duration | What You’ll Learn | Ideal For | Top Institutions |
| Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | 2–3 years | Fundamentals of nursing care, basic anatomy, pharmacology, and patient assessment | +2 graduates seeking a faster, cost-effective route to become a Registered Nurse (RN) | Community colleges across the USA such as Miami Dade College, Austin Community College |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years | Nursing theory, clinical practice, community health, leadership, and advanced patient care | +2 Science graduates aiming for full RN licensure and broader career options | University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University |
| RN-to-BSN | 1–2 years | Advanced nursing topics, leadership, and evidence-based practice | Licensed RNs with an ADN who want to upgrade their qualifications | University of Washington, University of Florida, Ohio State University |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 1.5–2 years | Advanced clinical practice, nurse practitioner training, leadership, specialisations | Bachelor’s graduates in nursing seeking advanced practice roles | Duke University, Columbia University, Yale University |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) / PhD in Nursing | 3–5 years | High-level clinical expertise or research in nursing education, policy, or leadership | MSN graduates pursuing top-level clinical or academic positions | University of California, San Francisco, University of Pittsburgh, Emory University |
Specialization for Nepali Students
- Adult-Gerontology Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
- Nurse Practitioner Tracks
- Public Health Nursing
Many Nepali students enter an ADN program first in a community college, thereby saving on the cost of tuition, and then complete a BSN program.
This route enables them to begin practice as a Registered Nurse earlier and improve their qualification, and simultaneously acquire experience in the U.S.
Those students who have attended some nursing education in Nepal can also be admitted to the program: for example, foreign students connected with RN-to-BSN and MSN programs can directly present licensing requirements and English.
Eligibility & Entry Requirements
To pursue a nursing degree in the USA, Nepalese students have to be eligible on several parameters of exceptionality- academic, language, and licensing.
These are school- and program-specific, though the general rules are as follows:
Academic Requirements
| Program Level | Academic Qualification |
| Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | Completion of +2 (NEB or equivalent), preferably in Science stream with Biology or Chemistry; minimum 50–55% aggregate. |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | Completion of +2 (NEB or equivalent) in Science with Biology or Chemistry; minimum 60% aggregate. |
| RN-to-BSN | Current RN license plus an ADN or nursing diploma. |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) and an RN license; some programs require clinical experience. |
| DNP / PhD in Nursing | MSN degree (or BSN with extensive experience for direct-entry programs); research proposal for PhD applicants. |
English Language Requirements
| Program Level | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
| ADN / BSN | Overall 6.0–6.5 (no band <6.0) | 79+ | 58+ |
| MSN | Overall 6.5–7.0 (no band <6.0) | 79–100+ | 58–65 |
| DNP / PhD | Overall 7.0 (no band <6.5) | 100+ | 65+ |
Documents Required for Application
- Academic transcripts and certificates (SEE/SLC, +2, Bachelor, Master if applicable)
- Valid passport
- English test results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Updated CV (especially for MSN/DNP applicants)
- Letters of recommendation (academic/professional)
- Proof of RN license (for advanced programs)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, income source)
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
Those who have completed studies in Nepal already may qualify for advanced standing in the U.S. programs, although they have to satisfy the requirements of the NCLEX-RN licensing examination in order to practice in the U.S. as a nurse.
When applying to add-on programs in schools where there were normally BSN-to-MSN or MSN program tracks, many Nepali aspiring applicants enhance the possibility of admission and scholarships by first working in Nepal, related to the specific field.
Costs Breakdown
Nursing education is expensive in the USA because it depends upon the level of program, type of institution, and the geographical location.
Community colleges mostly have a cheaper tuition fee when it comes to ADN programs, and most of the higher-ranked universities have the most expensive tuition fee in cases of BSN programs, MSN programs, and doctorate programs.
| Expense | ADN (USD/NPR) | BSN (USD/NPR) | MSN (USD/NPR) | DNP / PhD (USD/NPR) |
| Tuition (per year) | $8,000–$15,000 NPR 1.06M–1.99M | $25,000–$50,000 NPR 3.32M–6.64M | $30,000–$55,000 NPR 3.99M–7.31M | $25,000–$50,000 NPR 3.32M–6.64M |
| Living Expenses (per year) | $12,000–$18,000 NPR 1.59M–2.39M | $12,000–$18,000 NPR 1.59M–2.39M | $15,000–$25,000 NPR 1.99M–3.32M | $12,000–$20,000 NPR 1.59M–2.65M |
| Health Insurance | $1,000–$2,000 NPR 132K–265K | $1,000–$2,000 NPR 132K–265K | $1,000–$2,500 NPR 132K–332K | $1,000–$2,500 NPR 132K–332K |
| SEVIS Fee | $350 NPR 46K | $350 NPR 46K | $350 NPR 46K | $350 NPR 46K |
| Visa Fee (F-1) | $185 NPR 25K | $185 NPR 25K | $185 NPR 25K | $185 NPR 25K |
Exchange rate used: $1 USD ≈ NPR 133 (rates fluctuate — check with Goreto for updated figures).
Foreign students who may have attended nursing programs in Nepal may be granted advanced standing in the U.S.
However, the NCLEX-RN licensing requirements must be fulfilled to work as a nurse.
Relevant work experience in Nepal before application also increases the likelihood of admission to and scholarships for many Nepali applicants, particularly in cases of BSN-to-MSN or MSN programs.
Application & Visa Roadmap
Applying for nursing programs in the USA takes planning, especially for clinical courses with competitive admission.
For Nepali students, starting 9–12 months before your intake is ideal to allow time for English test preparation, licensing checks, and visa processing.
Step-by-Step Guide for Nepali Students
- Select Your Program and Destination
Choosing your level (ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP/PhD) and whether you want to be in a huge city with big facilities or in a lot smaller city with cheaper living costs, etc.
- Submit Check Entry /Licensing Requirements
Establish academic credentials, English grades, and whether there are special requirements to do your academic program beyond your diploma or degree (i.e., science classes or CNA license).
Programs at an advanced level can demand either an active RN license and experience in clinics.
- Prepare Your Application Documents
- Academic transcripts & certificates (SEE/SLC, +2, Bachelor, Master, if applicable)
- Valid passport
- English test results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your nursing career goals
- Updated CV (especially for MSN/DNP applicants)
- Letters of recommendation (academic/professional)
- Proof of RN license (if applying to advanced programs)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, income source)
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Apply to the University/College
Submit your application directly through the university portal or via Goreto Educational Consultancy – the best educational consultancy in Nepal.
Early applications give you better chances at scholarships and placement in preferred clinical sites.
- Accept and Receive the Offer Letter
It is possible to get a conditional or an unconditional offer. Enroll with the payment of the tuition deposit.
- Obtain your I-20 Form
When accepted and after paying the deposit, the I-20 is issued by your institution in order to apply for a visa.
- Pay SEVIS Fee and/or F-1 Visa Application
- Place the SEVIS fee ($350 / NPR 46K) online.
- Fill in the DS-160 application and pay the visa fee ($185 / NPR 25K ).
- Book your appointment at the American Embassy in Kathmandu.
- Visa Interview
Carry your I-20, admission letter, financial documents, SEVIS receipt, DS-160 confirmation, and passport.
You might be asked about your plans to study nursing, financing, and the perspective.
- Preliminary Travel & Pre-Departure guidance
After you have been granted a visa, make a reservation. Goreto also offers pre-departure counselling services, including accommodation, budgeting, orientation in the U.S. healthcare system, and linking you with other Nepali nursing students in the USA.
Post-Study Work & PR Pathways
In most states of the United States, nursing as a profession related to the field of STEM falls under the healthcare category, which provides international graduates with robust post-study work rights and a clearer way towards sponsorship of the working visas.
| Program Level | Post-Study Work (OPT) | STEM OPT Extension | PR/Long-Term Visa Options |
| ADN / BSN | 12 months OPT | Eligible for 24-month STEM OPT extension in some states (check state regulations) | H-1B (if qualifying role), EB-3 green card sponsorship from employers |
| RN-to-BSN | 12 months OPT | Eligible for STEM OPT extension in some cases | H-1B, EB-3 sponsorship |
| MSN | 12 months OPT | Eligible for 24-month STEM OPT extension | H-1B, EB-3 green card, Nurse Practitioner sponsorship |
| DNP / PhD | 12 months OPT | Eligible for 24-month STEM OPT extension | H-1B, EB-2/EB-3 sponsorship for advanced roles |
A large number of Nepali nursing graduates in the USA move through the OPT to employer-based EB-3 visas, as registered nursing is regarded as a shortage occupation.
This is one of the most direct PR channels available to a qualified nurse compared to other careers because hospitals, clinics, and care facilities within the USA are willing to sponsor their own nurses.
Career Outcomes & Salaries
A nursing degree in the USA leads to a wide array of healthcare careers, including bedside and advanced clinical as well as leadership roles.
Depending on how specialized you are, where you are based, and your experience, salaries differ.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Annual Salary (NPR) |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $80,000 | NPR 10.64M |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $125,000 | NPR 16.62M |
| Nurse Educator | $85,000 | NPR 11.30M |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | $95,000 | NPR 12.62M |
| Nurse Midwife | $120,000 | NPR 15.96M |
| Nursing Administrator | $100,000 | NPR 13.30M |
Note: Salaries are national averages and can be significantly higher in states like California, New York, and Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. On an F-1 visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters and full-time during breaks.
Yes, if you want to work as a Registered Nurse in the USA after graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
For most ADN and BSN programs, a science background with Biology or Chemistry is required.
On average, tuition ranges from $25,000–$50,000 per year (NPR 3.32M–6.64M), plus living expenses.
Yes. Many universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, especially for high-achieving students.
States like Texas, Florida, and Ohio generally have lower tuition and living costs compared to California or New York.
At Goreto Educational Consultancy, the best educational consultancy in Nepal, we offer complete advice to you concerning your nursing education in the USA.
Our staff will help you through the process of choosing the appropriate school to attend, learning how to pass the NCLEX-RN, and acquiring a visa.
If you’re ready to start your nursing career in the USA, begin here: Study in the USA from Nepal or message us on WhatsApp for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Your future in healthcare starts today.
