Embarking on a nursing career in the United States, particularly in New York, is a dream for many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) seeking to broaden their horizons and advance their professional journey. However, navigating the process of obtaining licensure, particularly through the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), can seem daunting.
Fortunately, with the right information and guidance, OFWs can successfully navigate the application process independently, saving time and resources. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) application for NCLEX-RN in New York, empowering you to take control of your nursing career aspirations and embark on a path toward professional fulfillment in the United States.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
A DIY Guide to NCLEX-RN Application in New York
This article is based on a video by an OFW vlogger who is a registered nurse in the US. In his video called, “DIY NCLEX-RN APPLICATION NEW YORK BOARD OF NURSING,” the vlogger talks about the do-it-yourself step-by-step process of how to apply for the said exam. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
This vlogger decided to apply for licensure in the state of New York. Like many aspiring nurses, the vlogger weighed her options carefully. With its renowned healthcare facilities, bustling city life, and diverse communities, New York presents an appealing destination for nurses seeking career growth and cultural enrichment.
But why is it necessary to choose a state before even thinking about the NCLEX-RN exam? Each state has its own set of regulations and requirements for licensure, including specific application processes and fees. Before the vlogger could even think about scheduling her NCLEX-RN exam with Pearson VUE, she needed to complete the application process with the New York State Board of Nursing.
Step 1. NYSED Website
- Visit the official website of the New York State Education Department or nysed.gov
- Review the specific requirements for international graduate nurses
- Ensure you hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree as a primary qualification
- Prepare the necessary documents, including your Transcript of Records (TOR), Diploma, and evidence of Related Learning Experience (RLE)
Step 2. Required Training
- Ensure you complete the required training programs. For instance, our vlogger underwent infection control and child abuse training.
- Visit CEUFast.com, an online platform catering to healthcare professionals’ continuing education needs.
- Explore the wide range of courses available, specifically designed to meet the continuing education requirements for various healthcare roles, including nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
- Benefit from the convenience of CEUFast.com’s online format, allowing you to complete your required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) at your own pace and schedule.
- Access the training modules, which typically include exams, and upon successful completion, receive a certificate. This certificate is essential to attach to your licensure application.
- Be prepared to pay for each training module. In our vlogger’s case, the cost was $30 for each training program.
Step 3. Fill up Form 2F
- Return to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) website to obtain Form 2F, the Certificate of Foreign Nursing Education. You can access the form here.
- One of the prerequisites for this form is obtaining your Transcript of Records (TOR), diploma, and evidence of Related Learning Experience (RLE) from the school where you graduated.
- Complete the Form 2F online, then print it out. If you’re still residing in the Philippines, you’ll need to submit this form to your alma mater.
- At the end of the form, there’s a section for the registrar of your school to fill out. Your school will then forward your RLE, TOR, and diploma to the State of New York. You should receive a confirmation email once this process is completed.
Step 4. Optional: Form 3F
- If you’re a registered nurse (RN) in the Philippines, you have the option to utilize Form 3F. However, if you’re not a registered nurse, you can still proceed with your application.
- Form 3F serves as verification of foreign professional licensure or certification. Complete this form if you hold, or have held, a license or certificate to practice any profession in any jurisdiction outside the U.S. and its territories.
- Ensure that Section I of the form is completed before sending it to the licensing or certifying authority of each jurisdiction outside the U.S. or its territories where you are or have been licensed or certified. Sign and date item 10.
- In Section II, the licensing or certifying authority must complete this section, sign, date, and return both pages of the form directly to the Office of the Professions at the address provided at the end of the form.
- Next, proceed to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and request the necessary documents. The PRC will handle the request and send the documents accordingly.
Step 5. Fill out Application Form
- Once the New York State Board of Nursing receives your forms, they will confirm receipt of the documents.
- Next, revisit the NYSED website to complete the application form.
- Ensure to sign up and fill out the application promptly as it does not have a save feature.
- Be prepared to attach additional requirements, such as certificates of completed trainings, Transcript of Records (TOR), diploma, and evidence of Related Learning Experience (RLE).
- The application fee typically amounts to around $150 USD.
- Upon successful submission, you will receive a receipt via email confirming your application.
Step 6. Wait
- After submitting your application, you’ll enter a waiting period, typically lasting a few months.
- Expect the processing time to be approximately six months at most.
- During this time, patiently await approval from the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
- Once NYSED approves your application, they will notify you and provide you with the Authorization to Test (ATT).
- With your ATT in hand, you can proceed to book and schedule your NCLEX-RN exam through Pearson VUE.
Overall Expenses
- Prepare to budget around $150 for the application fee, $60 for the required trainings, and additional fees for requesting your Transcript of Records (TOR), diploma, and Related Learning Experience (RLE) from your school, as well as for your Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) license.
- Opting for a DIY application process is more cost-effective compared to using an agency, as you can save significantly on fees.
Our vlogger initiated the application process around June or July and obtained approval from NYSED by November. Following approval, the vlogger dedicated approximately eight months, from December to July of the following year, to comprehensive study sessions, focusing on revisiting fundamental concepts in preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam. Subsequently, during the first week of August the following year, the vlogger scheduled and successfully completed the exam through Pearson VUE. With the gratifying outcome of passing the exam, our vlogger now proudly holds the title of a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States.