American with dual US/UK citizenship wanting to study Nursing

[katharwen]

I'm hoping someone can help me with this one

Comments

[intendent]

My understanding is that, yes, most schools have that requirement. A girl I know, in England, wants to do a BSc in Social Work but can't because they require her to be eligible for a bursary and as a spouse on a 2 year visa she is not.

That said, just so you know, you'll be paying international tuition. For me that's nearly £10,000/year.

Also, I know this will sound funny, but if you keep getting told that in England.. try Scotland/Wales/N. Ireland. They all have different requirements.

[katharwen]

Thanks. I'll look into those places.

[velum_cado]

I don't know if this is the case for every single university in the UK, but I think it probably is true for most of them. I moved to the UK in 2008 and have been dealing with a similar situation to get into a social work program. At that particular university, I was told that the three year requirement holds true for every course in the health category, except social work.

I don't know of any way around it, unfortunately. I know of people who have offered to pay their whole tuition up front and were still denied based on the three-year rule. Maybe another university will work with you, however. It can't hurt to keep asking.

[katharwen]

I see. Well, I'll keep sending out inquiries. Thanks for the information.

[bopeepsheep]

If your intention is to work and practice as a midwife in the UK long-term, TBH I'd move here as a citizen, work for three years and save some money for your student years, then study. It sets you back but not so much that courses won't take you, and it's worth getting the financial aid that will then be available to you. (You'll also pay Home/EU fees, which will admittedly still be quite high but not as high as International ones.)

[katharwen]

I was considering that as an option as well. I'll keep that in mind- thank you!

[magicalsibylle]

Well, starting in 2012 uni tuition fees for home students can be as high as 9,000 and Cameron already said it wouldn't change much for international students so I'm guessing the fees will be about the same?

[grey_lady]

Even with increase in fees for home students the tuition for international students is noticeably more expensive - just not expected to change as much percentage-wise.

[nineveh_uk]

I think that the NHS bursary issue may be a problem for you as an international student if it is required for the course. It may be worth your looking at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) webpages. They are pretty comprehensive, and can give specific immigration advice - I'm sure they'll know about your situation. Also, contact universities in both England and Scotland - the rules may be different in each.

[katharwen]

I've checked out the RCN website and have sent them an email. It might just be me, but from the site I get the sense they cater more to those who are already registered nurses.

I'll continue to send out inquiries to colleges in England and Scotland. Thanks for the suggestions!

[arosoff]

I do know of American nurses who have qualified as RNs in the UK. I don't know about admissions to the postgraduate midwifery certificate, if you still want to go into midwifery.

I second the recommendation to contact the RCN. Also, have you considered an accelerated BSN here in the US? It would be the fastest route to becoming an RN if you already have a BA.

[katharwen]

I've looked into accelerated programs locally, but the problem is my GPA isn't 3.0 or higher, which is usually the requirement to get into such programs. And Midwifery is my goal, ultimately.