5 answers
Victory
Student
Capitol Heights, Maryland
2
Questions
Asked
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Is it a good idea to go directly into nursingschool? #Spring25
I'm in the USA with a foreign high school diploma. Do I need to obtain a high school diploma in the United States before applying to nursing school? I've been trying to find a clear answer to this question, and I'd appreciate your help in determining my next steps. #spring25
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5 answers
Chanyapatch Phupratanasith
Human Resource function
28
Answers
Bangkok, Thailand
Updated
Chanyapatch’s Answer
Agree with you if that occupation is most of your most passion to do. Do the best I am wishing you to successful in the career you preferred to do.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1011
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Victory, please understand that in most cases, you do not need to obtain a U.S. high school diploma if you already hold a valid foreign high school diploma. However, your diploma must be evaluated to determine its U.S. equivalency. Nursing schools and community colleges typically require proof that your education is comparable to a U.S. high school diploma, which is essential for admission to nursing programs and eligibility for federal financial aid.
To take the next step, you should get your foreign credentials evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service. Two commonly accepted services are:
* World Education Services (WES) – https://www.wes.org/
* Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) – https://www.ece.org/
These services will provide an official report that shows your foreign diploma is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma, which you can submit with your nursing school application.
Once you have your evaluation, your next step is to identify the nursing pathway that’s right for you. Most students start with either:
1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – typically 2 years at a community college
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – 4-year program at a university
If you're looking to get started more quickly, the ADN route is more direct and allows you to become a Registered Nurse (RN) faster. You can later pursue a BSN while working (often with employer support). Look into schools that are friendly to international or foreign-educated applicants—many community colleges are very supportive in this regard.
Additionally, you’ll likely need to take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) as part of your application. Preparing early for that can strengthen your application, especially since English and science are key components.
To recap:
* No, you don’t need a U.S. high school diploma, but you do need your foreign diploma evaluated for equivalency.
* Use a recognized service like WES or ECE.
* Choose between ADN or BSN pathways depending on your goals and timeline.
* Prepare for admission tests like the TEAS, and check individual school requirements early.
If you’d like, I can help you find schools in your area or that match your timeline for Spring 2025—just let me know your state or preferred region.
To take the next step, you should get your foreign credentials evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service. Two commonly accepted services are:
* World Education Services (WES) – https://www.wes.org/
* Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) – https://www.ece.org/
These services will provide an official report that shows your foreign diploma is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma, which you can submit with your nursing school application.
Once you have your evaluation, your next step is to identify the nursing pathway that’s right for you. Most students start with either:
1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – typically 2 years at a community college
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – 4-year program at a university
If you're looking to get started more quickly, the ADN route is more direct and allows you to become a Registered Nurse (RN) faster. You can later pursue a BSN while working (often with employer support). Look into schools that are friendly to international or foreign-educated applicants—many community colleges are very supportive in this regard.
Additionally, you’ll likely need to take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) as part of your application. Preparing early for that can strengthen your application, especially since English and science are key components.
To recap:
* No, you don’t need a U.S. high school diploma, but you do need your foreign diploma evaluated for equivalency.
* Use a recognized service like WES or ECE.
* Choose between ADN or BSN pathways depending on your goals and timeline.
* Prepare for admission tests like the TEAS, and check individual school requirements early.
If you’d like, I can help you find schools in your area or that match your timeline for Spring 2025—just let me know your state or preferred region.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
577
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Victory,
How exciting! I believe you have to have your high-school diploma evaluated course by course by an official organization like these:
https://ierf.org/
https://www.wes.org/
https://www.ece.org/
I left some links to entry requirements of US nursing schools below. Please look up the requirements for schools that you would consider. They might be somewhat different, and you need definitive answers. Contact the admissions office and the international office to work with you.
I hope this helps! All the best to you! You got this!
KP
https://blog.eres.com/a-guide-to-study-nursing-in-the-usa-as-a-foreigner/
https://www.nursing.umaryland.edu/admissions/apply/international-students/
https://www.nursing.pitt.edu/admissions/international-applicants
How exciting! I believe you have to have your high-school diploma evaluated course by course by an official organization like these:
https://ierf.org/
https://www.wes.org/
https://www.ece.org/
I left some links to entry requirements of US nursing schools below. Please look up the requirements for schools that you would consider. They might be somewhat different, and you need definitive answers. Contact the admissions office and the international office to work with you.
I hope this helps! All the best to you! You got this!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate your support, Karin
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
326
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
A high school diploma is required for nursing as part of foundational requirements.
Apprenticeship learning program is a alternative of learning directly through work experience, of which a high school diploma might not be required.
Taking professional short courses in modules can build academic credit units that can be transferred to obtain a nursing qualification, if such courses are accredited or are approved continuous professional development credit units.
Apprenticeship learning program is a alternative of learning directly through work experience, of which a high school diploma might not be required.
Taking professional short courses in modules can build academic credit units that can be transferred to obtain a nursing qualification, if such courses are accredited or are approved continuous professional development credit units.
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
326
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
A high school diploma is required for nursing as part of foundational requirements.
Apprenticeship learning program is a alternative of learning directly through work experience, of which a high school diploma might not be required.
Taking short courses in modules can build academic credit units that can be transferred to obtain a nursing qualification, if such courses are accredited or are approved continuous professional development credit units.
Apprenticeship learning program is a alternative of learning directly through work experience, of which a high school diploma might not be required.
Taking short courses in modules can build academic credit units that can be transferred to obtain a nursing qualification, if such courses are accredited or are approved continuous professional development credit units.