Nursing Degree Programs

The traditional and emerging responsibilities of a nurse are often decided by the developing needs of society. You will learn to collaborate with global health care provides and gain a deeper understanding of the nursing culture in a new environment while earning your nursing degree abroad. As you interact with patients, your flexibility will increase and you’ll learn to adjust your skills based on the needs of your patients. Moreover, with an increased emphasis on preventative care and a strong demand for healthcare services, the future of nursing jobs and those seeking out a career in nursing is positive, especially those with international education under their belt. 

Nursing degrees vary from country to country. When evaluating your nursing degree program abroad, keep in mind that credentials earned in another country often need to go through a verification process by your future employer. Be sure to assess the benefits of each nursing degree abroad and choose the best degree program that suits your goals and future aspirations.

Some of the strongest nursing degrees abroad are found in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. As fluency in your program’s main language is highly important for communication, both during university lectures and on-site work, the latter countries are a great choice for students that are fluent in English or native English speakers.

In the United States, the demand for nurses is much higher than the supply, making nursing job opportunities more prevalent throughout the country. Three of the most prestigious universities in terms of nursing degree programs in the U.S. include the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of California - San Francisco. 

The United Kingdom’s nursing degree programs utilize their time by focusing 50 percent on lectures and 50 percent on practical hands-on experience.

If you want to improve your foreign language skills as you earn a nursing degree abroad, consider attending a nursing school in Spain or Turkey. While some class options will be in English, your daily life outside of university will involve a deep cross-cultural experience in either of Turkey or Spain. By immersing yourself in a country with a different language from your own, you will be providing yourself with a challenging, but rewarding opportunity.

For acceptance into nursing degree programs, significant experience in the field may be required, especially if academic requirements are not met. The amount of nursing experience you have will be based on the documents, transcripts, diplomas, and noted work experience that you submit with your application to each nursing school abroad. Every nursing degree abroad will have different prerequisites and requirements for acceptance, as well as different end goals for graduates. Be sure to review all types of nursing degree programs before choosing the one you’d like to pursue to be sure it matches your academic and career goals.

Nursing degrees abroad at the undergraduate level focus on a multidisciplinary approach to understanding adult care management, maternal-child health, community health, and mental health. The final stage of a nursing degree program usually involves hands-on preceptorship. Depending on the course, a nursing degree can take four to five years to complete. A bachelor’s degree in nursing can prepare students to work in a variety of nursing occupations, including home health care, public health, school care, and primary care.

A graduate level nursing degree usually involves approximately one to two more years of study on top of an undergraduate degree in nursing. During a master’s degree program in nursing, you’ll focus more on critical thinking and decision making needed in the field. Students will also be able to actualize the role by incorporating professional standards, legal and ethical guidelines, and interpersonal skills in professional relationships with clients, families, and health care team members. During this phase of your nursing education, you can specialize in a specific field that can prepare you to enter higher-level positions, like a nurse administrator and nurse informaticist. 

Finally, if you have the passion to become a nursing leader or advanced practice clinician, with a desire to examine current theoretical and practical health issues, obtaining a doctorate degree in nursing might be the right path for you. Doctorate nursing degree programs often involve years of additional study, research, and hands-on experience in multiple disciplines. Choosing to go on this path will enable you to become an exceptional nurse that can lead healthcare changes in local communities.

Nursing Careers Vary Over a Lifetime. The profession has a variety of occupations within the field that allow people to change career paths. As you gain a competitive edge by earning a nursing degree abroad, you’ll learn how to become flexible and adapt to ambiguous and rapidly changing environments throughout your career. 

Broaden Your Perspective. By choosing to earn a nursing degree abroad, you will be adding to your skillset and developing an international perspective. During your nursing degree program abroad, you’ll be able to hone your approach to nursing as you combine the knowledge and interpersonal skills you learn in and out of the classroom.

Explore Other Opportunities Abroad. From an educational standpoint, earning your nursing degree abroad will prepare you for an array of opportunities in the future. From a more personal perspective, you’ll expand your network and make lifelong international friends. As the world becomes even more intermingled, your extensive network may come in handy when you need another colleague’s advice or when you’re searching for a new nursing job abroad in the future.