Nurses moving to the USA must satisfy several requirements for both licensing and visas. While the process can be complex, choosing an English test is easy.  

OET is the only English language test designed for nurses. It uses scenarios taken from the workplace to assess a nurse’s English level. OET results can be used to obtain healthcare worker certification, which is required for visa applications, as well as to obtain nursing licenses in states across the USA.

Let’s take a closer look at where you can use your results migrating and registering in the USA.  

Where can I use OET results? 

OET is now recognised by CGFNS International, Inc. for the VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment Service. Additionally, we are also now recognised by Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. for the Visa4Nurses Certificate. Those certificates can be used to apply for RN, LPN and LVN Immigrant visas (EB-3 or Green Card).

Before you apply for US immigration, you will need to register for a state nursing license. Some states will accept your OET results when you apply for a license. These states are listed here: Florida, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Massachusetts, Arkansas and DC.

There are also states that will accept your CGFNS VisaScreen® Certificate when you apply for a nursing license and will not require further proof of English proficiency. These states include West Virginia, South Carolina and Arizona.

Other states and territories will not require you to present any English proficiency results to apply for the license and you will only need your OET results for your immigration application. These states and territories include: New York, Montana, North Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the US Virgin Islands.

If your nursing education was in English, you may not be required to present further English proficiency for a state license. Therefore, you will only need your OET results for the immigration application. States that follow this include Texas and Pennsylvania.

It's important to know that every nursing candidate has to pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam before they can start work in the USA. State nursing boards apply different passing score requirements so it is important to check and confirm those requirements with the state you are applying to.

Why should I take OET? 

OET is designed specifically for nurses. It uses real-world nursing scenarios to assess your English skills. You will practice your English skills in and be assessed using the language you use in your workplace.  

Close to 98% of OET candidates said they chose OET because it was healthcare specific. Nurses who take OET do so because it makes them feel more confident. When you compare it with general English tests, its clear why so many nurses choose OET.  

For example, a general English test will ask you write an essay on a random topic like honey making or the democratic purpose. OET on the other hand will ask you to write a referral or discharge letter to another nurse or healthcare professional.  

In addition to OET being unique to healthcare, nurses also choose OET for the vast preparation resources available on our website and social channels.  

On Facebook, for instance, we have weekly live classes delivered by our All Star preparation providers that covers a wide range of topics. From Reading questions analysis to Writing Masterclasses, our All Stars Live Channel is a great way to learn quickly.   

For more information, jump over to the Facebook page to see our live classes in action.