Guide to Complete the Steps for Foreign-Trained Nurses to Obtain the Maryland Registered Nurse (RN) License

Transcription

1 Guide t Cmplete the Steps fr Freign-Trained Nurses t Obtain the Maryland Registered Nurse (RN) License Welcme Back Center Suburban Maryland Mntgmery Cunty, Maryland Department f Health and Human Services APRIL 2010

2 Guide t Cmplete the Steps fr Freign-Trained Nurses t Obtain the Maryland Registered Nurse (RN) License Table f Cntents Intrductin Summary f Steps Step 1: Request t the Maryland Bard f Nursing the. applicatin packet fr licensure by examinatin fr nurses. trained utside the United States Step 2: Cmplete the Credentials Evaluatin Service (CES). request thrugh the Cmmissin n Graduates f Freign Nursing Schls (CGFNS).. 5 Sub-step 2.1: Request fr Academic Recrds fr CES Sub-step 2.2: Request fr Validatin f Registratin/License fr CES Sub-step 2.3: Credentials Evaluatin Service Applicatin Step 3: Pass an Oral English Test Step 4: Cmplete the Maryland Bard f Nursing Applicatin. Including the Criminal Histry Backgrund Check Step 5: Pass the Natinal Cuncil f Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) Imprtant Cntacts t btain the Maryland Registered Nurse (RN). License fr Freign-Trained Nurses PAGE 1

3 INTRODUCTION This guide is intended fr freign-trained nurses wh are interested in btaining the Maryland Registered Nurse (RN) license t practice in the State f Maryland. The guide includes valuable infrmatin and imprtant tips drawn upn the experience thrugh the Welcme Back Center Suburban Maryland f the Mntgmery Cunty Department f Health and Human Services t help freign-trained nurses t cmplete the steps t btain the RN license in Maryland. The Maryland Bard f Nursing is the registratin authrity that prvides the RN license and establishes the fllwing requirements t btain the RN license in Maryland: Cmpleting the credentialing review Credentials Evaluatin Service (CES) thrugh the Cmmissin n Graduates f Freign Nursing Schls (CGFNS) Passing the Oral English Test Passing the nursing bard examinatin (Natinal Cuncil f Licensure Exam, NCLEX-RN) This guide was prepared using the infrmatin btained frm: The website f the Maryland Bard f Nursing as well as the handut with instructins included in the applicatin packet fr Maryland licensure by examinatin fr nurses trained utside the United States, The Credentials Evaluatin Service Applicant Handbk frm the Cmmissin n Graduates f Freign Nursing Schls (CGFNS), and The NCLEX Examinatin Candidate Bulletin and the handut with the eight steps f the NCLEX Examinatin Prcess. Each State may have different requirements t btain the RN license. This guide prvides detailed infrmatin n hw t cmplete the steps fr freigntrained nurses t btain the RN license in the State f Maryland. The steps are presented in the chrnlgical rder t be cmpleted. It is imprtant t keep in mind that the freign-trained nurse culd start the credentialing review and preparing t pass the ral English test at the same time. Hwever, the freign-trained nurse must cmplete the Credentials Evaluatin Services and pass ne f the Oral English Test prir t receive the authrizatin t test (ATT) t be eligible t take the nursing bard exam (NCLEX RN). PAGE 2

4 SUMMARY OF STEPS Please take the fllwing 5 steps t receive yur Maryland Registered Nurse (RN) License if yu are a nurse trained utside the United States. STEP 1: Request t the Maryland Bard f Nursing the applicatin packet fr licensure by examinatin fr nurses trained utside the United States STEP 2: Cmplete the Credentials Evaluatin Service (CES) request thrugh the Cmmissin n Graduates f Freign Nursing Schls (CGFNS) fllwing substeps 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3: Sub-step 2.1: Request fr Academic Recrds fr CES Sub-step 2.2: Request fr Validatin f Registratin/License fr CES Sub-step 2.3: Credentials Evaluatin Service (CES) Applicatin (Fee $385) STEP 3: Pass an Oral English Test (Fee varies frm $125 t $185) STEP 4: Cmplete and return t the Maryland Bard f Nursing the applicatin (Fee $100) including the Criminal Histry Backgrund Check (Fee apprximately $60) STEP 5: Pass the Natinal Cuncil f Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) (Fee $200) Nte: Please remember that the amunts indicated fr the fees are subject t change. Therefre, befre submitting the applicatin yu must verify the exact amunt with the crrespnding institutin t make sure that yu send the adequate fees with the required applicatins and frms. PAGE 3

5 STEP 1: Request t the Maryland Bard f Nursing the applicatin packet fr licensure by examinatin fr nurses trained utside the United States Nte: D nt submit the applicatin t the Maryland Bard f Nursing until step 2 and 3 have been cmpleted. Call the Maryland Bard f Nursing at (410) t request that the applicatin packet fr Maryland licensure by examinatin fr nurses trained utside the United States be mailed t yu. If yu get a vic message, leave yur name, address, and telephne number. The applicatin packet fr Maryland licensure by examinatin fr nurses trained utside the United States cntains: A handut with instructins including: Infrmatin n the Credentials Evaluatin Service (CES) Applicatin Packet frm the Cmmissin n Graduates f Freign Nursing Schls (CGFNS) (see Step 2) Infrmatin regarding the Applicatin fr the Oral English Test, fr example ILA-OPI, TSE r TOEFL-IBT and IELTS (see Step 3) Frequently Asked Questins abut the ILA-OPI and the ILA-OPI registratin frm. The Maryland Bard f Nursing Applicatin frm and dcuments with instructins regarding the fingerprints required fr the Criminal Histry Backgrund Check (see Step 4) A NCLEX Candidate Bulletin (see Step 5) Once yu receive the applicatin packet, read it carefully s that yu can becme familiar with its cntents. The mre yu understand the prcess and the requirements, the easier it may be fr yu t cmplete the frms and successfully cmplete each f the steps in the prcess t btain yur registered nurse (RN) licensure. PAGE 4

6 STEP 2: Cmplete the Credentials Evaluatin Service (CES) request thrugh the Cmmissin n Graduates f Freign Nursing Schls (CGFNS) Call CFGNS Custmer Service at (215) t request the Credentials Evaluatin Service Applicant Handbk r visit t dwnlad the applicatin by fllwing the steps listed belw: Click n CGFNS Cnnect Apply/Check Status Click n Dwnlad applicant handbk Under CES, click n Dwnlad the Credentials Evaluatin Service applicant handbk Cmpleting the request fr the Credentials Evaluatin Service (CES) t the Cmmissin n Graduates f Freign Nursing Schls (CGFNS) invlves three sub-steps: 1. Request fr Academic Recrds, 2. Request fr Validatin f Registratin/License, and 3. Credentials Evaluatin Service Applicatin. Once the CGFNS has received the CES applicatin, the academic recrds, and the validatin f registratin/license, it will cmplete the CES reprt. The applicant must indicate that the Maryland Bard f Nursing is the CES reprt recipient s that an electrnic cpy f the CES reprt will be sent t the Maryland Bard f Nursing. Nte: D nt submit the CES applicatin (Sub-step 2.3) t the CGFNS until sub-step 2.1 and 2.2 have been cmpleted and the institutin(s) in the cuntry where yu btained yur nursing degree and license are ready t submit the dcuments t the CGFNS. Submit the CES applicatin at least tw weeks prir t the estimated date f arrival f dcuments t the CGFNS. Sub-step 2.1: Request fr Academic Recrds fr CES A. Cmplete the frm fr the Request fr Academic Recrds fr CES and send it t the academic institutin (where yu btained yur nursing degree). Please nte that the tp prtin f the frm is filled ut by the applicant and the bttm prtin by the academic institutin. B. Request t the academic institutin t send the frm directly t the Cmmissin n Graduates f Freign Nursing Schls (CGFNS) at the address belw: Cmmissin n Graduates f Freign Nursing Schls (CGFNS) Attentin: Credentials Evaluatin Service (CES) 3600 Market Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia, PA USA PAGE 5

7 Please nte that in additin t the Request fr Academic Recrds Frm, the academic institutin must include the fllwing dcuments: Official transcripts detailing all the curses yu tk at the academic institutin. Nte: The CGFNS credentialing review assess if the applicant graduated frm an apprved schl f nursing, substantially equivalent t Maryland prgrams and ffering a prgram f crrelated thery and clinical practice in Medical, Surgical, Obstetric, Pediatric, Gerntlgy, and Psychiatric Nursing. Cpy f the diplma f yur nursing degree Secndary educatin diplma Certified English translatin f the abve dcuments if needed Sub-step 2.2: Request fr Validatin f Registratin/ License fr CES A. Cmplete the frm fr the Request fr Validatin f Registratin/License fr CES and send it t the registratin authrity (where yur nursing license was issued fr the first time). Please nte that the tp prtin f the frm is filled ut by the applicant and the bttm prtin by the registratin authrity. B. Request t the registratin authrity t send the frm directly t the Cmmissin n Graduates f Freign Nursing Schls (CGFNS) at the address listed n page 5. Please nte that in additin t the Request fr Validatin f Registratin/ License Frm, the registratin authrity must include the fllwing dcuments: Cpy f the license Certified English translatin f the license if needed Tips fr Sub-steps 2.1 and 2.2: 99 The CGFNS must receive all dcuments prvided by the academic institutin and the registratin authrity in English. If the dcuments are nt written in English, they must be accmpanied by a certified English translatin (perfrmed by a persn wh is certified t prvide this service and must sign and seal the translated dcuments). 99 Make sure that the academic institutin where yu btained yur nursing degree and the registratin authrity where yur nursing license was issued clearly understand the specific instructins n where t place signatures, seals, r stamps n the frms, dcuments and envelpes that must be sent t the CGFNS. 9 9 It may be helpful t request a persn yu trust in yur cuntry f training t mnitr these requests clsely t assure that the academic institutin and registratin authrity are able t accurately fllw the instructins. PAGE 6

8 Sub-step 2.3: Credentials Evaluatin Service Applicatin A. Cmplete the Credentials Evaluatin Service (CES) applicatin by fllwing the instructins n Hw t Cmplete the Applicatin prvided in the CES Applicant Handbk. B. Since yu are applying fr the Maryland nursing license, yu must list the fllwing under Reprt Recipients: Dnna Drsey, MS, RN, FAAN Executive Directr Maryland Bard f Nursing 4140 Pattersn Ave Baltimre, MD C. The Type f Reprt that yu must request is the Full Educatin Curse- By-Curse Reprt. D. Yu must include bth the name that yu use nw and yur name while attending schl, if different, n yur Credentials Evaluatin Service (CES) applicatin. E. Mail the cmpleted Credentials Evaluatin Service applicatin and fee ($385) t the Cmmissin n Graduates f Freign Nursing Schls (CGFNS). Nte that persnal checks are nt accepted. Payment ptins are detailed in the applicatin frm. Tips fr Sub-step 2.3: 99 If yu prefer, yu culd cmplete the applicatin n-line at 99 The infrmatin prvided directly frm yur academic institutin and registratin authrity must match the infrmatin that yu prvide in the Credentials Evaluatin Service applicatin. Make sure yu fill ut this infrmatin accurately. 9 9 T minimize the chances f paying the fee several times, keep in mind that the time needed by the academic institutin and registratin authrity t mail the requested infrmatin t the CGFNS may vary frm cuntry t cuntry. Submit the Credentials Evaluatin Service applicatin at least tw weeks prir t the estimated date f arrival f the dcuments t the CGFNS. PAGE 7

9 STEP 3: Pass an Oral English Test Yu must pass an ral English test if yu did nt graduate frm an nsite 3-year r lnger nursing prgram lcated in the United Kingdm, Australia, Canada except Quebec, New Zealand, r Ireland and recgnized by the Bard as requiring cmpetence in spken English. T take an ral English test yu must fllw the steps belw: A. Chse ne f the fllwing ral English tests accepted by the Maryland Bard f Nursing: ILA (Inter-American Language Assciates) OPI (Oral Prficiency Interview) Fr this test btain the applicatin n the website f the Maryland Bard f Nursing at Frequently Asked Questins abut the OPI are als available at www. mbn.rg/licensure/pi_faq.pdf. This is an in-persn test ffered in Maryland. The results are available in less than ne mnth. The mailing address is: ILA OPI, 6400 Baltimre Natinal Pike, # 211, Catnsville, MD The fee fr the ILA OPI is $140. TSE (Test f Spken English) r TOEFL (Test f English as a Freign Language) IBT (Internet-Based Test) Call (609) and request an applicatin. Yu may btain an applicatin, r apply directly, using the Online Applicatin System n the Web at The mailing address is: Educatinal Testing Service, Rsedale Rad, Princetn, NJ The fee fr the TSE is $125. IELTS (Internatinal English Language Testing System) If testing after Octber 1, 2005, btain an applicatin at 1969_IELTSappFrm05.pdf and infrmatin at The fee fr the IELTS is $185. B. Cmplete and submit the applicatin t take ne f the tests and request that yur test results be sent t the Maryland Bard f Nursing at the fllwing address: Maryland Bard f Nursing 4140 Pattersn Ave. Baltimre, MD C. Take ne f the tests and receive a minimum passing scre: Tip: A scre f 3 is passing n the ILA OPI. A scre f 50 is passing n the TSE. A scre f 26 is passing n the TOEFL IBT. A scre f 7 n speaking, 6 n all ther mdules, and 6.5 verall is passing n the IELTS. PAGE Freign-trained nurses have expressed a preference t take the ILA OPI ral English test because it takes place in a friendly face-t-face envirnment instead f dealing with an autmated system with tape recrders and micrphnes.

10 STEP 4: Cmplete the Maryland Bard f Nursing Applicatin Including the Criminal Histry Backgrund Check Befre the Maryland Bard f Nursing can receive the CES reprt frm CGFNS and the ral English test results, yu must file an applicatin with the Maryland Bard f Nursing and pay the applicatin fee f $100. The right time t submit the Maryland Bard f Nursing Applicatin is after Steps 2 and 3 have been cmpleted. T minimize the chances f paying the applicatin fee several times, it is imprtant t verify if it is the right time t submit the applicatin. Here are sme tips that may help: D nt submit the applicatin until the status f the CES by the CGFNS indicates that it is ready fr review. D nt submit the applicatin until yu passed the ral English test. Any applicatin that is inactive and nt cmpleted within ne year will be destryed. If this ccurs, a new Maryland Bard f Nursing Applicatin must be filed and anther fee paid. When yu are ready t apply t Maryland Bard f Nursing, fllw the steps belw: A. Cmplete the riginal frm f the Maryland Bard f Nursing Applicatin that yu already received with the applicatin packet (Make sure that yu fllw the detailed instructins fr cmpleting the Maryland Bard f Nursing Applicatin frm prvided in the handut with instructins in the applicatin packet). B. Cmplete the criminal histry backgrund check which includes getting fingerprints. Detailed instructins are included in the applicatin packet (Fee is apprximately $60). C. Submit the cmpleted Maryland Bard f Nursing Applicatin fr RN License and the fee f $100 t the Maryland Bard f Nursing, including als the fingerprints btained thrugh the criminal histry backgrund check. Tip: 99 T speed up the applicatin prcess, it is recmmended t submit the applicatin in persn t the Maryland Bard f Nursing. In additin, there is an ffice t cmplete the fingerprints fr the criminal histry backgrund check in the same building cmplex where the Maryland Bard f Nursing is lcated: Maryland Bard f Nursing 4140 Pattersn Ave. Baltimre, MD PAGE 9

11 STEP 5: Pass the Natinal Cuncil f Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) The Maryland Bard f Nursing will determine yur eligibility t take the RN (Registered Nurse) r LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) test as sn as it receives the CES reprt frm CGFNS (Step 2), the ral English test results (Step 3), and the applicatin t the Maryland Bard f Nursing including the fingerprints (Step 4). The Maryland Bard f Nursing will evaluate yur cmplete applicatin and determine whether yu are eligible fr either the RN r LPN test. In preparatin t register fr the NCLEX-RN exam, fllw these steps: A. Read carefully the NCLEX Candidate Bulletin that yu already received with the applicatin packet. B. Verify if yu have already taken the preparatin needed t pass the NCLEX exam befre yu register fr the test. Nte: Once yu register, yu must take the test within the validity dates f yur Authrizatin t Test ( ATT ). These validity dates cannt be extended fr any reasn. Once yu have determined that yu are ready t take the NCLEX-RN exam, fllw these steps: Register fr the NCLEX examinatin with Pearsn VUE and pay the $200 fee by mail, telephne r thrugh the web. Fllw the instructins n the Web ( T register by mail: Cmplete the frm fund in the middle f the NCLEX Candidate Bulletin. Use a N. 2 pencil; d nt use ink. Mail in the envelpe prvided in the Bulletin. D nt return this applicatin t the Maryland Bard f Nursing. Payment methds: Fr nline r telephne registratin, yu need a majr credit card. If registering by mail, enclse a certified check, cashier s check, r mney rder fr the apprpriate amunt. Make checks payable t the Natinal Cuncil f State Bards f Nursing. Receive cnfirmatin f registratin frm Pearsn VUE. If all applicatin requirements are cmpleted and apprved, the Maryland Bard f Nursing will ntify Pearsn VUE and makes yu eligible t take the NCLEX-RN exam. Receive an Authrizatin T Test ( ATT ) frm Pearsn VUE by r letter (if yu registered by mail and have n ). PAGE 10 Schedule an appintment t test. (If yu d nt appear fr yur NCLEX testing appintment, yu will be required t re-register and re-pay NCLEX fees.)

12 Take the NCLEX test at yur assigned Maryland NCLEX testing center. Yu will take the test n a cmputer. This is a prctred exam (an NCLEX representative will bserve persns as they take their exams). Receive yur NCLEX test results frm the Maryland Bard f Nursing within ne mnth frm yur examinatin date. Infrm the Maryland Bard f Nursing if yur address changes. Tips: 99 The name with which yu register fr the test will be printed n yur Authrizatin t Test (ATT) and must match exactly with the printed name n the identificatin, which yu will present at the test center. 9 9 The applicant may cnsider taking an NCLEX preparatin curse befre registering fr the NCLEX t increase the chances f passing the exam. PAGE 11

13 Imprtant Cntacts t Obtain the Maryland Registered Nurse (RN) License fr Freign-Trained Nurses Maryland Bard f Nursing 4140 Pattersn Ave Baltimre, MD Phne: (410) Dnna Aversa, Examinatin Specialist daversa@dhmh.state.md.us Website Cmmissin n Graduates f Freign Nursing Schls (CGFNS) Credentials Evaluatin Service Applicatin 3600 Market Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia, PA , USA Custmer Service: (215) Website ILA-OPI 6400 Baltimre Natinal Pike, # 211 Catnsville, MD TOEFL 1800 K Street, N.W., Suite 900 Washingtn, D.C Phne: (202) Fax: (202) Website Pearsn VUE Prfessinal Center 4340 East West Highway, Suite 901 Bethesda Twers Bethesda, MD Phne: (301) r Website PAGE 12

14 Welcme Back Center Suburban Maryland Mntgmery Cunty Department f Health and Human Services 8630 Fentn Street, 10 th Flr Silver Spring, MD Tel. (240) Fr mre infrmatin abut the Prgram visit ur website: