Are You An Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN)?

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In order to seek work as a foreign-educated nurse, IENs must demonstrate at least some of the following:

• Graduated from an accredited nursing education program in country of education
• Licensed as a Registered Nurse in another country
• Practiced as a Registered Nurse for at least two years 
• Some IENs must demonstrate their proficiency with the English language by taking an exam. There are exemptions depending on the country of origin.

In order to practice nursing in the United States, IENs will need to have a professional license from the state where they plan to work. Registered Nurse licenses are regulated by State Boards of Nursing with varying requirements.

IENs need to pass a licensure exam (NCLEX) to be registered as a nurse by the state board.