Education and Scholarships
Top 7 Universities to Study Nursing in the USA
The United States has a large, well-developed nursing education system, and it attracts students from Nepal every year. This guide covers seven universities that are consistently cited for nursing, what makes them distinctive, and the practical requirements that matter more than any ranking.
How nursing education works in the USA
There are three main routes into registered nursing. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the standard four-year degree. An Accelerated BSN is a fast-track option for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes about two years and is offered mainly at community colleges.
Beyond the degree, practise as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States requires passing the NCLEX-RN examination and meeting the requirements of the state board of nursing in the state where you intend to work. Advanced roles - nurse practitioner, nurse anaesthetist, clinical nurse specialist - need a graduate degree and, in most states, certification.
Seven universities widely cited for nursing
Rankings move every year and no list is definitive. The schools below appear consistently in national discussions of strong nursing programmes, and each has a different character.
- Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, Maryland) - a research-intensive school of nursing with strong doctoral programmes and close links to one of the best-known academic hospitals in the country.
- Duke University (Durham, North Carolina) - offers BSN, accelerated BSN and a range of master’s and doctoral pathways, with a reputation for clinical training intensity.
- University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) - one of the oldest nursing schools in the United States, with a large academic medical centre next door and heavy research output.
- University of California, San Francisco - part of a health sciences campus, known for research, public health nursing and advanced practice programmes.
- Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia) - nursing sits inside a major health system, with strong community health and global health links.
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) - a large public university with a substantial nursing school and extensive clinical placement network.
- New York University (New York City) - located in a dense urban health market that provides unusually varied clinical placements.
What international applicants typically need
Requirements vary by school and programme, and they change from year to year. In general, international applicants to a US nursing programme will be asked for the following.
- Completed secondary or undergraduate transcripts, often evaluated by a credential assessment service.
- English proficiency evidence such as TOEFL or IELTS, or in some cases Duolingo English Test scores.
- Evidence of financial support for tuition and living costs, needed for the student visa (Form I-20) process.
- Science prerequisites - biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, mathematics - usually with a minimum grade.
- For nursing specifically, immunisation records, background checks and health clearance before clinical placements begin.
- For students already qualified as nurses in Nepal, a credential evaluation and sometimes additional coursework before licensure in the USA.
Cost, funding and realistic planning
Tuition in the United States is high, especially at private universities, and nursing programmes also carry costs for uniforms, equipment, examinations and travel to clinical sites. Living costs vary enormously by city.
Funding for international students is limited. Scholarships, assistantships and employer sponsorship exist, but they are competitive and usually not enough to cover the full cost. Because of this, most Nepali students applying to US nursing programmes plan a budget for the whole degree rather than only the first year.
Programme cost pages, application deadlines and prerequisite lists are published by each university and should be checked directly on the official website before applying.
Licensing after graduation
Graduating from a US nursing programme does not by itself give you a licence. You apply to a state board of nursing, submit transcripts, and sit the NCLEX-RN. International students on an F-1 visa also need to plan how they will remain in the country legally to work after graduation, typically through Optional Practical Training and, if possible, an employer-sponsored work visa.
Some states additionally require a Social Security number, English proficiency evidence or a criminal background check before issuing a licence.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pass an exam to work as a nurse in the USA?
Yes. Registered nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN examination and meet the requirements of the state board of nursing where they intend to practise.
Can Nepali students study nursing in the USA?
Yes. Nepali students apply to US nursing programmes each year, usually with a BSN or accelerated BSN as the target. Entry requires transcripts, English proficiency evidence, prerequisites and proof of funding for the student visa.
How long does a nursing degree take in the USA?
A traditional BSN takes about four years. An accelerated BSN for graduates in other fields typically takes 12 to 24 months, depending on the programme.
This article is general information about Nepal. Requirements, dates and prices change - always confirm the current position with the relevant official source.