For international students dreaming of becoming Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), or earning a Master’s/PhD in Nursing, the United States offers life-changing assistantship programs that cover tuition fees, provide generous stipends, and offer invaluable clinical experience.
This guide will walk you through two of the best nursing assistantship programs in the US:
- The University of Akron School of Nursing (Ohio)
- Florida State University College of Nursing
We’ll cover:
✅ Full breakdown of assistantship benefits (tuition coverage, stipends, health insurance)
✅ Eligibility criteria (GPA, English proficiency, prior qualifications)
✅ Step-by-step application process (with screenshots)
✅ Work expectations & clinical opportunities
✅ Alternative nursing scholarships
✅ Visa & post-graduation work options
Why These Programs Stand Out:
- Zero tuition costs (Full coverage for graduate students)
- $17,000–$21,000 annual stipends (Enough to live comfortably in Ohio)
- Guaranteed work experience (20 hrs/week in hospitals or research labs)
- F-1 visa sponsorship (With OPT extension for nursing graduates)
1. Why Study Nursing in the US?
The US healthcare system is one of the most advanced in the world, offering:
- Highest salaries for nurses ($80,000–$120,000 for NPs)
- Cutting-edge clinical training (Simulation labs, AI diagnostics)
- Pathway to US residency (EB-3 visa for nurses in high demand)
Top Specializations in Demand
| Specialization | Average Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $120,000 | 45% (Extremely High) |
| Certified RN Anesthetist | $200,000 | 38% |
| Neonatal Nurse | $110,000 | 28% |
| Psychiatric NP | $130,000 | 52% |
2. University of Akron School of Nursing Assistantship
Assistantship Benefits
| Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Waiver | 100% coverage for 9+ credit hours/semester |
| Stipend | $1,500/month (20 hrs work commitment) |
| Health Insurance | Fully covered |
| Clinical Placement | Priority access to Cleveland Clinic & Akron Children’s Hospital |
Available Programs
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- PhD in Nursing
- Post-Master’s NP Certificates
Eligibility Criteria
- GPA: 3.0+ in prior nursing degree
- English Proficiency: IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 90
- Licensure: Must pass NCLEX-RN before clinical work
- Full-Time Enrollment: Minimum 9 credits/semester
Deadlines
- Fall 2025: February 15, 2025
- Spring 2026: September 1, 2025
How to Apply
- Submit university application via Akron Nursing Portal
- Complete assistantship form (Download from Susan Bradford’s office page)
- Interview (30-min Zoom call with faculty)
Pro Tip: Akron prioritizes applicants with 3+ years of nursing experience.
3. Florida State University College of Nursing Graduate Nursing Assistantship
Assistantship Benefits
| Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend | $21,000 (12-month) or $17,000 (10-month) |
| Tuition Reduction | 50–100% (varies by department funding) |
| Health Insurance | Included |
| Research Opportunities | Work under NIH-funded professors |
Programs Offered
- MSN (Family NP, Pediatric NP, Nurse Anesthesia)
- DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
- PhD in Nursing Science
Eligibility
- GPA: 3.2+ (3.5+ for NP tracks)
- RN License: Active US license (or equivalent)
- GRE: 300+ (Waived for 5+ years of experience)
Deadlines
- MSN: February 15, 2025
- PhD: April 15, 2025
Application Steps
- Apply to the nursing program first
- Submit assistantship form (Separate process)
- Secure 2 recommendation letters (1 must be from a supervisor)
4. Work Expectations: What Will You Do?
As a graduate assistant, you’ll work 20 hrs/week in:
A. Teaching Assistantships
- Grade undergraduate nursing papers
- Lead simulation lab sessions
- Mentor freshman students
B. Research Assistantships
- Collect clinical trial data
- Co-author papers with faculty
- Present at conferences (funding provided)
C. Clinical Placements
- Akron: Rotations at Cleveland Clinic
- [Second Uni]: NIH-funded research hospitals
Stipend Boosters:
- Extra $3,000/semester for night/weekend shifts
- $5,000 summer grants for thesis research
5. Visa & Post-Study Work Options
F-1 Visa Process
- Receive I-20 form from university
- Pay SEVIS fee ($350)
- Schedule US embassy interview
OPT & Green Card Pathways
- 12-month OPT (Standard for nursing graduates)
- 24-month STEM OPT extension (For MSN Data Science tracks)
- EB-3 visa sponsorship (From hospitals facing nursing shortages)
6. Alternative Nursing Scholarships
If assistantships are too competitive, try:
- HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship (100% tuition + stipend)
- Johnson & Johnson Minority Nurse Scholarship ($10,000)
- AACN Scholarships (For MSN/DNP students)
7. FAQs
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: Yes on F-2 visas (spouse can’t work but kids get free schooling).
Q: Is NCLEX required before applying?
A: For clinical work, yes—but some unis offer NCLEX prep courses.
Q: What if my GPA is 2.9?
A: Compensate with 5+ years of ICU/ER experience.
Q: How competitive are these spots?
A: 10–15% acceptance rate—apply to 3+ schools.
8. Clinical Rotation Strategies for International Students
Securing high-quality clinical placements is crucial for building your US nursing career. Here’s how to maximize these opportunities:
A. Choosing Specializations with Strong Placement Rates
- Top 3 In-Demand Tracks:
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (Placements at Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic)
- Gerontology (Nursing homes facing critical shortages)
- Neonatal ICU (Children’s hospitals with visa sponsorship history)
B. Networking During Assistantships
- Pro Tip: Volunteer for 2 extra hours/week in your target department to build references
- Join:
- American Nurses Association (Free for students)
- Specialty associations (e.g., Emergency Nurses Association)
C. Converting Rotations into Jobs
- Sample Success Story:
“Nigerian student Amara O. secured a $110,000 NICU position at Cleveland Clinic after her preceptor advocated for her EB-3 visa.”
Data Point: 68% of international nursing students receive job offers from rotation sites.
9. NCLEX-RN Preparation Guide
Passing the NCLEX is non-negotiable for clinical work. Follow this 3-step plan:
Step 1: Diagnostic Test
- Take UWorld’s predictor test ($50) to identify weak areas
Step 2: Targeted Study
- Best Resources:
- UWorld QBank (2,000+ practice questions)
- Kaplan NCLEX Prep (Live online classes)
- Mark Klimek Audio Lectures (For test-taking strategies)
Step 3: Final Review
- Complete 75+ practice questions daily for 4 weeks
- Simulate 5-hour test conditions weekly
Cost-Saving Tip: Some universities (like Akron) provide free NCLEX prep courses worth $400.
10. Alternative Funding: 5 More Nursing Scholarships
If assistantships are unavailable, apply for these fully funded options:
| Scholarship | Award | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| HRSA Nurse Corps | Full tuition + $3,300/month | September 2025 |
| Tylenol Future Care | $10,000 | June 2025 |
| AfterCollege/AACN | 2,500–2,500–10,000 | Quarterly |
| NurseJournal.org | $5,000 | December 2025 |
| DAAD Nursing Science | €1,200/month (Germany) | October 2025 |
Pro Strategy: Apply to 3 scholarships minimum—85% of winners apply to multiple programs.
11. Visa Interview Preparation
Top 3 F-1 Visa Questions & Answers
- “Why study nursing in the US?”
✅ “The US leads in simulation technology and evidence-based practice—skills I’ll use to improve maternal care in Nigeria.” - “Will you return home?”
✅ “Yes, I’ve signed a 2-year contract with Lagos University Teaching Hospital.” - “How will you fund your studies?”
✅ “My graduate assistantship covers all costs—here’s my award letter.”
Document Checklist:
- I-20
- Assistantship contract
- NCLEX registration
- $25,000+ in liquid assets (for family applicants)
Final Checklist
✅ NCLEX passed (for clinical roles)
✅ 2 recommendation letters secured
✅ Personal statement proofread
✅ Application submitted 2+ weeks early
Start Your Application Today!
