Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools: Foreign educated nurses seeking to practice in the U.S. must apply for a license with a state board of nursing in the jurisdiction where they wish to work. Once you have applied for licensure, the state board of your choice will require that all documents related to your education and professional qualification (licensure) will need to be verified, authenticated and evaluated by a credentials evaluation organization before you can sit for the NCLEX examination.
Introduction of CGFNS:
CGFNS has more than 45 years’ experience in the field of credentials evaluation. Their evaluation reports are accepted by all state-level regulators, employers and federal immigration authorities if you are applying for an occupational visa to enter and work in the United States.
CGFNS assist foreign students and healthcare professionals by evaluating their academic records to support their admission to schools in the US and globally. They advocate for ethical recruitment practices to protect migrating healthcare professionals, monitoring global employment trends and workplace norms. CGFNS International is an NGO in Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council, addressing international social issues.
At CGFNS, they believe there’s never been a greater opportunity to make a difference and have an impact on the lives of patients and providers.
- Their aim to help
- lead this transformation by driving professional advancement
- helping nurses and other health professionals thrive and expand their opportunities by validating their training and skills
- creating standards and gateways that help them navigate global health systems with ease, heal and work at the top of their expertise
- contribute to high standards for global healthcare systems.
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools
CGFNS provides essential services that help ensure that the education and qualifications of foreign-educated nurses meet the standards required to work in the U.S.
What is CGFNS?
- Established Authority: CGFNS was established in 1977 to assess the qualifications of nurses educated outside the U.S.
- Primary Objective: The primary goal is to ensure that foreign-educated nurses meet the minimum requirements for safe and effective practice in the U.S.
- Global Reach: CGFNS operates worldwide, assisting nurses from various countries in navigating the U.S. licensure process.
Key Services Offered by CGFNS
- Credential Evaluation Service (CES):
- Purpose: CES evaluates the education credentials of foreign-educated nurses.
- Components: The service compares your educational qualifications against U.S. nursing standards.
- Outcome: CES provides a detailed report used by state nursing boards to determine eligibility for licensure.
- CGFNS Qualifying Exam:
- Purpose: The CGFNS Qualifying Exam is a standardized test that evaluates the nursing knowledge of internationally educated nurses.
- Eligibility: Passing the exam is a requirement for many state nursing boards before taking the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Content: The exam covers critical areas such as medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child nursing, and psychiatric nursing.
- VisaScreen®:
- Purpose: VisaScreen is a comprehensive screening program required for foreign healthcare professionals seeking U.S. work visas.
- Components: The program includes an evaluation of educational credentials, licensure validation, English language proficiency, and a passing score on either the CGFNS Qualifying Exam or the NCLEX-RN.
- Importance: VisaScreen certification is mandatory for obtaining certain U.S. visas, such as the H-1B and permanent residency.
Who can order the VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment Service?
- Registered Nurses Registered Nurses Credential Evaluation – CGFNS International, Inc.
- Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses
- Physical Therapist only (not Physical Therapist Assistants)
- Occupational Therapists
- Physician Assistants
- Audiologists
- Speech Language Pathologists
- Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Clinical Laboratory Scientists
CGFNS is an approved credentialing agency for only the above nine (9) occupations. Applicants whose entry to practice education in a specialty field such as Cardiovascular Perfusion, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Laboratory Safety, Cytology, Blood Banking, etc., do not fall within the technologist category. These occupations fall outside the purview of the certification requirement.
Why CGFNS is Essential for International Nurses
- Standardization: CGFNS ensures that foreign-educated nurses meet U.S. standards, promoting patient safety and public confidence.
- Streamlining Licensure: It simplifies the licensure process by providing a centralized assessment of credentials and qualifications.
- Visa Requirement: For nurses seeking employment in the U.S., CGFNS certification is often a prerequisite for visa approval.
How to Apply for CGFNS Services
- Step 1: Create a CGFNS Account:
- Online Portal: Start by creating an account on the CGFNS website.
- Document Submission: Prepare to submit educational transcripts, nursing licenses, and other required documents.
- Step 2: Select and Apply for a Service:
- Choose the Service: Depending on your needs, select CES, the CGFNS Qualifying Exam, or VisaScreen.
- Application Form: Complete the online application form and pay the associated fees.
- Step 3: Submit Required Documentation:
- Educational Transcripts: Ensure that your nursing school sends official transcripts directly to CGFNS.
- Licensure Verification: Have your nursing license verified by the appropriate regulatory body in your country.
- Step 4: Prepare for Exams:
- Study Materials: Utilize CGFNS-recommended study guides and practice tests for the Qualifying Exam.
- Language Proficiency: If required, prepare for and take an approved English language proficiency test, such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- Step 5: Track Your Application:
- Online Tracking: Use the CGFNS online portal to track the status of your application and document submission.
- Notifications: Stay updated with any additional requirements or issues that may arise during the process.
Understanding the CGFNS Costs Involved
- Application Fees: Each CGFNS service has associated fees. For example, CES fees vary based on the type of report requested.
- Exam Fees: There are additional fees for the CGFNS Qualifying Exam and English language proficiency tests.
- VisaScreen Costs: The VisaScreen process also involves a separate fee, which covers the entire screening process.
- Fee Schedule and Policies – CGFNS International, Inc.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Document Delays:
- Solution: Start the process early and ensure that your educational and licensing institutions send documents promptly.
- Exam Preparation:
- Solution: Dedicate sufficient time to study and consider joining study groups or using CGFNS-approved materials.
- Language Proficiency:
- Solution: If English is not your first language, invest time in improving your skills, possibly with a tutor or language course.
CGFNS Certification Success Tips
- Early Planning: Start the CGFNS process well before you plan to move to the U.S. to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Detailed Documentation: Double-check all documents for accuracy and completeness before submission.
- Utilize Resources: Make full use of CGFNS’s resources, including their customer service, to clarify any doubts.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any changes in U.S. immigration and licensure policies that may affect your application.
What Happens After CGFNS Certification?
- Licensure Process: Once certified, you can proceed to apply for licensure with a U.S. state board of nursing, which may require passing the NCLEX-RN.
- Job Search: With CGFNS certification, you’ll be better positioned to apply for nursing jobs in the U.S., where employers recognize and value CGFNS credentials.
- Visa Application: Use your VisaScreen certification to apply for the necessary visa to work legally in the U.S.
CGFNS Conclusion:
- CGFNS plays a crucial role in helping internationally educated nurses transition to working in the U.S. By understanding and effectively navigating the CGFNS process, you can ensure that your qualifications are recognized and that you’re well-prepared to succeed in the U.S. healthcare system.
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