General Information

1. What is Florence?

Florence is an international education platform that recruits foreign-trained nurses for U.S. educational programs. Unlike staffing agencies, Florence does not employ nurses. We identify and recruit qualified students, guide them through the application process, provide visa and immigration support, and offer financial assistance.

2. What services does Florence offer?

Florence provides a comprehensive range of services designed to support students throughout their educational journey and beyond. These services include:

• Recruitment: Florence identifies and recruits aspiring nurses, matching them to educational opportunities in the healthcare field.
• Education: Through its white-labeled nursing school, Florence provides comprehensive education programs tailored for aspiring nurses.
• Test Preparation: Florence supports students in preparing for essential nursing exams, ensuring they achieve the qualifications needed to excel.
• Immigration: Florence facilitates visa applications and immigration processes, helping international nursing students transition smoothly.
• Placement: Florence connects graduates to healthcare job opportunities, streamlining the process of finding employment in the industry.

3. What programs are available for nurses?

Florence offers several programs, including:

• NCLEX-RN® Prep Course Course

• Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Associate's Degree in Nursing (ASN)

4. What qualifications do I need to apply for these programs?

To be eligible for Florence's programs, you will need at least a Diploma in Nursing, Midwifery, or an equivalent field. Specific requirements may vary by program. Having a higher qualification, such as a Bachelor's Degree, increases your eligibility and potential for advanced programs.

5. How do I apply for a program through Florence?

You can start by creating an account on Florence and filling out your Nursing Profile so we can assess your eligibility for our programs. After evaluating your qualifications, Florence will assist you with the application process to various educational institutions.

Financial Assistance

6. Are there scholarships or grants available?

Yes, there are scholarships and grants available. The average scholarship amount is around $10,000 to $20,000, which can help reduce the loan amount. To apply for a nursing scholarship, you need to first gain admission to a college, then submit your scholarship application.

7. What are the loan options available?

Florence can arrange loans up to $40,000 for tuition and related expenses. These loans typically have a 1-year repayment period, and can be refinanced at a later time. You can also explore loan options with our international loan partners.

8. Will I need to provide financial details during the application process?

Yes, as part of the F-1 visa interview/application process, foreign students need to demonstrate the financial means to pay for tuition and housing while in the US. You may be asked to provide bank statements and other documents that show you have enough money to cover your living expenses and education for the first year while you are unable to work.

Visa and Immigration

9. What visa do I need to study in the U.S.?

You will most likely need an F-1 student visa to study in the U.S. Florence assists with the application process, including providing the necessary I-20 form after you secure admission and make the required deposit to reserve your spot in the program.

10. Can I work while studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa?

In the first year, you are not allowed to work off-campus if you obtained an F-1 visa. However, you may work on-campus in certain roles. In the second year, you may be eligible to work as a nurse off-campus, and Florence will help you find employment.

11. What are the current visa wait times for F-1 visas?

Visa wait times for F-1 student visas can vary significantly depending on country. As of last available information, the visa wait time for F-1 visas in Accra is 382 days, for Lagos is 80 days, and for Manila is 11 days. For more information, visit our Visa Wait Times page.

12. Can I work and get an H-1B visa while pursuing a BSN?

No, you cannot obtain an H-1B visa while studying for a BSN. The H-1B visa requires at least a BSN degree and a job offer in a specialty area. Therefore, you must complete your BSN and obtain licensure before being eligible for an H-1B visa.

13. Can my spouse and children visit me in the USA under an F-1 visa?

Yes, your spouse and/or children can visit you in the USA on F-2 dependent visas while you hold an F-1 visa. The F-2 visa allows them to stay with you for the duration of your F-1 status. While on F-2 visas, they cannot work, but children can attend school. The wait times for F-2 visas are generally similar to the wait times for F-1 visas.

14. What are the benefits of having both an F-1 visa and H-1B visa?

Being dual eligible for both an F-1 student visa and an H-1B visa allows you to pursue education and employment, enhancing career prospects. It ensures a smooth transition from student to work status without leaving the U.S., extends your stay, and provides valuable work experience. Additionally, the H-1B visa can help you apply for a Green Card and permanent residency.

NCLEX-RN® Prep Course

15. What is the NCLEX-RN® Prep Course?

The NCLEX-RN® Prep Course is a 30-day intensive course available virtually or in-person at various locations. It offers comprehensive preparation with over 5,000 test bank questions, 250+ case study questions, virtual simulations, 24/7 access to MahoneyRN (an AI-powered nursing tutor), and live support from an instructor with a PhD in Nursing.

16. Can I take the NCLEX-RN® exam in Ghana?

Currently, there is no NCLEX-RN® testing center in Ghana. You would need to travel to nearby countries such as South Africa, Kenya, or other locations like India, to take the exam. For a comprehensive list of international Pearson VUE testing centers, click here.

17. Is the NCLEX-RN® Prep Course included in my degree program?

Yes. Students travel to their campus location 30 days before their program starts to complete the NCLEX-RN® Prep Course. Florence helps obtain the Authorization to Test (ATT) from the U.S. Board of Nursing and schedules the exam in the same city as the degree program, ensuring students are ready for clinical practice when they begin their studies.

18. What happens after passing the NCLEX-RN® exam?

After passing the NCLEX-RN® exam, if you have an F-1 student visa, you can apply for your nursing license from the state board of nursing where you plan to work. Once licensed, you are eligible to start working as a Registered Nurse (RN). If you do not have an F-1 visa, you will likely need to apply through a staffing agency that can assist you in obtaining an EB-3 visa.

Degree Programs

19. What are the tuition costs for the degree programs?

The tuition costs for degree programs vary depending on the specific program and duration. Each program includes the NCLEX-RN® Prep Course, designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN® exam. For more details, visit our Pricing.

20. What are the academic calendar start dates for our schools?

The start dates for the academic calendar for our schools are: October 2024, February 2025, June 2025, October 2025, etc. These dates provide multiple entry points for students to begin their programs throughout the year, accommodating different schedules and needs.

21. Can I start my coursework online before coming to the U.S.?

Yes, some coursework can be started online depending on the program. However, you must be in the U.S. to complete the majority of the program. For more specific information about their services and operations, you can visit their official website or contact them directly.

Job Placement

22. How does Florence assist with job placement in America?

Florence assists with job placement in America by connecting you with healthcare employers, offering career counseling, and supporting resume building and interview preparation. We also help you find employment opportunities with H-1B sponsorship or EB-3 sponsorship through staffing agencies, matching your qualifications and goals.

23. What is the average salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) in America?

The average salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) in America varies depending on the location, employer, and level of experience. On average, salaries range from $60,000 to $90,000 per year. In some high-demand areas (like California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts) or specialized fields, average RN salaries can be as high as $140,000. For more details, click here.

24. Can you refer me to international staffing agencies?

Yes. Some of the largest international staffing agencies recruiting foreign-trained nurses are: PassportUSA, Westways Staffing, Avant Healthcare, MedPro International, and O’Grady Peyton. These agencies specialize in international nurse recruitment and sponsorship, helping foreign-trained nurses secure employment in the U.S.

Legal Statements

24. Where can I find legal pages for Florence?