Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is the basic certification required for non USA Nursing professionals to practice in USA. This is different from the NCLEX-RN, which is mandatory licensing examination for the native USA professionals. Following are the details of CGFNS, which is most crucial certification for non USA Nursing students to enter into United States in search of a bright career in Nursing. Those who have not pursued their Nursing education in USA must get this certification in order to practice the profession.

Education and training for the nursing career in the US starts at the undergraduate level. The professional level ‘registered nurse’ (R.N.) has a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It must assure state licensure requirements to practice. Each state in USA has its own criteria and set of laws for licensure. But all states use the similar licensing examination that is NCLEX-RN. U.S. States also require CGFNS certification for nurses educated outside the USA before they take up the NCLEX-RN. CGFNS is also required to apply for temporary non-immigrant visa (H-1A) or a permanent visa.

Eligibility for the Registration of CGFNS:

1. You should be currently registered as a first-level general nurse in your native country.
2. Must have completed an upper secondary school education, separate from nursing education.
3. Should have graduated in general nursing program of at least two years.
4. Must have gone through theory and clinical practice in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing.

The CGFNS Exam basically tests nursing knowledge of the candidates. It is conducted three times in a year. Candidates should also have English language proficiency as assessed by Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

For more information about CGFNS certification program, you can contact your nearest U.S. educational information or advising centre OR CGFNS, 3600 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104- 2651, USA; Telephone: 215-349-8767.

Website: www.cgnfs.org.

1. Princeton University: PU offers Ph.D. Program with focus on ecological and evolutionary genetics; physiology; behavioral ecology; theoretical ecology; population and community ecology etc.

2. University of Pittsburgh: The Specialised department offers Master’s and Doctoral programs in the areas of evolutionary ecology; amphibians, and reptiles; phylogeny of birds, metapopulation structure; evolution of dispersal and dormancy etc.

3. Miami University: The Department of Zoology of Miami University offers courses and training in animal behavior, ecology, ecotoxicology, developmental biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, genetics etc. The programmes offered are Masters and Ph.D. There are stipends for deserved candidates.

4. Southern Illinois University Carbondale: SIUC has specialized department for Zoology. The department offers MS and Ph.D. programs.

5. University of Oklahoma: The Zoology Department at UO offers MS and Ph.D. programs with specializations in cell biology, physiology, neuroscience, evolution, genetics, animal behavior, systematics, and ecology.