The USA is one of the world’s leading destinations for healthcare studies and is very popular for international students hoping to work abroad in healthcare fields. From demanding Nursing programs to interdisciplinary options like Public Health and Health Informatics, you have a range of healthcare courses in the USA for international students to choose from.
Read on to learn more!
Nursing
Nursing jobs are well-paid and in high demand within the USA’s healthcare system. Several top Nursing Schools in the USA offer MSN or Master of Science in Nursing programs.
These are aimed at giving you a strong foundation in advanced nursing and associated medical skills, combined with knowledge of ethical practices, legal concerns, and the fields of social, behavioral, and medical sciences. You may specialize in areas such as:
- Adult Nurse Practitioner – Acute/Primary
- Paediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute/Primary
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Midwifery
- Psychiatric
- Public Health
- Healthcare Administrator
- Nursing Informatics etc.
These are largely coursework-based programs and may take between 18 months to 3 years to complete. The cost of study ranges from 30 to-65,000 USD.
Where to Study Nursing in the USA
- University of California – San Francisco
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Washington
- University of Maryland
- Emory University
- University of South Florida
- Long Island University
- University of North Carolina – Wilmington
Entry Requirements
| Academic qualifications | Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.Min. score: GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. |
| Professional Experience and Certification | Registration as a Nurse in the country of origin and work experience of min. 1 year (full-time) may be required. |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS Academic with min. 7.0. |
| Other Requirements | Personal Statements and Letters of Recommendation are usually required. Immunization records, background checks, etc., may also be required. |
Course Structure
Your curriculum will include advanced theoretical content along with mentored clinical experience in settings that may include academic health centers, research institutions, and community hospitals. Your course load will depend on your specialization and allow you to gain in-depth knowledge and experience in sub-specializations.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of your program, you’ll have gained:
- Expertise in physical assessment, clinical decision making, diagnostic and interventional procedures, prescriptive knowledge, and patient care management.
- The ability to translate evidence into practice and promote clinical scholarship.
- Advanced nursing skills for specialty and subspecialty nursing practice.
- The ability to lead quality improvement and manage care delivery models across settings.
What to Study After MSN?
Following your MSN, you may also go on to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, which focuses on data research, evidence-based practice, and understanding changing healthcare systems, with a major research component.
Once you have an MSN, or both MSN and DNP, you can also pursue an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certificate program. Here, you’ll gain the skills and qualifications required for nursing practice in a specialization other than the one you already have.
Career Track
Following your MSN and any other certifications you may choose to pursue, you’ll be able to seek work in a range of healthcare and nursing settings, in hospitals, teaching hospitals, research centers, clinics, community health centers, etc.
You’ll be able to meet the requirements for working in different States in the USA or be able to answer exams and earn any additional required certifications.
Public Health
The USA offers a range of public healthcare courses for international students – wherein you’ll learn and understand the complex interplay of the biological, sociocultural, economic, political, behavioral, and environmental factors that affect population health. Depending on the program you select, you’ll be able to specialize in Community Assessment, Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation, Environmental Health, Health Promotion, Health Services Management, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Global Health Program Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation, etc.
These programs are typically completed within 1-2 years. You can expect to pay between 30-60,000 USD for your studies.
Best Public Health Courses in USA
- Master of Public Health, University of Pennsylvania
- Master of Public Health, Long Island University – Brooklyn
- Master of Public Health, Northern Illinois University
- Master of Public Health, Boston University
- Graduate Certificate in Industrial Safety and Public Health, Western New England University
Entry Requirements
| Academic qualifications | Bachelor’s degree in any area.Min. score: GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. |
| GRE | It may be required. |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS Academic with min. 7.0. |
| Other Requirements | Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation required.Volunteer/research/work experience related to public health will be considered. |
Course Structure
Coursework
You will study a combination of fundamental courses related to public health and elective courses related to your specialization.
Sample fundamental courses include:
- Quantitative Methods For Public Health
- Leadership And Management For Public Health
- Health Systems, Law, And Policy
- Individual, Community, And Population Health
- Behavioural and Social Aspects of Public Health
- Biostatistics in Public Health
- Problems and Issues in Environmental Health
Thesis Option
Many MPH programs offer a thesis option, wherein part of your credit requirement will be met by performing original research in a relevant area of your choice. You will receive relevant training in research methods for the same, and it is a great route if you’re interested in research.
Practical Learning
Depending on the program, you’ll get opportunities to perform fieldwork at local, national, or international sites with public health-related organizations through internships, work placements, or practicum projects.
Learning Outcomes & Career Track
Over the course of your studies, you’ll develop valuable skills, including decision making, program management, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership skills, administrative capabilities, and other skills relevant to public health professionals.
You’ll go on to a wide array of careers in the field, from community care organizations to international organizations like the WHO, to policy-making agencies at the national and international levels, to health and safety positions with industries, and so on. You may also be able to pursue your Ph.D. in the field.
Health Administration
Gain the skills you need to function effectively at managerial or executive-level positions in various healthcare settings, with a degree in Health Administration. You’ll gain a unique blend of knowledge, combining an understanding of business fundamentals and the health care industry. Topics covered range from management and finance to health informatics and data analysis.
These programs are typically completed between 1-2 years, with the cost of study ranging from 30-70,000 USD.
Best Health Administration Courses in USA
- Master of Health Care Administration, Texas State University
- Master of Health Administration, Purdue University – Indianapolis
- MS Health Care Management, University of New Orleans
- MS Health Administration, Georgia State University
- Graduate Certificate in Health Administration and Planning, Tennessee State University
Entry Requirements
| Academic qualifications | Bachelor’s degree in any area.Min. score: GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. |
| Work Experience | It may be required. Will be considered if available. |
| GRE | It may be required. |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS Academic with min. 6.5 or higher. |
| Other Requirements | Personal Statements and Letters of Recommendation are usually required. |
Course Structure
Coursework
You’ll study a range of compulsory and elective courses, such as:
- Topics in Health Administration
- Accounting in Health Care Settings
- Health Care Management
- Health Care Economics
- Health Informatics
- Health Care Financial Management
- Strategic Marketing for Health Care Management
- Health Care Law and Ethics
- Patient Care Management and Quality Improvement
- Public Health for Healthcare Administrators
- etc.
Thesis Option
Several MHA programs offer a thesis option, wherein you’ll perform original research on a topic of your choice and earn credits toward your degree.
Practical Learning
Many MHA programs include a practical, field learning component, wherein you’ll gain valuable experience under supervision.
Learning Outcomes & Career Track
These programs are aimed at helping you develop a range of key competencies, including:
- Communication, relationship management, and leadership skills.
- Knowledge of health care environments, from the perspective of organizations, personnel, patients, the community and environment.
- Business skills such as management, financial management, information management, risk management, strategic planning and marketing etc.
You’ll be well suited to leadership, management, and executive positions in a range of health care settings, from private and public hospitals and clinics, to NGOs and governmental agencies.
