The healthcare industry in the United States provides employment opportunities for millions of professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, medical assistants, and other healthcare workers. For international professionals, working in the United States can be an attractive career option, but getting a healthcare job requires more than simply submitting a resume.
Nurses generally need to satisfy U.S. state licensing requirements before practicing as nurses, while medical assistants have different education and certification requirements. International healthcare professionals may also need credential evaluations, English-language testing, examinations, and appropriate U.S. work authorization depending on their occupation and circumstances.
This updated guide explains how nurses and medical assistants can search for healthcare jobs in the United States, understand the qualification process, prepare for employment, and learn about possible work-visa pathways.
Important: U.S. healthcare licensing and immigration requirements vary by occupation, state, employer, and individual circumstances. Always verify current requirements with the relevant state licensing board, USCIS, U.S. Department of State, and other official organizations before making immigration or employment decisions.
Healthcare Jobs in the United States
Healthcare is one of the largest employment sectors in the United States. Hospitals, physician offices, outpatient facilities, nursing facilities, home healthcare organizations, and other healthcare providers employ professionals in a wide range of positions.
Two occupations that attract significant interest are registered nurses (RNs) and medical assistants (MAs).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses had about 3.47 million jobs in 2025, and employment is projected to grow by 6% from 2025 to 2035. The BLS projects approximately 180,800 openings per year for registered nurses over that period.
Medical assistants had approximately 833,900 jobs in 2025, with employment projected to grow 13% from 2025 to 2035, considerably faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS projects approximately 109,700 medical-assistant openings per year during that period.
These figures do not guarantee employment for an individual applicant, but they provide useful information about the overall U.S. employment outlook.
How to Get a Nursing Job in the United States
International nurses generally need to complete several steps before they can legally practice as nurses in the United States.
1. Complete Nursing Education
The first requirement is an appropriate nursing education.
Registered nurses in the United States commonly enter the profession through:
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing
- An associate degree in nursing
- A diploma from an approved nursing program
Registered nurses must be licensed.
Internationally educated nurses should have their academic and professional credentials reviewed according to the requirements of the state where they want to practice.
2. Identify the State Where You Want to Work
Nursing is regulated at the state level. This means requirements can differ from one state to another.
Before applying for jobs, an international nurse should identify the state where they intend to work and review the requirements of that state’s nursing regulatory authority.
Requirements may include:
- Educational evaluation
- Credential verification
- English-language proficiency
- Nursing examination
- Background checks
- Fingerprinting
- State-specific documentation
- Application fees
Because requirements can change, candidates should always check the current instructions from the relevant state board of nursing.
3. Pass the NCLEX-RN
For candidates seeking registered-nurse licensure, the NCLEX-RN is an important part of the U.S. nursing licensure process.
Internationally educated nurses should first determine whether they meet the eligibility requirements established by the nursing regulatory authority where they want to obtain licensure.
Passing the NCLEX-RN does not by itself provide immigration status or automatically authorize employment. Licensing and immigration are separate processes.
4. Complete Credential Evaluation
International nurses may need to provide academic records and professional documents for evaluation.
Organizations such as CGFNS International provide credential evaluation and related services for internationally educated healthcare professionals.
The exact evaluation requirements depend on the state, occupation, employer, and immigration pathway.
English-Language Requirements for International Nurses
English proficiency may be part of the licensing or immigration process for internationally educated nurses.
Depending on the applicable pathway, applicants may be asked to provide evidence through an approved English-language examination or another accepted method.
Do not assume that one English test is accepted everywhere. Requirements can vary depending on the state board, licensing route, and immigration process.
Before paying for an examination, check the current requirements for your specific pathway.
VisaScreen for International Healthcare Professionals
Some internationally educated healthcare professionals seeking certain occupational visas may need a VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment.
CGFNS states that VisaScreen is a comprehensive screening service for healthcare professionals seeking an occupational visa in the United States. The program covers certain healthcare professions, including registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses.
For registered nurses, CGFNS states that evidence of passing the NCLEX-RN or the CGFNS Qualifying Exam can satisfy the nursing knowledge examination component of VisaScreen.
VisaScreen is a credential-screening process; it is not itself a U.S. work visa. Candidates should determine which immigration category applies to their circumstances.
Nursing Jobs Available in the United States
Nurses can work in many different healthcare environments.
Examples include:
- Hospitals
- Emergency departments
- Intensive care units
- Outpatient clinics
- Physician offices
- Nursing facilities
- Home healthcare
- Schools
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Community healthcare
- Specialty clinics
Registered nurses can also specialize in areas such as:
- Critical care
- Oncology
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Emergency nursing
- Mental health
- Geriatric nursing
- Surgical nursing
- Public health
The work environment and qualifications can vary significantly between positions.
Registered Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $97,550 in May 2025, although actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, specialty, and work setting.
The BLS projects 6% employment growth for registered nurses between 2025 and 2035. It also expects approximately 180,800 openings per year during that period.
Salary should therefore be evaluated together with factors such as:
- State and city
- Cost of living
- Shift schedule
- Specialty
- Experience
- Employer
- Benefits
- Overtime opportunities
How to Get a Medical Assistant Job in the United States
Medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings.
Typical responsibilities can include:
- Scheduling appointments
- Recording patient information
- Taking vital signs
- Preparing examination rooms
- Updating medical records
- Assisting healthcare professionals
- Collecting patient information
- Handling administrative tasks
The exact responsibilities depend on the employer and state requirements.
According to the BLS, medical assistants typically need postsecondary education such as a certificate, although some people enter the occupation with a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training.
Medical Assistant Certification
Certification can strengthen a medical assistant’s professional profile, although requirements differ by employer and state.
Candidates should research certifications recognized by employers in the state where they want to work.
A medical assistant may benefit from training in areas such as:
- Medical terminology
- Patient care
- Basic clinical procedures
- Medical records
- Healthcare administration
- Anatomy and physiology
- Infection control
- Communication skills
Hands-on training or a supervised practicum can also help candidates develop practical skills.
Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook
The BLS reported a median annual wage of $45,690 for medical assistants in May 2025. The actual salary depends on factors such as location, experience, employer, and healthcare setting.
Medical assistant employment is projected to grow by 13% between 2025 and 2035, with approximately 109,700 openings per year projected over the decade.
Medical assistants commonly work in:
- Physician offices
- Hospitals
- Outpatient care centers
- Specialty medical offices
- Other healthcare facilities
The BLS reports that physician offices employed the largest share of medical assistants in 2025.
Can Medical Assistants Get U.S. Visa Sponsorship?
This is an important distinction for international applicants.
Having a healthcare-related qualification does not automatically mean that an occupation qualifies for a particular U.S. employment visa.
Medical assistants should not assume that an employer offering a job will automatically be able to sponsor a work visa.
Visa eligibility depends on the specific immigration category and its requirements, including the nature of the position, qualifications, employer circumstances, and other factors.
For this reason, international medical assistants should research both:
- Whether they qualify to perform the occupation in the target state, and
- Whether an appropriate immigration pathway exists for their circumstances.
These are separate questions.
Work Visa Information for Nurses
Nurses may encounter different immigration pathways depending on their qualifications, employer, nationality, and circumstances.
Employment-based immigration can involve employer sponsorship and other requirements. Some foreign healthcare professionals may also need occupational credential screening.
For certain healthcare occupations, VisaScreen can be an important part of the process. CGFNS identifies registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses among the healthcare professions covered by its VisaScreen service.
Nurses should not choose a visa category solely because another healthcare professional used it. The correct pathway depends on the individual’s circumstances.
For immigration matters, consulting a qualified U.S. immigration attorney can be useful.
How to Find Healthcare Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
International healthcare professionals can use several strategies to find potential employers.
Search Employer Career Pages
Large hospitals and healthcare organizations often publish vacancies on their own career websites.
Search for terms such as:
- Nurse visa sponsorship
- Registered nurse sponsorship
- International nurse jobs
- Foreign nurse jobs USA
- Healthcare visa sponsorship
- Internationally educated nurse jobs
Use Job Search Websites
You can also search major employment websites using combinations such as:
Registered Nurse + visa sponsorship
International Nurse + USA
Medical Assistant + sponsorship
However, always verify the information directly with the employer.
Contact Recruiters
Some healthcare recruitment companies work with international healthcare professionals.
Before signing any agreement, carefully review:
- Recruitment fees
- Contract terms
- Salary
- Location
- Housing arrangements
- Travel arrangements
- Visa responsibilities
- Repayment clauses
- Employment conditions
Avoid organizations that promise a guaranteed visa or guaranteed employment in exchange for money.
Prepare a Strong Healthcare Resume
Your resume should clearly explain your qualifications and experience.
For nurses, include:
- Nursing degree
- Nursing license
- NCLEX status
- Clinical experience
- Nursing specialties
- Certifications
- Hospital experience
- Professional achievements
For medical assistants, include:
- Education
- Medical assistant training
- Certifications
- Clinical experience
- Administrative experience
- Electronic health record experience
- Patient-care skills
Keep the resume professional and easy to read.
Documents International Applicants Should Prepare
Depending on the position and immigration pathway, you may need documents such as:
- Passport
- Educational certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Nursing license
- Employment verification letters
- Professional certificates
- English-language test results
- Examination results
- Credential evaluation
- Background-check documents
- Resume
- Job offer documents
- Immigration paperwork
Keep digital copies of important documents and make sure names and dates are consistent across your records.
How to Avoid Healthcare Job Scams
International healthcare workers can be targeted by fake recruiters and fraudulent job offers.
Be cautious if a recruiter:
- Guarantees a U.S. visa
- Guarantees a job without an interview
- Requests unusually large upfront payments
- Uses an unofficial email address
- Refuses to provide a written employment contract
- Gives unclear salary information
- Asks you to send money to a personal account
- Promises permanent residency immediately
A legitimate employment opportunity should provide clear information about the employer, position, compensation, responsibilities, and relevant immigration process.
You should independently verify the employer and immigration information before making payments or signing contracts.
Step-by-Step Plan for International Healthcare Workers
If you are outside the United States and want to pursue a healthcare career there, the following process can help you organize your plans:
Step 1: Choose Your Occupation
Determine whether you want to work as a registered nurse, licensed practical/vocational nurse, medical assistant, or another healthcare professional.
Step 2: Choose Your State
Research licensing and employment requirements in the state where you want to work.
Step 3: Evaluate Your Credentials
Determine whether your education and professional credentials meet the relevant requirements.
Step 4: Complete Required Exams
Nurses may need to complete the NCLEX or other applicable examinations depending on their pathway.
Step 5: Complete Licensing Requirements
Apply through the appropriate state licensing authority.
Step 6: Prepare Your Resume
Create a U.S.-style healthcare resume highlighting your qualifications and experience.
Step 7: Search for Employers
Target hospitals, clinics, healthcare organizations, and other employers that match your qualifications.
Step 8: Confirm Sponsorship
If you require immigration sponsorship, confirm whether the employer supports the relevant pathway.
Step 9: Complete Immigration Procedures
Follow the applicable immigration and visa process after receiving an appropriate employment opportunity.
Step 10: Maintain Your Credentials
After obtaining employment, keep licenses, certifications, and other professional requirements current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an international nurse work in the United States?
Yes. International nurses can work in the United States if they meet the applicable state nursing-licensure requirements and obtain the appropriate employment authorization or immigration status.
Do nurses need to pass the NCLEX?
Registered nurses seeking U.S. licensure generally need to satisfy the requirements established by the relevant nursing regulatory authority, which commonly includes the NCLEX-RN.
Can a medical assistant work in the USA without a nursing license?
Medical assistants are a separate occupation from registered nurses. They do not generally need an RN license to perform medical-assistant duties, but state and employer requirements can vary. The BLS notes that medical assistants typically need postsecondary education such as a certificate, while some enter through on-the-job training.
What is VisaScreen?
VisaScreen is a healthcare-professional credential screening service. CGFNS states that it is designed for healthcare professionals seeking an occupational visa and covers certain professions, including registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses.
Is there a guaranteed U.S. healthcare job for foreign workers?
No. Employment depends on employer requirements, professional qualifications, licensing, immigration eligibility, and the availability of suitable positions.
Can I apply for U.S. healthcare jobs from another country?
Yes. International candidates can apply to U.S. employers from abroad. However, they must complete the applicable licensing and immigration requirements before beginning employment.
Final Thoughts
The United States offers a wide range of healthcare employment opportunities for qualified professionals. Registered nursing and medical assisting are two different career paths, with different education, licensing, certification, and immigration considerations.
For nurses, obtaining the appropriate state license and meeting examination and credential requirements are important steps. International nurses may also need credential screening such as VisaScreen depending on their immigration pathway.
Medical assistants have a different qualification structure and typically work in physician offices, hospitals, outpatient facilities, and other healthcare environments.
The most important step for international applicants is to separate professional licensing from immigration authorization. Getting qualified for a healthcare occupation does not automatically provide permission to work in the United States.
Before accepting a job or paying a recruiter, verify the employer, understand the contract, confirm the licensing requirements for your state, and check current U.S. immigration information through official government sources.
With proper preparation, accurate documentation, relevant professional experience, and a clear understanding of the licensing and immigration process, healthcare professionals can make their U.S. job search more organized and informed.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, medical, or professional licensing advice. U.S. licensing and immigration rules can change, and requirements vary by state and individual circumstances. Always verify current requirements with the relevant state licensing authority, USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, and other official sources.