The RN to BSN Program for Korean Nurses

The Korean National Medical Center (KNMC) has entered an agreement to recruit students for a special RN-to-BSN program offered by Eastern University, a Christian university in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This program provides Korean nurses with an educational experience designed to strengthen their professional nursing skills within the U.S. healthcare environment, as well as develop their proficiency in English, particularly in the area of conversation. 

This 48-credit-hour program combines upper-level nursing studies with courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) for healthcare professionals.  All courses have been customized for Korean nurses.  Students in the program receive a laptop computer and software.  

Curricular Practical Training

It includes supervised field experience—known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT, which is an essential part of the curriculum, since this program emphasizes the application of nursing theory within the U.S. context.

The CPT begins in the third term of studies with placement at one of the area hospitals owned by Mercy Health System, Eastern’s partner in the program. Students may work up to 20 hours per week and will receive $15.00 per hour or more, depending on the pay scale of the hospital in which they work. (Note: If a student is unable to obtain a Pennsylvania nursing license, she will be employed in a non-RN position on a different pay scale.)  The participants will receive assistance in applying for a Pennsylvania nursing license. (The nursing license is required for the CPT.)

In Class Portion

During the 16 months of classroom study, the students will reside together near the campus, with easy access to public transportation that connects them with both the university and the hospitals.  With the addition of an approved 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT), the student’s time in the U.S. extends to more than two years. 

Optional Practical Training

At the end of the program, Eastern will assist the nurses in applying for 12 months of full-time Optional Practical Training (OPT) at one of the Mercy Health hospitals. The annual base pay for the OPT will be $35,000, with opportunities for higher paying shifts and assignments. As part of the full-time OPT, the student will receive a full benefits package, including complete medical, vision, prescription and dental coverage.  

All faculty and medical personnel in this program are committed to helping the students prepare for and adjust to the U.S. environment. 

In Korea, please contact Professor Hee Soon Kim at the Korean National Medical Center for more information. 

In the United States, for more information about the Korean Nurse program, email Stephanie MacTavish at smactavi@eastern.edu.

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