IELTS vs PTE: Find Out Which English Language Exam Best Suits Your USRN Application With Epic International Staffing!

With the latest advancement in the priority date for the Philippine EB-3 visa category, aspiring USRNs are now a step closer to achieving their American Dream. This promising progress indicates that more visas are becoming available for Filipino nurses waiting for their opportunity to work and live in the U.S. In line with this, it is crucial for aspiring USRNs like you to carefully consider your preparation for the visa application process, particularly in choosing the right English proficiency test.

There are numerous English language tests out there that you could take for your nursing career in the U.S., but today, we'll only focus on the IELTS and PTE. We will discuss both tests based on their format, validity, state recognition, and scoring system. It is also worth noting that in this article, we are also considering the qualifications set by our trusted U.S. partner, Epic International Staffing.

Before we delve into the discussion, let us introduce our U.S. client. Formerly known as Vintage Health Resources, Epic International Staffing is a pioneer in the healthcare staffing industry with over three decades of experience in the U.S. market. They are also a JCI-certified institution and have placed over 1,000 Filipino healthcare workers in various U.S. states. They are indeed an expert who can help you reach your USRN goal.

Now that we got that out of the bag, let us go back to our main topic. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the PTE (Pearson Test of English) are essential exams designed to assess your proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in the English language. These tests are crucial for aspiring USRNs, as they provide a standardized measure of the language ability needed for your nursing career. Here are four important factors you need to know when choosing between the IELTS and the PTE: 

• FORMAT: The primary difference between the IELTS and PTE lies in the test format. The PTE is exclusively a computer-based exam that spans around 3 hours, with all sections (speaking, writing, reading, and listening) completed on a computer, offering a standardized digital testing environment. In contrast, the IELTS provides greater flexibility. It can be paper-based or computer-based, which lasts around 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Speaking test for IELTS is a face-to-face or online interview with an examiner. This variety allows you to choose the format that best suits your preferences or needs, making the IELTS more adaptable to different testing situations.

• VALIDITY: Both IELTS and PTE are valid for two (2) years. 

• STATE RECOGNITION: The IELTS is widely accepted and recognized by most institutions in the U.S. It is also recognized by over 11,000 organizations across 140 countries worldwide, giving you a broader reach when applying. The PTE, on the other hand, is accepted at over 3,000 institutions in countries including the U.S., Ireland, and France. However, only 14 state nursing boards in the U.S. recognize it. This includes Alabama, Arizona, Arkansans, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.

• SCORING SYSTEM: Another main difference between the two tests is their scoring systems. The IELTS uses a band score system, ranging from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user). To work as a nurse in the U.S., you will need an overall IELTS band score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 7 in Speaking. Meanwhile, the PTE uses a scaled score ranging from 10 (low user) to 90 (expert user). In most states, you will need an overall score of 55, with no section below 50.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the test that best aligns with your strengths and testing preferences. Although both exams are accepted by many nursing boards and regulatory bodies in the U.S., it is necessary to keep in mind the qualifications and preferences set by your chosen U.S. employer. For Epic International Staffing, here are the key points you need to know:

• Epic International Staffing will only accept the PTE if applicants have attempted and failed the IELTS exam twice. 

• While many candidates may find the PTE test to be easier than the IELTS, please be aware that opting for the PTE may limit the states where you can be employed at.

Choosing the right language exam is indeed an important part of your USRN application, but that's just one part of the journey. Have you also considered whether a staffing agency or direct hire employment is the best route for you?

Join us on September 27, 2024, at 4 PM for our FB Live session, "The Benefits of Choosing a Staffing Agency for USRNs." Learn how partnering with a trusted staffing agency like Epic International Staffing can streamline your USRN journey and offer numerous advantages. Click this link https://tinyurl.com/EPICFbLiveEvent to get a reminder when we go live on Facebook!

Want to explore what Epic International Staffing has in store for you? Scroll down to see their latest job openings and opportunities.

JOB VACANCY DETAILS

Epic International Staffing in the U.S.A.

Staff Nurse Vacancies in the Following Areas:

- Medical

- Surgical

- ICU

- Telemetry

- Progressive Care Unit

- High Dependency Unit

- Stepdown Unit

- Rehabilitation

BENEFITS

- Competitive starting salary ranging from 30 - 40USD per hour

- Green Card sponsorship to spouses and unmarried children below 21 yrs. old

- Dedicated Career Path Coordinator

- Free NCLEX review program

- NCLEX exam reimbursement

- IELTS review and exam reimbursement

- Visa Screen fee and processing assistance

- Medical exam reimbursement

- Immigrant visa processing

- Life and health insurances

- Paid clinical and cultural transition

- Free Airfare

- Driver’s education

- Car loan provision

- Accommodation upon arrival

- 4,000USD start-up advance

- No placement or processing fee

QUALIFICATIONS

- Non-NCLEX and/or non-IELTS passers are welcome to apply

- RNs with Authorization to Test for NCLEX are accepted

- At least 1 year of post-license experience in the adult care area of a tertiary hospital with at least 50-100 beds and current hospital experience (must be currently working)

APPLY NOW

Sign up at https://bit.ly/AbbaEpicNurse or https://tinyurl.com/AbbaEpicNurse.

Send your updated CV to epic.usrn@abba.ph and wait for a Recruitment Officer to get in touch with you

EMPLOYER DESCRIPTION

💡Unlimited number of E.B.-3 USRN job vacancies in esteemed hospitals and institutions

💡Our longtime U.S. client, Vintage Health Resources, has transitioned to a bigger healthcare organization, Epic International Staffing

💡Pioneer in healthcare staffing with over 3 decades of experience and Joint Commission-certified

💡Has an excellent track record when it comes to managing the long and complex U.S. nurse application process

💡One of the few agencies that have weathered the E.B.-3 visa retrogression, rising immigration issues, and the changing professional and personal lives of its applicants

💡Over 1,000 Philippine healthcare workers placed in various U.S. states

GOT A QUESTION?

Contact Toni through +63917-704 2150

Abba Personnel Services Inc.

Upper Ground Floor 01 / 02 Pioneer Highlands

Pioneer St. near cor. EDSA

Mandaluyong City 1550 Philippines

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