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Nursing students & fresh graduates in Kenya
You're still studying or just qualified. The best thing you can do now to prepare for nursing in the USA is build the right kind of experience and get your documents in order early.
- Experience comes first. US programs want hospital bedside experience. Requirements range from 3 months (Avant) to 2 years (some hospitals).
- Acute inpatient work counts most. Full-time on a hospital ward, not a clinic.
- Start your paperwork early. Transcripts and NCK verification take time. The free checklist lists every document.
Experience you'll need
| Who | What they ask for |
|---|---|
| Avant (agency) | At least 3 months; currently 36+ hours a week at the bedside; acute inpatient unit; hospital with 50+ beds. NCLEX not needed to apply. |
| O'Grady Peyton (agency) | At least 12 months in a clinical setting. |
| Conexus MedStaff (agency) | Currently working inpatient, or willing to return within 90 days. |
| PassportUSA (agency) | At least 2 years of hospital nursing. |
| Kettering Health (hospital) | 2 years of hospital experience (Med-Surg, ED, ICU, Stepdown or OR). |
| Adventist HealthCare (hospital) | 2+ years of current hospital experience. |
Last checked 14 Nov 2026 · from each organisation's own pages. Full comparison in Stage 2
The free checklist
Every step in order, the documents to collect (transcripts, licence, ID, passport) and the questions to ask before you sign anything.
Get the checklistWhat will it cost?
The "Getting there" calculator lists every fee from NCK to your flight, with official fees filled in and today's KSh exchange rate.
Open the calculatorChoosing your first job and internship Coming soon
Which wards build the experience US programs ask for. Follow the WhatsApp channel to hear when it's ready.
An NCLEX study plan that fits around shifts Coming soon
In the meantime, the app's daily tip keeps you studying a little every day.