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Working in the U.S. Healthcare System: A Guide for International Nurses

Four-week live online course for internationally educated nurses preparing for U.S. clinical practice — practical orientation to U.S. workflows and documentation, patient-centered communication (including SBAR handoffs), essential clinical vocabulary, role-play simulations, and tailored instructor feedback.

$499 — One-time fee (USD) Apply Now 
Small team of nurses in a hospital corridor reviewing a patient chart

Corridor huddle: a diverse team of nurses reviewing a patient chart while walking, illustrating handoffs, documentation, and team communication emphasized in this course.

About the course

This course equips internationally trained nurses with the cultural, communication, and critical-thinking skills essential for success in U.S. healthcare settings. Participants learn to navigate the U.S. system by applying CLAS standards and cultural humility, practicing interdisciplinary teamwork and patient-centered care, and using evidence-based practice and case analysis to strengthen clinical reasoning. Through role-play scenarios, interactive discussions, and structured language practice, students develop the ability to communicate clearly across diverse English accents and clinical contexts. The course also supports job readiness with guided practice in résumé writing, interview preparation, and professional correspondence, reinforced by individualized feedback and one-on-one coaching.

Instruction is delivered as instructor-led Zoom workshops with targeted practice tasks, short readings, and realistic role-play activities. Assignments are workplace-focused—practice scripts, simulated patient dialogues, handoff templates, and brief reflections—that prepare you to apply new skills on the job. English at upper-intermediate level (CEFR B2) or equivalent is recommended.

In class you receive focused instructor feedback and peer practice in authentic healthcare interactions. On completion you should be better able to interpret clinical conversations, communicate safely and clearly with patients and colleagues, and present yourself professionally for U.S.-based employment.

  • Describe and apply principles of cultural competence and humility and the CLAS standards in patient scenarios.
  • Explain the core structures and values of the U.S. healthcare system and interdisciplinary teamwork.
  • Interpret clinical conversations across diverse English accents using effective listening strategies.
  • Apply case study analysis and evidence-based practice (EBP) to clinical reasoning and discussions.
  • Create job-readiness materials (résumés, interview responses, professional emails) tailored to U.S. healthcare expectations.
Schedule — click a week to see details

Instructor
Karen Peterson portrait
Karen Peterson
Principal Lecturer and course designer; former German Fulbright coordinator. International teacher and avid traveler.
Delivery
Live online (Zoom + Canvas)
Schedule & length
Registration opens Nov 5, 2025 — closes Jan 11, 2026
Next Session: Jan 12 – Feb 4, 2026
Mondays & Wednesdays • 6:30–8:00pm
3 weeks · 6 sessions · 9 contact hours
Tuition
$499
Level
English CEFR B2+ recommended
Certificate
Certificate of Successful Completion

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