English Language Requirements for Indian Nurses Seeking US Licensure

Updated 30 October 2026 · Educational resource for internationally educated nurses

Most US state boards of nursing require internationally educated nurses to demonstrate English proficiency. Indian nurses whose nursing education was not conducted in English, or who do not meet specific exemptions, usually need to submit scores from an accepted exam.

Commonly accepted tests

• IELTS Academic
• OET (Occupational English Test) for nursing
• TOEFL iBT (accepted by some boards)

Minimum score requirements vary by state and can change. Some boards accept a combination of education in English and test scores. Candidates should check the exact requirement for their chosen state before registering for a test. Preparation focused on healthcare-related language can be helpful for OET in particular.

Disclaimer: Accepted tests and score thresholds differ by state. Confirm current rules with the state board of nursing.

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