A new Pakistan-US partnership is expected to create additional education, licensing and employment pathways for Pakistani nurses and other qualified healthcare professionals seeking professional opportunities in the United States.
The initiative will be formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the American Pakistan Education Foundation, a subsidiary of the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), and the Pakistan Education Foundation (Pak-EEF).
The agreement is expected to be signed in New York by APPAC Foundation President Dr. Ejaz Ahmed and Pak-EEF CEO Syeda Hajra Sohail.
New Pathways for Pakistani Nurses in the US
The proposed collaboration will focus on strengthening cooperation in medical education, professional training, certification and career development.
One of the key objectives is to help qualified Pakistani healthcare professionals understand and meet the US licensing and professional requirements needed to pursue careers in the American healthcare sector.
Under the initiative, the APPAC Foundation will work to establish partnerships with:
- US hospitals and healthcare systems
- Nursing and long-term care facilities
- American educational institutions
- Professional healthcare organizations
- Other employers seeking qualified healthcare professionals
These partnerships could provide Pakistani nurses with access to potential employment opportunities after completing the relevant education, examinations and licensing requirements.
Support for Pakistani Nurses Seeking US Careers
Pak-EEF will identify Pakistani nurses and other healthcare professionals interested in pursuing education and professional opportunities in the United States.
The organization is expected to provide support in areas including:
- NCLEX examination preparation
- Professional licensing
- Documentation and application procedures
- Further education and training
- Career development
- Guidance on US professional requirements
This support could make it easier for qualified Pakistani nurses to navigate the various requirements involved in pursuing a healthcare career in the United States.
NCLEX Nurse Placement Program Already Underway
The proposed US-Pakistan cooperation builds on Pak-EEF's existing NCLEX Nurse Placement Program, which has already attracted significant interest from Pakistani nurses.
According to the available information, the program received 2,759 registrations from across Pakistan. Following the selection process, 300 nurses were selected for training.
More than 80 nurses have already obtained NCLEX licenses, while over 220 nurses are currently progressing through the examination process.
The figures highlight the growing interest among Pakistani nurses in obtaining US-recognized professional qualifications and pursuing international career opportunities.
US Healthcare Institutions to Be Engaged
As part of the new initiative, the American Pakistan Education Foundation plans to engage with US-based healthcare organizations and educational institutions to identify opportunities for qualified Pakistani professionals.
The proposed cooperation could eventually cover areas beyond recruitment, including scholarships, specialized training, faculty development and professional exchange programs.
A joint working group is also expected to be established to coordinate the partnership and oversee future areas of collaboration.
Support from New York Officials
The initiative has received support from New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos, who has been involved in efforts related to the development of the nursing workforce.
APPAC board members have also visited Pakistan on two occasions to discuss opportunities related to nursing education, healthcare workforce development and institutional cooperation.
What This Means for Pakistani Nurses
The proposed agreement could provide a structured pathway for Pakistani nurses who want to pursue careers in the United States.
However, the partnership does not mean that nurses will automatically receive US jobs or licenses. Candidates will still need to meet the relevant US licensing, examination, education, immigration and employment requirements.
For nurses planning to work in the US, obtaining the required professional credentials—particularly passing the NCLEX-RN where applicable and meeting the requirements of the relevant US state nursing board—remains an important part of the process.
The proposed MoU represents a broader effort to connect Pakistani healthcare professionals with international education, training and employment opportunities.
If successfully implemented, the partnership could expand opportunities for Pakistani nurses through a combination of professional training, licensing support, education and links with US healthcare employers.
The initiative is therefore expected to be closely watched by Pakistani nursing graduates and healthcare professionals interested in building careers in the United States.
