In a landmark development for Pakistan’s healthcare sector, Pearson VUE is set to launch the Pearson Professional Certification Center across 15 locations in Punjab. This initiative, expected to accommodate 24,000 candidates annually, has been the result of extensive collaboration between key stakeholders in the United States and Pakistan and offers aspiring nurses an opportunity to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) within the country. A gateway to global nursing careers, particularly in the United States, the NCLEX is a computer-based test that determines if a nursing graduate is prepared for professional practice in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee's (APPAC) Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmad underscored the significance of this initiative, emphasizing how it eliminates barriers for Pakistani nurses who previously had to travel to other countries to sit for the NCLEX exam. “Prior to this initiative, the primary barrier for Pakistani nurses wishing to take the NCLEX was the necessity to travel abroad, often to countries like Turkey or the Philippines, to access testing centers. This posed a significant financial burden, as the costs associated with international travel, accommodation, and exam fees were prohibitively expensive for the average Pakistani nurse,” he stated.
“Years ago, physicians were required to travel overseas to take exams like the USMLE, but once the testing process was introduced in Pakistan, it significantly improved access for middle-class doctors. We aim to learn from that experience and implement a similar model for nurses,” he further added.
Critical to the initiative’s success is aligning Pakistan’s nursing curricula with NCLEX requirements and adherence to the criteria set by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Dr. Ahmad revealed that APPAC and any other Pakistani organizations will not have a role in the actual testing process which mitigates the risk of any malpractice, stating, “Our focus is on establishing a transparent and trustworthy examination environment, and we are committed to upholding the criteria set by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to ensure that the process is fair and reliable for all candidates.”
For years, the U.S. has faced a critical shortage of healthcare workers, particularly in the nursing sector. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, nursing shortages will affect 42 out of 50 states by the year 2030. Recognizing this gap, APPAC and New York state officials have been actively working to streamline the process for Pakistani nurses to enter the U.S. workforce.
Dr. Ahmad also detailed the groundwork already completed and highlighted APPAC’s persistent efforts in making this vision a reality. “The process of transforming our concept into reality took over four years. Initially, we recognized a pressing need for an increase in the number of nurses and medical support staff in the United States. By continuously engaging with concerned authorities and presenting data-driven insights, we were eventually able to garner the necessary support to facilitate the implementation of our initiative. This collaborative effort was instrumental in paving the way for our project's success,” he explained.
With the first batch of NCLEX exam sessions expected in early 2025, Dr. Ijaz expressed optimism about the potential success of this initiative.
“We acknowledge that there will be challenges along the way,” Dr Ahmad said. “This includes ensuring that the infrastructure is in place for local testing, providing adequate support and resources, and fostering partnerships with relevant organizations to ensure a smooth transition. By being proactive and addressing these potential challenges head-on, we are confident in our ability to adapt and succeed.”
By bringing the NCLEX to Pakistan, this initiative not only bridges the gap between Pakistan’s skilled nursing workforce and the urgent demand for healthcare professionals in the U.S. but also unlocks exciting global opportunities for Pakistan’s nursing workforce.