Pakistani nurses and other healthcare professionals could gain wider access to professional opportunities in the United States under a new education and workforce initiative.
The American Pakistan Education Foundation and the Pakistan Education Foundation, or Pak-EEF, are set to sign a memorandum of understanding in New York. The agreement aims to create a formal framework for education, training, certification and professional preparation. It will also explore pathways for qualified Pakistani healthcare workers seeking opportunities in the US.
According to reports, APPAC Foundation President Dr Ejaz Ahmed and Pak-EEF Chief Executive Officer Syeda Hajra Sohail are expected to sign the agreement. The initiative will also seek stronger links with American hospitals, healthcare systems, universities and professional organisations.
300 nurses selected for NCLEX training
Pak-EEF has already launched an NCLEX Nurse Placement Programme for Pakistani registered nurses seeking international licensing.
A nationwide registration drive attracted 2,759 candidates. Following screening, the programme selected 300 eligible nurses for training. More than 80 have obtained NCLEX-related licensing credentials, while over 220 are still progressing through the examination process.
The programme has also supported candidates who could not easily afford overseas travel for the licensing process.
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Pakistan gained another advantage in February 2025 when Pearson VUE opened a professional testing centre in Lahore. The centre administers the NCLEX-RN examination on behalf of the US National Council of State Boards of Nursing. NCSBN now officially lists Pakistan among its international NCLEX testing locations.
However, passing the NCLEX is only one part of the process. NCSBN says candidates must also meet requirements set by the nursing regulatory body where they intend to practise.
US healthcare demand creates opening
The initiative comes as the United States continues to need large numbers of registered nurses.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects registered nurse employment to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034. It expects about 189,100 openings each year on average during that period. Many vacancies will result from workers retiring or leaving the profession.
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The Pakistan-US nursing initiative received support from New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos. APPAC delegations have previously visited Pakistan and held discussions on healthcare workforce development, training and broader institutional cooperation.
Under the planned MoU, the American organisation will seek partnerships with hospitals, nursing facilities, educational institutions and potential employers in the US.
Training, scholarships and professional exchanges planned
Pak-EEF will identify nurses and other healthcare professionals with suitable qualifications. It will also support candidates with examinations, professional preparation, certification and documentation.
The two organisations also plan to explore scholarships, educational assistance, faculty development and professional exchange programmes. Universities, nursing schools and hospitals could participate in joint training initiatives.
A joint working group may oversee implementation and develop further cooperation between the two sides.
If implemented successfully, the agreement could create a clearer route for Pakistani healthcare professionals seeking US careers. Actual employment would still depend on licensing, employer requirements and applicable US immigration rules.
