KMTC hosts delegation of health employers from the United States of America
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) on Monday (January 15, 2024) hosted a delegation of health employers from the United States (U.S), in preparation for the launch of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) centre Tuesday in Nairobi.
After South Africa, Kenya is poised to become the second African country to host the NCLEX-RN, a standardized exam required for practicing as a registered nurse in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Addressing the event, the head of the delegation, Hon. Mohammed Noor, emphasized that the establishment of the center will eliminate barriers hindering many qualified nurses from accessing opportunities abroad.
“The dream of hosting the center will come to fruition next month when operations officially commence. I thank Virtual Universal Enterprises (VUE) for accepting to host the program,” he said.
Kenyan nurses seeking employment in the U.S. have been compelled to undertake the examinations in either South Africa or India.
Hon. Noor disclosed ongoing discussions with the U.S. to remove other barriers, including English language proficiency.
He stated, “Since Kenyan students speak English and are in the same language, there will be no need for them to be tested on English language proficiency.”
As part of visa requirements, individuals seeking to travel to the U.S. are assessed through standardized language proficiency tests, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
The Principal Secretary of the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, welcomed the initiative as timely, noting its potential to strengthen ties between Kenya and the U.S.
Acknowledging the crucial role played by healthcare workers in disease management, Ms. Muthoni affirmed the government’s commitment to producing frontline healthcare workers to reduce the disease burden in the country.
Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot highlighted that establishing the NCLEX-RN center will positively impact nursing recruitment in Kenya and across the region, strengthening Kenya’s relations with neighboring countries and other nursing schools.
Also present were KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch, Vice President of Pearson Erica Hughes, Secretary Diaspora Welfare and Partnerships Ambassador Hellen Gichuhi, Ag. Director Skills and Expertise Division at the State Department for Diaspora Affairs Ms. Irene Karari, among others.
