Scanscope's experience helping internationally educated nurses pursue their American nursing careers.
If you're an internationally educated nurse planning to work in the United States, there's a good chance you've heard of IELTS and PTE Academic.
For many nurses, passing an English language examination is one of the final hurdles before they can progress towards working in the USA.
But what if there was another option worth considering?
At Scanscope, we've been seeing encouraging results from nurses taking the Michigan English Test (MET), including nurses who have previously struggled with other English language examinations.
Based on our experience supporting international nurses, MET is increasingly becoming one of the first examinations we recommend exploring.
Here's why.
## 1. We're Seeing More Success with MET
At Scanscope, we work closely with internationally educated nurses throughout their journey to securing employment in the United States.
That means we see firsthand the challenges nurses face with English language testing.
We've worked with nurses who communicate confidently in English, have years of clinical experience and are more than capable of working in an American hospital, yet struggle to achieve the required examination scores.
What we've noticed is that more of our nurses are reporting positive outcomes with MET, including some who previously found IELTS or PTE challenging.
While every nurse is different, these experiences have encouraged us to recommend that more candidates consider MET before booking their next examination.
## 2. A Speaking Test Focused on Real-World Communication
One of the most interesting aspects of MET is its approach to assessing speaking skills.
Rather than relying exclusively on academic-style communication, MET includes structured speaking tasks that assess how candidates communicate in everyday situations.
Candidates may be asked to:
- Describe a picture.
- Discuss a personal experience.
- Express an opinion.
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a situation.
- Present a convincing argument.
For nurses who already communicate in English every day, this format may feel more familiar.
Importantly, MET speaking responses are assessed by trained human examiners using established scoring criteria.
This doesn't automatically make MET easier than IELTS or PTE, but it does offer a different assessment experience that some nurses may prefer.
## 3. MET Is Recognised for US Healthcare Immigration
One question we frequently receive is:
"Can I use MET for my US VisaScreen?"
The answer is yes, provided you meet the relevant requirements.
The Michigan English Test is recognised under US federal healthcare worker English proficiency standards and is accepted by TruMerit for its VisaScreen programme.
For registered nurses taking MET after May 12, 2026, the published VisaScreen requirements are:
- Overall MET score: 58
- Minimum speaking score: 59
This makes MET a legitimate alternative to IELTS and PTE for eligible nurses pursuing careers in the United States.
Nurses should always confirm the requirements of their state Board of Nursing and credential evaluation organisation before registering.
## 4. A Straightforward Examination Format
MET assesses the same four essential English language skills as IELTS and PTE:
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
The four-skill examination takes approximately 155 minutes and is delivered digitally at approved testing centres.
One feature candidates may appreciate is that the speaking section takes approximately 10 minutes and consists of five structured tasks.
The examination also assesses practical language comprehension, grammar and written communication.
For nurses who find some examination formats overwhelming, becoming familiar with MET's structure may help them approach their preparation with greater confidence.
## 5. A Different Approach Could Make All the Difference
If you've already attempted IELTS or PTE without achieving the scores you need, we understand how frustrating that can be.
We've spoken to nurses who have spent months preparing, paid for multiple examination attempts and felt that their American nursing ambitions were slipping away.
Our advice is simple:
Don't keep repeating the same examination without considering your alternatives.
If IELTS or PTE hasn't worked for you, MET may be worth exploring.
Changing examinations won't guarantee a passing score, but finding a format that better suits your communication strengths could make a meaningful difference.
## 6. Why Scanscope Is Encouraging More Nurses to Consider MET
Our objective at Scanscope is straightforward: help qualified nurses overcome unnecessary barriers and secure rewarding nursing careers in the United States.
We've helped hundreds of nurses progress towards American nursing opportunities, and we're constantly learning from their experiences.
Based on the results we've been seeing, MET is becoming one of our preferred English language examination options for eligible candidates.
We're not suggesting that every nurse should abandon IELTS or PTE. Both remain recognised and suitable options for many applicants.
However, if you're preparing for your first English examination, or you've struggled to achieve the required scores previously, we strongly encourage you to explore MET.
It could be the alternative you've been looking for.
## Ready to Take the Next Step Towards Nursing in the USA?
At Scanscope, we specialise in helping internationally educated nurses secure direct-hire nursing positions with healthcare employers across the United States.
From interview preparation and licensing guidance to immigration coordination and relocation support, our team works closely with nurses throughout the process.
If you're considering MET, IELTS or PTE and aren't sure which examination is right for your circumstances, we're happy to help you understand your options.
Your American nursing career could be closer than you think.
Contact us at hello@scanscope.org or visit www.scanscope.org to learn more.
Important: English examination acceptance and minimum scores vary depending on your licensing, credential evaluation and immigration requirements. Always verify your eligibility before registering for an examination.
