International Transferability of Nurse Practitioner Credentials in Five Countries

Globally, better utilization of nurse practitioners is recognized as an important strategy to address country needs for improved population health and increased access to high-quality care. This article examines the mobility of internationally educated nurse practitioners by comparing the regulatory requirements in 5 countries. Differences in health care system and policy contexts regionally and nationally have resulted in variations in education, credentialing, and scope of practice. As a result, mobility of the nurse practitioner workforce within and across countries is restricted. Further policy work is needed at international and national levels to address this issue.