NYC Welcome Back Center

SERVICES

The NYC Welcome Back Center at LaGuardia Community College is an information and resource center for internationally trained nurses who would like to enter the healthcare sector in the U.S.

We can guide you through the New York State licensing process so that you can work in your healthcare profession again. We can also help you explore alternative careers in healthcare to pursue while you are on the path towards licensure. As a member, you’ll receive case management and support services as well as referrals to educational, community or professional programs and organizations, as needed.

Begin at LaGuardia!

The NYC Welcome Back Center is part of the National Welcome Back Initiative.

HOW TO APPLY

The NYC Welcome Back Center can help you develop a career pathway that builds on your education, experience and skills. Services are free and available to residents of New York State who are authorized to work in the United States. Some NYC Welcome Back Center programs may require proof of New York City residency.

Take a few minutes to fill out our application, and find out if you qualify! 

SUCCESS STORIES

Mamata Dhakal A great year at LaGuardia Mamata Dhakal was a nurse in her native country of Nepal, but her dream was to become a Registered Nurse in the U.S. Immigrating in 2007, she worked as a college assistant, babysitter and private tutor to earn a living. After immigrating to the U.S., she also began taking English as a Second Language classes as a matriculated student at LaGuardia in order to improve her English and begin college studies. While pursuing an Associate Degree at LaGuardia, Mamata visited the college’s NYC Welcome Back Center for internationally trained healthcare professionals and was referred to its National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) Preparation Course for English Language Learners. Mamata completed the course, passed the NCLEX-RN, started a new nursing job, graduated from LaGuardia as a Biology major, and soon began studies for her Bachelor Degree in Nursing at Lehman College/CUNY. “LaGuardia has helped me in each and every moment to learn English, earn a degree and become a Registered Nurse,” says Mamata.

CONTACT US

NYC Welcome Back Center

Phone:
(718) 482-5460

Email:
nycwbc@lagcc.cuny.edu

Room:
C-239

Office Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Fridays – Closed)

FOLLOW US

FAQs

The NYC Welcome Back Center at LaGuardia Community College is an information and resource center for nurses who received their education and training in a health field outside of the U.S. who would like to enter the healthcare sector in the U.S.

The NYC Welcome Back Center provides orientation, counseling and career support to internationally trained nurses. In addition to receiving support in obtaining appropriate professional credentials and licenses for your profession, you can also receive assistance in exploring relevant educational programs, job and volunteer opportunities, and alternative career options.

If you are a resident of one of the 5 boroughs of New York City and are authorized to work in the United States, you are eligible to receive NYC Welcome Back Center services. If you live in another state, visit the national Welcome Back Initiative website to see if you are within the service area of another Welcome Back Center. Those living outside of the U.S. are not eligible for the program.

Orientation, counseling and career support services are free of charge. However, there may be costs incurred for referred programs offered outside of the NYC Welcome Back Center.

No, the NYC Welcome Back Center does not receive funding to provide educational scholarships. However, an educational case manager can help direct you to appropriate community college and university programs as well as financial aid offices.

No, you need to follow existing licensing procedures for your respective profession. The NYC Welcome Back Center provides orientation about existing licensing procedures for internationally trained nurses.

The NYC Welcome Back Center is affiliated with the NYC Workforce1 Healthcare Career Center, which offers job readiness training, job search workshops, and assistance with job placement.

NYC Welcome Back Center staff communicate in English and Spanish and may be able to provide additional interpreter assistance on a case-by-case basis. If your language needs cannot be met by the NYC Welcome Back Center, you are encouraged to bring your own interpreter.
After you submit a pre-application, we will review your application to see if you meet our NYC residency and professional experience requirements. Once we establish that you qualify for NYC Welcome Back Center services you will be invited to attend an orientation, and your English language skills are assessed. Then we schedule an appointment for you to meet with an educational case manager, who will discuss your educational and professional experience. The educational case manager provides information and guidance about licensing requirements, credential validation agencies, health-related educational programs, and English language courses. Review our NYS licensure process for Internationally Trained nurses to get a jumpstart on NYS credential evaluation.

At this point in the process, you should bring copies of your diploma(s) and educational transcripts as well as copies of any certificates or licenses you have. If you have a professional resume that includes your work experience in healthcare, bring that too.

Yes, the NYC Welcome Back Center offers workshops and other group activities, such as licensing exam study groups and general information meetings, to serve as peer networking and support group opportunities by profession.

PARTNERS

SUPPORT US

NYC Welcome Back CenterThank you for your interest in the NYC Welcome Back Center at LaGuardia Community College! Your support enables us to work toward our mission of integrating internationally trained healthcare professionals into the U.S. healthcare workforce. To make a donation please call us at (718) 730-7530 or send us an email at nycwbc@lagcc.cuny.edu.
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