NCLEX testing center for RP nurses opens in Makati

The Philippines' first-ever National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) Center opened its doors to the public on Wednesday, the eve of the examination day in Manila. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo graced the opening of the facility. She said it would make NCLEX testing more accessible and affordable to thousands of Filipino nurses intending to practice in the United States. Filipino nurses hoping to fulfill their dream of working in the United States will now have an easier time applying for accreditation. With the opening of the newly-constructed Pearson Professional Center (PPC) at the Trident Tower in Makati City, Filipino nurses no longer have to travel to either Hong Kong or South Korea to take the NCLEX, an important prerequisite needed by all nurses aspiring to work in the US. Arroyo thanked the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for bringing the NCLEX to the Philippines, saying "the move was a demonstration of the NCSBN's faith in the Filipino as well as the integrity of the local nurses' licensure examination." Joining the President on the inaugural rites was Dante Ang, chairman of the National Council of Licensure Examination, and Casey Marks of the NCSBN. After cutting the ribbon at the entrance of the Center, the President was given a tour of its facilities and met its officers and employees who came out to meet and greet her. In February this year, the board of directors of the NCSBN in the US chose Manila as a site for NCLEX testing because of the “deep commitment" shown by the Philippine government in ensuring a secure testing center. Scheduling for examination appointments for the Manila testing began on July 13, 2007. - GMANews.TV