The Philippines is known around the world for producing excellent nurses. A recent National Institute of Health publication states that Filipino nurses make up four percent (an estimated one in every 20 RNs) of the U.S. healthcare workforce.
Filipino nurses are highly skilled, caring, and hardworking, which makes them in high demand in countries like the United States. For many of these nurses, moving to the U.S. offers a chance to grow their careers and provide better opportunities for their families. However, one important step in this journey is proving their English language skills.
MET is becoming a popular choice for Filipino nurses preparing to work in the U.S. It tests the key language skills—writing, listening, reading, and speaking— nurses need to succeed in their jobs. What makes MET stand out is how it focuses on practical, everyday English. This is especially useful for nurses, who need to communicate clearly with patients, doctors, and other healthcare staff.
Why Filipino Nurses Choose MET
Filipino nurses choose MET for many reasons:
- Convenience: Nurses can take the test in several major cities in the Philippines, including Manila, Cebu, and Davao. This makes it easier for them to fit the test into their busy schedules.
- Flexibility: Retakes are allowed for the listening, reading, and writing sections of the test, allowing nurses to show their best work.
- Relevance: The test focuses on real-life English skills that nurses will use every day in U.S. hospitals and clinics.
Since MET results are accepted by many Boards of Nursing and institutions in the U.S., nurses feel confident this test will help them reach their goals.
9.0 Niner: Supporting Nurses Every Step of the Way
One of the key contributors to the growth of MET in the Philippines is the partnership with 9.0 Niner, a leading test preparation center. 9.0 Niner has a strong reputation for helping Filipino nurses prepare for language proficiency tests, and their expertise has been invaluable in supporting MET test takers.
“Despite the retrogression in USA Visa processing, there’s a steady number of MET examinees in the Philippines,” said Ervin Temporal, CEO of 9.0 Niner. “Based on estimates from 2024, there are roughly 500 Filipino nurses and medical technologists per month who take English exams for USA VisaScreen and license endorsement. With this, MET now already has 12 to14 percent of the market share compared to other tests.”
Through workshops, practice exams, and one-on-one coaching, 9.0 Niner ensures that nurses feel ready and confident when taking MET.
Employers in the U.S. also appreciate nurses who score well on MET because it shows they are ready to communicate effectively in an English-speaking environment.
Building a Better Future
Scoring well on MET is a big step for Filipino nurses. It opens doors to exciting opportunities in the U.S., higher salaries, and the ability to support their families back home. For many, MET is more than just an exam—it’s a bridge to a brighter future.
As demand for nurses continues to grow in the U.S., MET is expected to help even more Filipino healthcare workers achieve their dreams. Thanks to support from 9.0 Niner and the accessibility of MET, nurses are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
To learn more about MET for Filipino nurses, visit our MET for the Philippines page.
To learn more about 9.0 Niners, visit their website.