Remarks made by Robert Gabor, Head of Economic and Commercial Affairs, U.S. Embassy Colombo at the Launch of Kaplan Medical Programs

April 29, 2008, Hilton Hotel, Colombo

Good evening Ladies and Gentleman,

I am happy to be here to represent the U.S. Embassy in welcoming the launch of Kaplan Medical Programs in Sri Lanka. 

Kaplan is a household name in the United States.  Since it’s founding in 1938, its business had broadened to provide a range of services, including educational services, test preparation, professional training, and services for school-age children.  It is a well-respected company. 

A few highlights:

• Kaplan is one of the largest providers of academic English language training in the world. 
• Kaplan is one of the world’s largest diversified education companies, with operations in more than 30 countries.  
• Kaplan is also a leader in online education, offering numerous programs via “Kaplan University.”
• It operates 70 campuses around the world -- in the U.K, Ireland, Australia, and throughout Asia. 
• Kaplan has helped more than 3 million students prepare to take the tests necessary to achieve a better future.
• And perhaps a little less well-known highlight: I myself used to teach Kaplan test-prep courses in Los Angeles about 15 years ago!

So I know firsthand that Kaplan’s mission today remains the same as the day it was founded:  to help people achieve their educational and career goals. 
Today, we are welcoming the start of Kaplan Medical programs in Sri Lanka.  Not surprisingly, Kaplan Medical is the United States’ leading provider of test preparation for the two programs that will be offered here by International Scholar Professional Services (Pvt) Ltd:  the US Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) and the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Many of you may be aware that the United States is currently facing a nursing shortage.  Our aging population, coupled with difficulty in retention and recruitment into the field, will only exacerbate this problem in the future.  Some estimates place the current shortage at more than 120,000, with fears that it will grow to more than 400,000 in the next 20 years.  And although applications to nursing schools are increasing, with more than 80 million so-called “baby-boomers” expected to retire within the next 10-15 years, our need is serious.
Various U.S. states, and the U.S. federal government, are looking at creative ways to entice more people to enter the field of nursing.  However, as our shortage is critical, the U.S. is also accepting – in small numbers – well-trained, predominantly specialist nurses from abroad.

Principally through the U.S. H1B visa category, specialized nurses -- those holding advanced nursing degrees or specialized qualifications -- can be temporarily brought to the U.S. to work in hospitals, assuming that a hospital has sponsored the particular individual and that the individual has at least the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree and a passing score on the NCLEX examination. 

That brings us to where Kaplan Medical – through its local partner International Scholar Professional Services (Pvt) Ltd – can assist specialized nurses here in Sri Lanka.  The Kaplan Medical test preparation course for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) will begin later this year.  The NCLEX exam is required in the United States to receive a professional license in the field of nursing and has been created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

The exam is comprehensive, and its questions focus on a nurse's ability to make decisions in various patient care scenarios under critical conditions. The NCLEX test also requires that nurses understand the basic principles of nursing and can apply them to different elements of patient safety management.

Hopefully, following the successful completion of the Kaplan Medical test preparation program and other requirements, several specialized Sri Lankan nurses may be able to work in U.S. hospitals and help provide the excellent care that we know they give.  I can assure you that the U.S. Embassy is ready to do its part to assist in making this happen.
For now, I wish a hearty congratulations to Kaplan Medical and its partner International Scholar Professional Services on this launch today.  With your combined experience and expertise, I am confident of your prospects for great success in Sri Lanka.

Thank you.