mamacajah:


Hi@hiawathia, I also wanted to ask similar questions.

I have been doing some research into probable courses for nigerian student to do in usa. My background has been School- science (statistics), work -Logistics/hse but I want to change careers and move to health fields as I heard it is more lucrative in the USA.
Which of these programs could you profeer advise as easier for a non-medical student to do - medical diagnostic sonography or health care administration ? Is it really better to do the CNA program first and can you do it on a visit visa or you need a F1 visa for it (since it is less than 1 year)? How easy is it to get work after studies and possibility of green card through this route?

Any other information would be appreciated. I have also sent you a PM, pls kindly respond. Thanks.

I forgot to add that ultrasound is a heavily female dominated career field. Not that should matter, im just letting u know. Im not sure why. Most men go for CT Scan or MRI

FrankNetter:


My vexation now is that I waited for almost two years for a transcript that’s totally useless.

Hmmmm...is like thinking you had a gold nugget...only to find out it was copper. Bro...I feel your pain... is like been scammed by the university...don't you feel like returning to Naija to ehmmm....strangle somebody? Like someone advised.... go the community college route...life is full of lessons...you've learned first hand what others been saying about sooo many...too many Nigerian degrees being useless abroad. Start afresh...move forward....you hit a pot hole...lots of them you dodged...lots more on the road ahead... the road to the top is never smooth....keep it moving bro.

mamacajah:


Hi@hiawathia, I also wanted to ask similar questions.

I have been doing some research into probable courses for nigerian student to do in usa. My background has been School- science (statistics), work -Logistics/hse but I want to change careers and move to health fields as I heard it is more lucrative in the USA.
Which of these programs could you profeer advise as easier for a non-medical student to do - medical diagnostic sonography or health care administration ? Is it really better to do the CNA program first and can you do it on a visit visa or you need a F1 visa for it (since it is less than 1 year)? How easy is it to get work after studies and possibility of green card through this route?

Any other information would be appreciated. I have also sent you a PM, pls kindly respond. Thanks.

kindly respond here so we all can benefit from it

afoobiggy700:

kindly respond here so we all can benefit from it

I did. Go up about 4-5 posts

Originalsly:


Hmmmm...is like thinking you had a gold nugget...only to find out it was copper. Bro...I feel your pain... is like been scammed by the university...don't you feel like returning to Naija to ehmmm....strangle somebody? Like someone advised.... go the community college route...life is full of lessons...you've learned first hand what others been saying about sooo many...too many Nigerian degrees being useless abroad. Start afresh...move forward....you hit a pot hole...lots of them you dodged...lots more on the road ahead... the road to the top is never smooth....keep it moving bro.

Sure thing bro. Thanks for the kind words. I’m not fazed by this setback at all. I know I’ll be where I wanna be, I just have to be patient and trust the process

Bossman:
Nice approach FrankNetter. Don't let it bother you. Most of the credits received in Nigeria for just about all majors are not accepted here. The education system in Nigeria is a joke! I have spoken to some so called computer science graduates from Naija univ, and they have never written a line of code. How in the world can that be possible! Computer programming is all about coding for God's sake!

Thanks

Sexcapades Sexcapades Sexcapades

Where do I start?

Anywhere, tell us about the transmissions you commisioned, i mean emission you transmissioned.

FrankNetter:
Sexcapades Sexcapades Sexcapades

Where do I start?

@hiawathia, thanks so much for the swift response. I am a female, so i guess I will be joining my female colleagues..

However, I still need clarification on how to go about the process, like which states are cheaper and easier to enroll in the program... and is it better to go to a community college or a university for the program?

Is it a good option, since I have no background in helath at all, to start from CNA or LPN first before switching over to ultrasound or just going to do a BSc/ associate degree in it directly.

Thanks once again...

mamacajah:
@hiawathia, thanks so much for the swift response. I am a female, so i guess I will be joining my female colleagues..

However, I still need clarification on how to go about the process, like which states are cheaper and easier to enroll in the program... and is it better to go to a community college or a university for the program?

Is it a good option, since I have no background in helath at all, to start from CNA or LPN first before switching over to ultrasound or just going to do a BSc/ associate degree in it directly.

Thanks once again...

If you want to do ultrasound route i do not recommend the cna or rn route. Here's why, they are completely different fields and are unrelated. Most ultrasound programs want you to get your associates in Radiography(xray) and then specialise in ultrasound. There are some programs that may bypass the radiography route but you will have to research that.
Ultrasound is still a hot field you shouldnt have a problem finding a program. I know that Indiana has several.

mamacajah:
@hiawathia, thanks so much for the swift response. I am a female, so i guess I will be joining my female colleagues..

However, I still need clarification on how to go about the process, like which states are cheaper and easier to enroll in the program... and is it better to go to a community college or a university for the program?

Is it a good option, since I have no background in helath at all, to start from CNA or LPN first before switching over to ultrasound or just going to do a BSc/ associate degree in it directly.

Thanks once again...

hiawathia1981:

If you want to do ultrasound route i do not recommend the cna or rn route. Here's why, they are completely different fields and are unrelated. Most ultrasound programs want you to get your associates in Radiography(xray) and then specialise in ultrasound. There are some programs that may bypass the radiography route but you will have to research that.
Ultrasound is still a hot field you shouldnt have a problem finding a program. I know that Indiana has several.

To add to this, do the CNA program first. It takes just 2 months + to complete and offers you an easy route to a steady inflow of cash while chasing your associates degree or bachelors. You can work in a variety of places too, nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies etc and you can tweak your work schedule around your school schedule.

Update

Working in a nursing home as a CNA taught me a lot of stuff. The healthcare field I’ve encountered so far is female dominated. There’s a rough ratio of 6 females to 1 male (I’m being moderate) when you match all positions (nurses, nursing assistants and all). By virtue of this, there’s one thing that’s constant, drama.

Based on the fact that there’s a lot of downtime, there’s little to do most days. Over the course of your 8hr shift, you’d basically work for 2hrs only on and off. These people, mostly ladies, can sit all day and talk. They jump from one topic to another and when you happen to eavesdrop on their conversation, they’re always running their mouths over something trivial and stupid. They’re always on the lookout for the next topic to latch onto or the next person to gossip about. Nobody gave me any orientation on how to handle these females so I found out the hard way. I’ll end this update with the lessons Ive learned so far over the course of this job. Like I stated in my previous posts, I’m someone who’s always looking to have the most random of conversations spanning the most random of topics, I have this theory that everyone you meet knows something you don’t. So here I was, at a new job, with lots of brains to “pick”, but can you pick a brain that has nothing inside of it?


Another thing I noticed is the animosity between black Americans and Africans. No one so far can pinpoint what the issue is, but there’s this awareness of the status quo, of the need to not “mix” with the akatas. The “hatred”(?) is just there, beneath the surface, waiting to spring out and I witnessed this firsthand when I started “talking to” and going out to lunch with someone at my job; a beautiful black American lady.

Slightly taller than I am, all the right curves in all the right places, single mother of one, got her own ride, two bedroom apartment around Lansing, IL and was cool af. The moment people noticed we started “talking” I started getting pulled into rooms and getting “advice” from the Nigerian nurses that work here. “Leave that useless akata girl o, she will trap you with pregnancy o!” Nothing I no hear

On the other hand, I started noticing the hostility from the akatas as well. Started hearing bits and pieces of “rumors” some of which sounded too bizarre to be true. These people said the cruelest things about me, That I was trying to finesse the lady out of her money, I was trying to rape her kid and lots of “wonderful” stuff. We became the talk of the facility, each day I came to work, I’d hear one new episode of what “Obi” did. And for each day they kept seeing us together, they intensified the severity of the rumors. The funny part of it all, was that they would see me and smile in my face and try to pry some information by throwing sly, slippery and crafty questions at me.

One thing I pride myself in, is my I don’t care attitude. For each rumor I heard, I’d smile and brush it off.

The fist bumps and hellos and greetings which were once a formality when I got to work ceased. I bought some beats x headphones & for each time I walk into the front door, I’d plug my ear up. on the elevator, I made a habit of not jumping into any conversations with any of them.
I picked up my old habit of novel reading, I located thrift stores around and purchased some good books by Stephen King and other good authors. It was at one of these thrift stores I found one book that literally broke my heart, a thousand splendid suns by Khaleed Hosseini.


**ill continue later. I gotta wipe some _ass

FrankNetter:
Slightly taller than I am, all the right curves in all the right places, single mother of one, got her own ride, two bedroom apartment around Lansing, IL and was cool af. The moment people noticed we started “talking” I started getting pulled into rooms and getting “advice” from the Nigerian nurses that work here. “Leave that useless akata girl o, she will trap you with pregnancy o!” Nothing I no hear

On the other hand, I started noticing the hostility from the akatas as well. Started hearing bits and pieces of “rumors” some of which sounded too bizarre to be true. These people said the cruelest things about me, That I was trying to finesse the lady out of her money, I was trying to rape her kid and lots of “wonderful” stuff. We became the talk of the facility, each day I came to work, I’d hear one new episode of what “Obi” did. And for each day they kept seeing us together, they intensified the severity of the rumors. The funny part of it all, was that they would see me and smile in my face and try to pry some information by throwing sly, slippery and crafty questions at me.

One thing I pride myself in, is my I don’t care attitude. For each rumor I heard, I’d smile and brush it off.

The fist bumps and hellos and greetings which were once a formality when I got to work ceased. I bought some beats x headphones & for each time I walk into the front door, I’d plug my ear up. on the elevator, I made a habit of not jumping into any conversations with any of them.
I picked up my old habit of novel reading, I located thrift stores around and purchased some good books by Stephen King and other good authors. It was at one of these thrift stores I found one book that literally broke my heart, a thousand splendid suns by Khaleed Hosseini.


**ill continue later. I gotta wipe some _ass

Frankie!!

Thanks @hiawathia @FrankNetter for these insightive responses.

Last one for this morning..lol..

As I am currently in Nigeria, that means I should start my planning from here first as I do not have the work permit status yet for US.

@Franknetter, the CNA program is less than 6 months, so that means I can do it on a B1/B2 visa right? or I need to get a student visa first?

hiawathia1981:

If you want to do ultrasound route i do not recommend the cna or rn route. Here's why, they are completely different fields and are unrelated. Most ultrasound programs want you to get your associates in Radiography(xray) and then specialise in ultrasound. There are some programs that may bypass the radiography route but you will have to research that.
Ultrasound is still a hot field you shouldnt have a problem finding a program. I know that Indiana has several.

Ok, I will start looking into it. I have 2 kids under 5 however (US citizens) that I woud be coming with, hope this won't affect my chances in anyway?

The states where I can get family support is far from Indiana, so I will also check out those places as well. For now, I was researching direct programs in diagnostic medical sonography in the university.. men, it was not cheap at all...$60k.. I will try to do this associate degree route research into radiography.

mamacajah:

Ok, I will start looking into it. I have 2 kids under 5 however (US citizens) that I woud be coming with, hope this won't affect my chances in anyway?

The states where I can get family support is far from Indiana, so I will also check out those places as well. For now, I was researching direct programs in diagnostic medical sonography in the university.. men, it was not cheap at all...$60k.. I will try to do this associate degree route research into radiography.

That is expensive. 60k from start to finish or yearly. A tip of advice if u haven't, look into state universities first. Those will be cheaper and the quality of education is just as good if not better than private university. For example, they will say Ohio State University or Ball State University. Look for State somewhere in the name. What states are u looking at? What is the name of the school you are looking at? Also with ultrasound programs, the program needs to be accredited or you will be ineligible to sit for boards and everything will be in vain. I will try to help you research.
No, having kids will not affect your chances. It is not a factor of consideration. But not necessarily something you want to announce to your advisor or teacher early on.

mamacajah:

Ok, I will start looking into it. I have 2 kids under 5 however (US citizens) that I woud be coming with, hope this won't affect my chances in anyway?

The states where I can get family support is far from Indiana, so I will also check out those places as well. For now, I was researching direct programs in diagnostic medical sonography in the university.. men, it was not cheap at all...$60k.. I will try to do this associate degree route research into radiography.

What many ultrasound techs have done is get their AS in radigraphy first. Graduate, and then work as an xray tech while going back for ultrasound. The money is really good and the scheduling is very flexible. You can work evevings, weekends only, or per day basis. The risk is that many do not go on, bc they got used to the money.

hiawathia1981:


That is expenisve. 60k from start to finish or yearly. A tip of advice if u haven't, look into state universities first. Those will be cheaper and the quality of education is just as good if not better than private university. For example, they will say Ohio State University or Ball State University. Look for State somewhere in the name. What states are u looking at? What is the name of the school you are looking at? Also with ultrasound programs, the program needs to be accredited or you will be ineligible to sit for boards and everthing will be in vein. I will try to help you research.
No, having kids will not affect your chances. It is not a factor of consideration. But not necessary something you want to announce to your advisor or teacher early on.

No oh.. that is 1 year estimate including health insurance, accommodation, tution,etc. I have been looking at Georgia and NY. Thanks for the hint on the state university.. off to google...

hiawathia1981:


What many ultrasound techs have done is get their AS in radigraphy first. Graduate, and then work as an xray tech while going back for ultrasound. The money is really good and the scheduling is very flexible. You can work evevings, weekends only, or per day basis. The risk is that many do not go on, bc they got used to the money.

The bolded is the reason I want to do this program. I want to still have time for my kids at this stage, and I was told this option would do that...more than Nursing..then maybe when the kids are grown, I can switch over to health care administration...

mamacajah:


No oh.. that is 1 year estimate including health insurance, accommodation, tution,etc. I have been looking at Georgia and NY. Thanks for the hint on the state university.. off to google...

I will help you do some research. I will let you know about my findings before the end of the day. Im curious about the name of the university you were looking into, not sure why it was so much.

mamacajah:


The bolded is the reason I want to do this program. I want to still have time for my kids at this stage, and I was told this option would do that...more than Nursing..then maybe when the kids are grown, I can switch over to health care administration...

Let me give you a word of caution. Im an xray tech tech. I have been practicing for over 13 years. But it was never my passion. Business administration was my passion. I switched over to xray for similar reasons, financial. Now after putting 15 years Iam burnt out of healthcare and going back to guess what my original passion, business. I.dont regret it xray has been good but really think about which one you are really passionate about. You will be able to be with your children with both. I know a few people in health care administration who work 9-5 no weekends no holidays no on call.
Although, many top level execs have aclinical background. They are usually more respected and trusted. Also had a easier time going up the ladder

hiawathia1981:


Let me give you a word of caution. Im an xray tech tech. I have been practicing for over 13 years. But it was never my passion. Business administration was my passion. I switched over to xray for similar reasons, financial. Now after putting 15 years Iam burnt out of healthcare and going back to guess what my original passion, business. I.dont regret it xray has been good but really think about which one you are really passionate about. You will be able to be with your children with both. I know a few people in health care administration who work 9-5 no weekends no holidays no on call.
Although, many top level execs have aclinical background. They are usually more respected and trusted. Also had a easier time going up the ladder

Thanks @hiawathia, this is exactly the type of network I have been looking for, someone in the field. Right now, I am over 40, spent more than 13 years working in the OIC industry here, so my thinking was do a start over with a progression plan so that in 20 years time, the kids are all grown and I still have a career at that age...its my belief most health care managers still work at that age,..who knows, one can even own a cae home by that time, by GOD's grace...I don't think I want to tie myself down to the rigourous work life of nursing either.. but right now, anyone that can pay the bills.. I am all for it...

Schools I looked at were Augusta University, Augusta Technical Colege, Adelphi University, Rutgers University and Georgia State University. I was doing estimates based on international students fees...hope I was on the right track...

I understand what you mean by burn out.. we all get there at one time or the other.. I have been there, I am now trying to pull myself out and move on in life.. hence this study route plan..

mamacajah:


Thanks @hiawathia, this is exactly the type of network I have been looking for, someone in the field. Right now, I am over 40, spent more than 13 years working in the OIC industry here, so my thinking was do a start over with a progression plan so that in 20 years time, the kids are all grown and I still have a career at that age...its my belief most health care managers still work at that age,..who knows, one can even own a cae home by that time, by GOD's grace...I don't think I want to tie myself down to the rigourous work life of nursing either.. but right now, anyone that can pay the bills.. I am all for it...

Schools I looked at were Augusta University, Augusta Technical Colege, Adelphi University, Rutgers University and Georgia State University. I was doing estimates based on international students fees...hope I was on the right track...

I understand what you mean by burn out.. we all get there at one time or the other.. I have been there, I am now trying to pull myself out and move on in life.. hence this study route plan..

I understand.
I think we might need to try a different approach. Ok, so you are starting completely over? Do u have a reliable internet connection? If so I think you should consider online schooling. In any major, there are core courses that have to be completed no matter the program; for instance english, math, social sciences. Those courses do not have to be physically done on campus. So if u can get admitted to an US university, complete those online and then you can transfer to a university with an ultrasound program. Or u could choose the university with the ultrasound program do those courses online. Meanwhile still go through the process of getting to the US. I will still look into the ultrasound programs for you.

hiawathia1981:


I understand.
I think we might need to try a different approach. Ok, so you are starting completely over? Do u have a reliable internet connection? If so I think you should consider online schooling. In any major, there are core courses that have to be completed no matter the program; for instance english, math, social sciences. Those courses do not have to be physically done on campus. So if u can get admitted to an US university, complete those online and then you can transfer to a university with an ultrasound program. Or u could choose the university with the ultrasound program do those courses online. Meanwhile still go through the process of getting to the US. I will still look into the ultrasound programs for you.

Thanks a zillion..I do appreciate...

hiawathia1981:


I understand.
I think we might need to try a different approach. Ok, so you are starting completely over? Do u have a reliable internet connection? If so I think you should consider online schooling. In any major, there are core courses that have to be completed no matter the program; for instance english, math, social sciences. Those courses do not have to be physically done on campus. So if u can get admitted to an US university, complete those online and then you can transfer to a university with an ultrasound program. Or u could choose the university with the ultrasound program do those courses online. Meanwhile still go through the process of getting to the US. I will still look into the ultrasound programs for you.

You are right....it woukd be better for her if she can do all the prerequisites which dont necessarily need a physical practical online in Nigeria That would save her time and energy when she eventually comes over.
[color=#006600][/color]

mamacajah:


Thanks a zillion..I do appreciate...

As promised...
Ultrasound programs accredited by the CAAHEP

GA
Albany State University(has both US and Healthcare Management)
Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Ogeechee Technical College

NY
Long Island University(has both US and Healthcare Management)
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Hunter Business School

If you are really wanting to go back and further your career. Choose a school that will give you a degree rather than a certificate. The credits used for your U/S degree can be applied to another area.

Boom. Mic drop.

mamacajah:
@hiawathia, thanks so much for the swift response. I am a female, so i guess I will be joining my female colleagues..

However, I still need clarification on how to go about the process, like which states are cheaper and easier to enroll in the program... and is it better to go to a community college or a university for the program?

Is it a good option, since I have no background in helath at all, to start from CNA or LPN first before switching over to ultrasound or just going to do a BSc/ associate degree in it directly.

Thanks once again...

By the way, sorry for assuming you were male initially. I get that alot myself.

iRyan:
Frank if you are a fan of animations and you ever wanna change career path, you might want to consider 3D Animation. My nephew who studied 3D Animation for a duration of three years only at NYFA is having a fantastic and an exciting time working at Warner Bros Animation studios in California + he's raking in them Benjamins

I'm in my final year, planning to learn 3D animation during my nysc. I don't want to travel without any skill, please can I PM you?

Emmafe:
I'm in my final year, planning to learn 3D animation during my nysc. I don't want to travel without any skill, please can I PM you?

It is better to post the questions here so others can learn. All these PMs sef

Holocene:


It is better to post the questions here so others can learn. All these PMs sef

I've been on the website for minutes now, I now have all the info I need. Thanks boss

Emmafe:
I've been on the website for minutes now, I now have all the info I need. Thanks boss

You welcome chief