₦airaland Forum

Meel:
You’ll need to provide me with a bit more information so I can give you specific guidance, but I’ll try to answer based on what you’ve shared.

First, are you registered with the MLSCN as an associate?
If yes, I would strongly recommend that you write the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) exam. This certification is highly recognized and will significantly boost your chances of job hunting as an MLS in the U.S.

To qualify for an H-1B work visa, you’ll also need to meet additional requirements such as IELTS and a VisaScreen certificate. While it may seem challenging, it is quite achievable with proper planning.



Regarding the PhD route:

When did you graduate?

When last did you engage in any meaningful research?


The field of Biomedical Sciences is very research-driven and funding is often tied to your ability to demonstrate research potential. I would advise you to:

Volunteer or work as a research assistant.

Get involved in projects that lead to publications.

Attend scientific conferences and network.


By doing this, you will build a competitive profile for securing a fully funded graduate or PhD offer.

Note: 90% of Biomedical Sciences programs in the U.S. do not require the GRE anymore, so focus your energy on building strong research experience, getting a good letter of recommendation, and a good statement of purpose (SOP).

Thanks so much for your response. Yes, am registered with MLSCN and have been practicing as a MLS. I have written IELTS with band 7(will be expiring this September), one of the reasons am bothered. I have also done WES evaluation for my first degree which is Biochemistry, even thinking of evaluating for the Medical laboratory science but everything na money.

As the suggested Ascpi exam, have considered it but when I read of the likely amount involved with the visascreen and all that,I became discouraged again. However,I will get to it again and see how it goes. Nothing good comes easy.

For the research works that may likely be published, can you pls suggest or direct me on how to go about it. I will also adhere to your advise of attending scientific conferences. Please am open to further directions and follow up. Thanks so much

Meel:
I applaud your intentionality toward your graduate school goal, but you weren't specific enough to get the necessary counsel you need to succeed.

Funding requirements are field-specific more available in STEM than non-STEM fields. Since you're in a non-STEM field and I’m in STEM, I can only offer a general opinion.

To reiterate, funding requirements are determined by the field. In the US, graduate school funding usually comes in the form of assistantships and fellowships.
Assistantships include:

Research Assistantship (RA): You assist your professor in the lab.

Teaching Assistantship (TA): You support teaching in classrooms.

Graduate Assistantship (GA): You handle clerical or library work.
Then there’s Fellowship, which is competitive but highly rewarding.


One mistake many people make is applying for admission without securing funding, especially when they don’t have any financial support. There are many people with admission letters but no funding and that, to me, is a waste of effort.

To the OP: before applying to any school, reach out to the Graduate Admissions Coordinator. Inform them of your intentions, and they will provide you with funding requirements and details on available assistantships.

Again, funding requirements depend on your field.
For example, in my field Biomedical Sciences/Immunology the main requirement for funding is research experience, often demonstrated through prior research assistantships, publications, or relevant conferences. Even so, it's still one of the most competitive fields to get funding.

So reach out to your program coordinators and find out what they prioritize: research experience, internships, project work, GRE scores, etc.
Programs don’t have one-size-fits-all requirements

Greetings,

Pls I need guidance either from you or any other here. Had to quote as I saw you read Biomedical science which is my field too. I have been reading alot and sincerely,right now am just kinda getting discouraged as it seems not to be working.

I have a first degree in Biochemistry,with an associate degree in Medical laboratory science. I had tried skilled worker route but I don send application taya. Recently I read about accelerated nursing here,intend going that route. Pls direct me cos as I am now, I don't even know how or what to do again