Working in the United States has been a dream for many professionals around the world, and I am fortunate enough to have fulfilled that dream. As a Medical Technologist, I never thought that I would have the opportunity to work in the US. However, with proper planning and execution, I was able to make it happen, and I hope to share my experience with those who aspire to follow the same path.
My journey began with gaining experience in my local laboratory. After passing the board exam, I started working in the health center of our town and then moved to a small hospital setting. Despite the meager salary of Php 5000 ($100) a month, I worked hard for two years before pursuing an opportunity abroad in Saudi Arabia. Countries like Saudi Arabia typically require 1-3 years of experience, which I already had, and I worked there for six years before deciding to take the American Medical Technologist License Exam. The exam is offered by various certifying agencies, such as the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCPi), and requires evaluation by a credentialing service affiliated with the chosen agency. At the time, I chose World Education Services (WES) for my evaluation, but there are now many options available, which can be found on the AMT or ASCPi websites.
To obtain the evaluation, I submitted my Transcript of Records (TOR) copy through WES, which has two submission options. The first option is to request the institution you attended to send your document directly to WES in a sealed envelope, signed or stamped across the back flap by the appropriate official. The second option is to obtain the document yourself and send it in a sealed envelope, signed or stamped across the back flap, to WES. Once I received the evaluation, I was able to apply for an MT license.
The next step towards my American Dream was obtaining a Visa Screen, which is necessary for Medical Technologists to work in the US under the H1B visa. The Visa Screen can be obtained through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), and the list of requirements includes the MT License, TOR, Evaluated Credentials, and IELTS Exam. The application can be completed within a year, and it typically takes 3 to 6 months to be approved. However, I experienced a delay due to my fear of failing the IELTS Exam, which prompted me to take a review class.
Finally, after obtaining my approved Visa Screen, I was ready to pursue employment opportunities in the US without paying a large amount of money to recruiters. In my next post, I will discuss my experience and share tips on how to secure a job without relying on recruitment agencies.
In conclusion, achieving your American Dream as a Medical Technologist requires gaining experience, taking the necessary exams, obtaining the evaluation, and obtaining a Visa Screen. While it may seem daunting, with proper planning and execution, it is achievable.
