Converting home country qualifications into USA

[proudtobabritgirl 126]

 would really like to apply for a medical assistant course. The minimum entry requirement is GED or HS diploma. 

As I didn't study in the USA I studied in the UK. I only have GCSEs which are all grade a-c. Except maths grade d. 

The college I am applying to said I would need to get my qualifications assessed and converted. This is fine. But it cost a lot of money to find out. 

Has anyone from England had experience with this? Basically is GCSEs enough or are even comparable? I've looked everywhere and not found the answer. I know they go to school for 12 years here, whereas when I got my results it was still on required to go to year 11. 

I have looked into taking the ged tests but they are super complicated. 

I don't want to pay out the money just to find it's not even close to a GED. 

[Kateybot 3]

Have you considered looking for Medical Assistant roles that do not require certification, or are willing to pay for your certification? It might be worth getting settled in a role that does not require qualification and at that point, the employer may even offer to pay to check for qualification conversion. 

 

Just a thought!

[JoannaV 174]

I don't know and am interested to see if anyone has any experience with this. My (knowing nothing) gut thinking is that I'd feel confident enough that it was worth paying to find out if all the GCSEs were C or above, but the D in Math (it being math) would switch me more to where you seem to be, worried that it would turn out not to be enough. Did they give you info on what service to use? I've only looked into services that assess degree transcripts.

[proudtobabritgirl 126]

Yes, it's all been a bit confusing really and have never really got a definitive answer on it! 

From what I've gathered it's just easier to study for my high school diploma from scratch. They may take my English and science into consideration, so I would need less overall credits. 

A few adult schools/ colleges have said that I would need to have my qualifications from England signed by an administrator. That's just something that doesn't happen in England. It's bummed me out. I feel like I went to school for eleven years for nothing as I have to start all over again. 

I'm struggling to find employment/get into any college in California. 

Plan now is to get my high school diploma. Then hopefully take a course that I can get a job out of it like, maybe dental assistant. 

This whole move has knocked my confidence something chronic! Learning to drive all over again, opening bank accounts, not knowing how things go here, it's like being 16 all over again. 

[proudtobabritgirl 126]

10 minutes ago, JoannaV said:

I don't know and am interested to see if anyone has any experience with this. My (knowing nothing) gut thinking is that I'd feel confident enough that it was worth paying to find out if all the GCSEs were C or above, but the D in Math (it being math) would switch me more to where you seem to be, worried that it would turn out not to be enough. Did they give you info on what service to use? I've only looked into services that assess degree transcripts.

Aslong as they are a current member of the NACES evaluation group then they can. You have to email them to see what they can evaluate. It's pretty expensive and most have said to me they require the certificates to be signed by the exam board. 

A lot of colleges will have someone that can assess them but have to check if they are accredited first as there are so many unaccredited / scam schools who will just say yes you have enough and then it won't be once they have your money and you get a worthless qualification at the end. 

[TBoneTX 45,567]

1 hour ago, proudtobabritgirl said:

This whole move has knocked my confidence something chronic! Learning to drive all over again, opening bank accounts, not knowing how things go here, it's like being 16 all over again. 

Sorry that life so far here in the "Colonies" has featured some rough patches.  Here are some supportive ideas to consider:

 

1.  Purely from a perspective standpoint, I know a bunch of people who would love to start over at a younger age, knowing what they know now, and do things over.  

 

2.  Depending on where you are in California, check around for U.K. expat groups, and get acquainted, online or in person.  You might find someone who's able to help you in one or more ways, plus make friends.

 

3.  This idea, although targeted toward finding employment, can end up helping you in several possible avenues.  It was previously posted by the member Darnell:
-----
Each city has a chamber of commerce. Find it.

Once you find it - talk with the secretary - tell her you want a schedule of events and let her know you'd like to attend.

Then - go in person to the Chamber of Commerce Office - talk with the President of the Chamber, tell him/her you want to volunteer at several of their events.

Attendees at chamber events are business owners and sales geeks, all looking for new business.  It usually is an informal-enough gathering where you can approach people and talk with them.

Now, the cool thing about being a volunteer there - is that you will be talking to everyone at least once - you might be at the reception table, you might be at the greeters table, you might help to run the audio/video system - whatever - but - the point is that you can meet everyone there, face to face.

Attend 2 or 3 of these, and folk remember you. When folk remember you, they will remember you are seeking employment and will consider you, because you're just not some name on a piece of paper - they met you at a chamber event and know that you were volunteering, helping out the chamber.

Go Get Em, and Good Luck!

PS - live in a really small town? go to the biggest town that's within 15 miles of your house.

[proudtobabritgirl 126]

To update, I have got a job, actually two job offers! I asked around family and friends. 

I am starting a job working at a cinema. 

I have also been offered a job working in a factory but that doesn't start until February. Not my dream career but I'm just so grateful to be offered something! 

[TBoneTX 45,567]

See the power of networking?   Congratulations!

[proudtobabritgirl 126]

3 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

See the power of networking?   Congratulations!

Thank you! And yes I definitely do now!