Women of Wise

The Foreign Trained Professional Recertification Program, funded in part by the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement for refugees who have lived in the US less than five years through the Professional Refugee Resettlement Program, is provided by WISE in partnership with the African & American Friendship Association for Cooperation and Development (AAFACD). The vision of integrating foreign trained professionals, immigrants and refugees, is to develop a sufficient, diverse, culturally and linguistically appropriate workforce in Minnesota.  The unique program provides information, education, resources, mentorship and advocacy to new immigrants and refugees who are foreign trained professionals in need of recertification to work in the US.

The program provides orientation, counseling, English language classes, and support to foreign trained professionals.  Participants in the program develop a career pathway plan that builds on their education, experience, and skills. In addition to receiving support in obtaining appropriate professional credentials and licenses for their profession, participants are also assisted in exploring relevant educational programs, job and volunteer opportunities, and alternative career options.  The program staff will provide assistance in a variety of areas, as needed, including:

1. Procuring and filling out forms required for licensing agencies
2. Applying for validation of credentials
3. Researching schools that provide programs for different professions
4. Applying for relevant programs at community colleges or universities
5. Applying for financial aid
6. Identifying work and volunteer opportunities in the sector that match a participant’s career goals
7. Re-assessing and adjusting career pathway plan, as needed

 

For foreign trained health professionals, the program staff will assist with:

1. Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System
2. Education with regard to Organization of Health Services
3. Public Health and Safety Education
4. Health Professions and Practice Education
5. Residency Training in the U.S. for International Medical Graduates
6. Health Care Issues
7. Leadership and Advocacy in Health
8. English for Health Professionals
9. Community Health Agents Training

 

The program will share any information available about work permits or employer-based sponsorships.  However, the program’s staff has no influence or means for procuring these for participants. The program staff  can share information with regard to agencies that offer advice and services related to immigration status issues.

Prospective program participants need to bring copies of diploma(s) and transcripts, as well as copies of any certificates or licenses.  If a prospective program participant does not have these documents, the program staff will attempt to assist in obtaining copies of these documents.

For more information about this program, please contact Jesse Mongrue at 651-645-5828.