Khadija Qujuunini Abdul Rahman is dedicated to caring for women and newborns. She’s expanding her career as a licensed midwife by taking classes at CSI.

Ghana is thousands of miles from Chicago, but babies are delivered the same way no matter where you are in the world. Khadija Qujuunini Abdul Rahman moved to the United States to expand her education and pursue new opportunities in the healthcare field. She already holds a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery and is fully licensed in Ghana, but she recognized that gaining additional training in healthcare administration could help her grow professionally.

Khadija is enrolled in the Medical Assistant program at Computer Systems Institute (CSI) in Chicago, where she is learning new skills that complement the clinical experience she gained while training as a midwife. “I came to the U.S. to continue my education and gain more opportunities for my career,” she explains.

F-1 Visa Medical Assistant Program

While Khadija’s midwife training focused on direct patient care, she realized that the administrative and organizational side of healthcare also plays a major role in shaping the medical system. She realized that understanding both sides could open new possibilities within the field she loves. That is what led her to CSI, “Healthcare is constantly evolving, especially with the growing use of technology. Patient records are now moving from paper documentation to electronic systems,” she says. 

The Medical Assistant program at CSI offers a blend of clinical and administrative training, “With my midwifery experience, I already have experience in the clinical aspect,” she explains. “But I wanted to gain more knowledge and skills in the administrative aspect as well.”

CSI’s program is just 40 weeks. Khadija began the program in January of 2026 and expects to complete it by December. The coursework introduces students to both medical procedures and the operational side of healthcare environments, helping prepare them for a variety of roles in clinics, hospitals, and specialized practices.

Khadija’s background in midwifery naturally connects her to the world of women’s reproductive health, and she hopes to continue working in that field as her career develops in the United States. “In the medical field, we are talking about OB-GYN,” she says. “I’m hoping to go further in that field.”

After completing her program, she plans to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which will allow her to gain real-world work experience while applying the knowledge she has gained during her studies.

Getting that hands-on experience is an important part of her plan. She is open to continuing her education in the future but her immediate goal is to build professional experience that bridges her background as a midwife with the administrative and clinical knowledge she is now gaining in Chicago.

Challenges and Rewards for an International Student

Her journey has had its challenges. When Khadija first arrived in the United States, she lived in Columbus, Ohio, where members of her family still live. She moved to Chicago for school and that meant leaving her support system behind and adjusting to a new city on her own.

Finding housing and settling into a new environment was one of the most difficult parts of the transition. “Relocating here with accommodation was a challenge,” she explains.

Today, she says one of the most rewarding parts of her experience at CSI has been the supportive learning environment created by both instructors and fellow students. Khadija appreciates the teaching style, “I love the way my tutor brings hands-on experiences,” she says. “We have a lot of discussions and projects that we do as a team.”

Her instructor also makes a special effort to build connections among students. “On the first day of class, everyone introduced themselves and shared something about their backgrounds,” she said. She claims that helped to create an environment where classmates could get to know one another. 

Khadija has made friends with several students both in her class and in other programs. “The students are really friendly,” she says. “And my teacher really encourages us to socialize and get to know each other.”

Outside of class, Khadija enjoys quieter activities that help her relax and recharge. Reading is one of her favorite pastimes. She also enjoys exploring cultural and educational spaces, including museums, and spending time outdoors in nature.

Although she studies regularly, she tries to balance academic work with time to refresh her mind. “I study, but I try to finish most of my assignments during class,” she explains. “Then I just review later.”

For prospective students considering a program at CSI, she believes success depends largely on commitment and discipline. Her advice is simple but practical, “There are a lot of resources,” she says. “But if you don’t take advantage of them, you’re not going to enjoy the school.”

She also encourages students to stay organized, attend informational meetings, keep up with assignments, and remain focused on their goals. “Stay committed and disciplined,” she says. “Follow the rules of the school and take advantage of what they offer.”

If you’re in healthcare and want to explore the administrative side, CSI’s Medical Assisting program can help you learn the skills. Contact our staff today to learn more.