When Felix Boamah began working at an assisted living facility, he discovered a career to pursue.

“I loved it, so I decided to pursue a nursing career with the philosophy of ‘helping others to be helpful, not helpless,’” he said.

Boamah chose College of DuPage because of its programs, size and affordable tuition. When finances became difficult due to family hardships in his home country of Ghana, the International Student Admissions office at COD helped him secure a scholarship that allowed him to continue his education. In fact, the support he received from all areas of COD was invaluable in his success as a student.

The classes I took at COD helped me to stand out among applicants to gain admission into a four-year nursing degree program.

Felix Boamah

“The faculty, especially the ESL instructors, was very helpful,” he said. “Their advice and direction to the right sources for the help I need played a role in achieving my goals. The classes I took at COD helped me to stand out among applicants to gain admission into a four-year nursing degree program while preparing me to face the challenges during my education toward my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Working at the Library and taking classes at the same time helped me manage my time effectively.” 

After earning his Associate in General Studies degree, Boamah transferred to Chamberlain University and earned his BSN. He worked for a year at GlenOaks Hospital before moving to Austin, Texas, where he was as an RN for the medical/surgical department at Cedar Park Regional Medical Center. In 2021, he was recognized as part of the facility’s “Spotlight on a Hero” campaign, and his nomination noted “his immense compassion, calmness and exceptional communication skills. He is very dedicated to the needs of each patient.” His ultimate career goal is to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Before leaving COD, he joined the U.S. Navy Reserve, and his work is impressive. He traveled to Guam for five consecutive years to work onboard the USS Frank Cable and USS Emory S. Land as a machinist mate. After the initial months of the pandemic, he served at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility as part of the largest mobilization of reservists in Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) history, which addressed delays in maintenance work at four naval shipyards due to COVID-19.

“I was there for eight months working at the logistics department, making sure all parts needed to fix ships were stored appropriately and delivered on time to get the ships fit to go back out to sea as soon as possible,” he said. “I also used my nursing career to help in administering the COVID-19 vaccine to about 2,000 sailors and shipyard workers and their families.”

In 2023, Boamah was commissioned in the Navy Nurse Corp as a lieutenant junior grade, and he has since completed naval officer development school and is now a lieutenant. After working as an ICU nurse at both Fayetteville VA Medical Center and Atrium Health Cabarrus, he currently is a critical care nurse at the naval hospital in Guam. He plans to start his master’s degree in biblical studies in 2026.

As for COD, Boamah believes it is the best choice and encourages everyone to attend.

“It will save you money while you obtain a quality education,” he said. “Even if your goal is a four-year degree, I recommend you do the first two years at COD and transfer to your desired university. Work with your advisor, who can assist with choosing classes that will prepare you to transfer to that particular school so you don’t take unnecessary courses. You can also obtain a four-year degree with COD’s 3+1 program, and I wish I had done that.”

Learn more about the Nursing program at College of DuPage