A unique learning opportunity
OPEN University Malaysia (OUM) is looking to enhance its role as a lifelong learning provider through the introduction of the new Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences (BMHS) programme.
In this era of knowledge expansion and propagation, there is a bigger opportunity for employees to progress in their professions. Those engaged as assistant medical officers (AMOs) can soon practise their profession with greater pride. This will surely benefit the community at large.
In collaboration with the Malaysian Medical Assistant Board (MAB), this unique programme has been tailored to provide an opportunity for AMOs to enhance their professional qualifications.
OUM is the first higher education institution in Malaysia to offer this programme via open and distance learning.
The university welcomed its first batch of learners comprising 68 AMOs during a special registration session held at OUM’s main campus on Sept 29. Also present was Joseph Kajangan, deputy chief AMO from the MAB.
According to BMHS programme director Mispan Mangon, the programme aims to produce graduates with sound knowledge in medical and health sciences. “We want our graduates to have skills that are relevant in today’s healthcare services,” he says.
Mispan, who is currently pursuing his doctorate in health sciences, explains that learners taking the programme will develop a solid theoretical and practical foundation in current treatment modalities in surgical and medical areas, orthopaedic care, prehospital emergency care, occupational safety and health, trauma and emergency care, primary healthcare, geriatric rehabilitation and palliative care.
The broad range of research and management courses that are offered in the BMHS programme structure will complement the knowledge acquired in core subject areas as well as enhance learners’ professionalism. This will be valuable not only to AMOs but also other healthcare managers, supervisors, educators and practitioners.
This programme is delivered through OUM’s blended learning mode, which combines e-learning, self-managed learning and face-toface tutorials. The blended learning approach allows learners to continue working while pursuing part-time studies.
Eligible learners can apply for credit transfer, which will allow them to complete the programme in just three years. This arrangement will benefit AMOs who have sufficient work experience or already obtained a diploma in medical and health sciences.
Tutorials are currently held on weekends at the Petaling Jaya Learning Centre, though OUM is planning to offer this programme at other learning centres as well. In fulfilling the requirements of the MAB, learners will undergo five compulsory tutorial sessions.
As part of OUM’s efforts in quality assurance, Mispan is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency’s Code of Practice for Programme Accreditation as well as the MAB’s Standards and Guidelines for Medical Assistant Education Programme.
“We believe this programme can produce graduates with high standards of professionalism, integrity and ethics who can utilise their knowledge and skills to become competent and compassionate practitioners who can make vital contributions to healthcare,” says Mispan.
With full support from the education committee of the MAB, which is under the purview of the Health Ministry, this new programme will be a great option for AMOs and other healthcare practitioners who want a boost in their careers and aim to contribute to a quality workforce in healthcare services in Malaysia.