Charting the Course in a Health Sciences Career

Charting the Course in a Health Sciences Career

Acceptance into a College of Health Sciences (CHS) programme at UKZN is extremely competitive with the College receiving on average 85 744 applications for a mere 1 200 first-year places.

As all the programmes are accredited by a number of professional bodies, the selection criteria are strict and only academically bright stars are selected. In light of this, the CHS Division of Student Support Services recently hosted a number of online sessions for prospective students to provide guidance and career information.

Student Counsellor Ms Nandisile Elaine Ntshangase said, ‘We find that prospective students may lack sufficient information on certain disciplines to know which career path to follow. They may also lack insight on their personal skills and traits that impact their career choice. The aim of these sessions is to help align individual skills, interests and personality traits with preferred or potential careers. We also provide detailed career information on each of the 12 programmes offered in the CHS, financial advice, and advice on the application and admissions procedures. The sessions were open to all Grade 11 and 12 high school learners and were held every Friday afternoon.’

Presenters included professional staff, registered students and Academic Development Officers.

Academic Services Officer Mrs Vanessa Chetty noted that the closing date for applications to the CHS was 30 September and that no further applications would be accepted and the deadline would not be extended.

Sports Science student Ms Bongiwe Gumede provided learners with a better understanding of the programme: ‘The Sports Science programme provides students with a greater understanding of the physiology and scientific basis for human performance in training, competition and recovery. The scientific study includes human physiology, psychology, biomechanics, nutrition, understanding the social role sport plays in society, the role of exercise and the ethics and philosophy of the career.’ She added that qualified sport scientists can work in the health, fitness, sports, recreational and educational industries.

Occupational Therapy student Mr Mzwandile Mdletshe said that UKZN offers the best clinical placement training programme facilities, with training offered throughout the province of KwaZulu-Natal, including peripheral areas. He noted that occupational therapists are employed in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, forensic science facilities and schools.

Proud Physiotherapy student Mr Abdullah Omarjee stated that UKZN is the only training facility for physiotherapists in the province. ‘Demand for a place is high but due to restrictions set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), only 50 first-year students are accepted each year,’ he said. The Physiotherapy programme is four years, followed by a year of community service. Students register with the HPCSA from their first year of study.

Student Funding Officer Mr Bongumusa Gumbi outlined the scholarships available to top students as well as the process to apply for funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Throughout the month-long programme, presentations were made on Bachelor of Medical Sciences programmes including Anatomy and physiology, Medicine, Speech-Language Therapy, Audiology, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dental Therapy, Oral Hygiene and Optometry. An enlightening presentation by Student Counsellor, Ms Suzanne Stokes covered graduate attributes and starting on one’s career journey.

She said, ‘When deciding on a career, one requires an understanding of what the field may expect from you, what qualities and attributes you hold which may fit the career field and recognising the fit between your personality and the career. Career knowledge will help you explore the possible challenges you will experience in that field and the role you play in looking after a patient’s well-being.

‘Studying Medicine is an exciting, rewarding and dynamic profession. No one day is the same. It is a career filled with opportunities and choices. It is not a degree but rather a long-term career that requires diligence, hard work, and the ability to relate to others and be interested in the sciences and the human body.’

Mr Yibanathi Mbatha, a Grade 12 learner at Vryheid Comprehensive provided feedback at the end of the session: ‘I received a lot of help. I wish other learners would also attend in order to obtain helpful information that can assist us in choosing a career.’

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photographs: Supplied