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| Dr. Nihal de Silva |
Despite gloomy predictions of the economy in many countries, the area of nursing offers steady jobs and security. It is indeed recession proof and an opportunity for the next 50 years. In the long run the image of Sri Lanka as a country that produces skilled and intelligent labour will also be improved and the dollars will help too.
It is very important that all students who wish to go abroad for nursing related jobs make sure that the school /college/institute they are enrolling into in Sri Lanka 1) is approved by our Ministry of Health and Regulatory Council so that registration/recognition will not be a problem 2) offer courses that meet the requirements of the foreign country 3) require entry level educational qualifications adequate for acceptance by the foreign country for that particular skill level 4) have adequately qualified staff, facilities and resources to conduct these courses 5) Its teaching is in English.
In Sri Lanka today, a major problem for students of the biological sciences is opportunities in continuing higher education and careers. Unless one enters the University system, the opportunities are very limited or non-existent within the country. One of the fields that offer advancement is in the health care sector and particularly in nursing. Fortunately, the job market following graduation is almost guaranteed in the western world market and even in the local market to a certain extent. Students who cannot enter the university system are by no means academically inadequate. The present university system just cannot absorb all capable students. These students who have demonstrated academic discipline deserve an alternate system to offer them further opportunities. Unfortunately, there is no such system in place and the individual is left to depend on their own resources to further themselves. Most decide to change their direction of study when faced with this roadblock. This is psychologically and financially very taxing. It should be a time when the energy, enthusiasm and ideology of youth should be directed at a brighter future.
To this end opportunities available abroad should be explored and exploited. The health care field is full of such opportunities mainly in nursing. It is projected that these opportunities (jobs) will be in demand for the next 50 years at least.
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It seems a worthwhile area to focus on one's career especially in the light of the present dismal economic forecasts.
If a student is GCE Adv.Lev. qualified in science subjects with a basic working knowledge of English, the basic entry level qualifications are met for courses in diploma or higher level nursing that would satisfy most international standards. The time frame for foreign job placement would be about 5-6 years from the time of enrollment which is about a year longer than going through the present university system.
Our graduates who have gone abroad have mostly enrolled in the final year of B.Sc in Nursing programmes having been given full credit for their studies in Sri Lanka. Their adequacy in English, computer literacy and professional knowledge has posed no problems and none have been forced to return to Sri Lanka.
The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) situated in Welisara is beginning its 3 year general nursing classes on September 24th 2009.
This is their 6th intake. Please visit us at our website at www.iihsciences.com for further details.
It offers courses in related health care fields such as Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Skin care, IT in Healthcare, Hospital Management, Nurse Assistant and Personal Care Giving.
These courses also include personality development and computer skills.
All teaching is done in English only, so as to create a total immersion environment, which produces adequate fluency and confidence in a few months (IELTS band 7+). All teaching
is geared to make the students pass the foreign examinations that are held in English. The computer indexed library is by far the best in the field and has active current contributions from foreign schools. There are multiple copies of the more standard texts. Free on line facilities are of course available. Higher level courses are taught mainly by foreign degree holding staff as mandated by international standards. Visiting foreign teachers is another unique feature. Hospital (clinical) exposure will be at leading Colombo private hospitals where the latest technology is available.
Free workshops, like CPR, ECG, First Aid and Emergencies, open to relevant healthcare workers, are held periodically.
The facility is easily accessible by public transport, being situated on the main Colombo -Negombo Road. It is situated on 2+ acres of a "green environment" (flowers, fruits, vegetables, aviary) with modern air conditioned classrooms, lockers, library, demonstration room, computer laboratory, canteen and ample parking.
Age (Yrs) Education Level Place Course Duration/Awarded with
17 GCE (O/L) High School General Education 10 Years.- Certificate
18-21 Vocational Training Any stream 1-3 yrs Certificate/ Diploma
19GCE (A/L) High School Bio Science 2 years- Certificate
23-24 University (Below 5%) Medicine, Bio Science, Dental, Agriculture. 4 Years/ Degree.
22-23 College/Institute (60%) IT*, Accounting*, Management*, Health Care** 1 to 3 Years- Diploma
20-22 Employ/apprentice/Vocational Training (30%) Technical Schools, Pvt Sector 1-3 Years Certified
After graduation our alumni in the USA, Canada, Australia, UK and the Middle East will be able to give you of their experiences when entering the job market.
General Education Progression in Sri Lanka Presently, the most common (popular) directions of study. Expensive, saturated market place, competitive.
Less popular. Better and broader prospects. Less expensive, wide open market place locally and abroad. Better pay. More choice and control. Can proceed to a degree. True professional.
By Dr. Nihal De Silva
MD, MPH, ACOG (USA)
The Dean - International Institute of Health Sciences
For More Details please contact
International Institute of Health Sciences
No 704, Negambo Road, Mahabage, Welisara.
Tel: 0112951292/ 0114975057.
0773114391, 0774142398.
Web: www.iihsciences.com
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