4 health industry degree programmes that can future-proof your career
Presented by the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
Career coaches often say that money has little to do with work satisfaction. This might sound surprising, but anyone who’s been stuck in the wrong job knows it’s true. What really matters is finding a sense of purpose in what we do – greater meaning leads to increased happiness on the job and at home. In fact, you’ll enjoy a more successful career.
Does a meaningful job even exist? If you’re currently unmotivated and constantly counting down the hours until the end of the work day, a career in the healthcare industry might just be the change you need.
Being a healthcare professional can be one of the most fulfilling careers around. While the job is tough and challenging, the satisfaction you get from helping people in need is extremely rewarding.
With a projected increase in Singapore’s ageing population, more and more healthcare professionals will be required to address the nation’s need to serve the elderly. Healthcare is a growth industry and Singapore will need more dedicated professionals to take on vital roles in the allied health industry.
SIT launches four new allied health degree programmes in 2016
Through four new degree programmes with Honours – three SIT-conferred degree programmes and one joint-degree programme with Trinity College Dublin – the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) will offer future graduates a chance to be a part of several exciting fields in healthcare.
Bachelor of Science with Honours in Occupational Therapy
Sudden injury or trauma can affect people physically and mentally; occupational therapists help put lives back together by helping these people reintegrate back into daily life.
“Regardless of the cognitive, mental or physical difficulties that affect daily living, our graduates from the SIT Occupational Therapy degree programme will be trained to help these individuals engage in everyday occupations to maximise independent performance of life roles, prevent disability and maintain health,” said Assistant Professor May Lim, Programme Director, SIT.
From teaching a child with autism pretend play, to helping an amputee return to performing day-to-day tasks, occupational therapists help individuals with special needs improve their overall quality of life.
Bachelor of Science with Honours in Diagnostic Radiography
Diagnostic radiography provides images that deliver important information about injuries. This enables medical professionals to have a closer look into a patient’s condition. Just like a good detective knows exactly where to look, and what to look for, diagnostic radiographers deliver precise information necessary to put the pieces of this clinical puzzle together.
Students will learn to handle sophisticated equipment – including state-of-the-art ultrasound, X-ray and MRI machines – to take the detailed medical images of the human body that are crucial to making accurate diagnoses.
“Graduates from the SIT Diagnostic Radiography degree programme will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver quality evidence-informed patient care and keep pace with the evolving healthcare landscape,” said Assistant Professor Eric Chua, Programme Director, SIT.
Bachelor of Science with Honours in Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer, where high-energy radiation is used to shrink tumours and kill cancer cells. Radiation therapists operate sophisticated computerised equipment used to plan and deliver the prescribed radiation dose to patients. They are also involved in educating patients about the relevant procedures and the potential radiation side effects. Radiation therapists, working together with the other members of the oncology team, endeavour to deliver the best therapeutic result with minimum side effects to patients, whilst providing ongoing support and care.
“The SIT Radiation Therapy degree programme will equip students with the knowledge and skills to deliver quality evidence-informed patient care, as well as keep pace with the evolving healthcare landscape and changing technologies,” said Assistant Professor Eric Chua, Programme Director, SIT.
The SIT Radiation Therapy programme strives not just to provide a top-notch education, but also to cultivate interpersonal skills to prepare students for on-the-job clinical experiences.
Honours Degree in Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
The art of physiotherapy revolves around understanding the science behind rehabilitation, as well as working closely with the medical team, to help patients get back on their feet.
A joint degree programme by SIT and Trinity College Dublin, the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy is the only degree programme of its kind currently offered in Singapore. Students get a rare opportunity to learn from top experts in the field from Ireland and locally, as well as embark on a 30-week clinical journey through various healthcare settings around Singapore.
“Besides learning the basic theoretical knowledge and clinical skills required of a physiotherapist, students will be exposed to concepts of design thinking, healthcare innovation and change management to prepare them thoroughly for Singapore’s future healthcare needs,” said Assistant Professor Benjamin Soon, Programme Director, SIT.
Pursue your purpose
A career in healthcare is not just a job, but a greater calling. SIT is the place for passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Whether you’re fresh out of school, a lifelong learner or simply looking for a mid-career switch, you can begin a meaningful life-long career in healthcare.
Learn more about the Allied Health degree programmes at SIT.
