5. DIAGNÓSTICO ESTRATÉGICO
5.4. Amenazas
1. EDUCATIONAL OUTLINE
Matriculation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
primary school secondary sch.
Secondary Health Care School 1 2 3 4 Medical Laboratorian** Institute of Post-graduate Education 1* 2* Specialization Studies of Health Care Providers (1 year practice pre-requisite) Post-secondary (from Sept.1st 1997) 1* 2* Certified Medical Laboratorian**
Certificate (Diploma) University (from Oct.1st 1996) 1* 2* 3* Medical Laboratorian**
Baccalaureate Degree
Note: * = part-time specialized courses.
**= zdravotny laborant = Medical Laboratorian. 2. COUNTRY BACKGROUND
Until 1993, the Slovak Republic and Czech Republic co-existed as one state, the Czechoslovak Federative Republic (Czechoslovakia). The educational curricula were identical for both republics. On January 1, 1993, when an independent Slovak Republic was established, an independent curriculum was set up.
Education of Medical Laboratorians (“zdravotny laborant”) in the Slovak Republic began before World War II. Since then, there have been many changes and innovations in accordance with changes in the general educational structure.
In the former Czechoslovakia, and since 1993 in the independent Slovak Republic, education of medical laboratorians was in 4-year secondary courses attended by graduates of primary schools These secondary health care schools, as well as other specialized secondary schools, are part of the secondary educational structure of the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Health, however, is responsible for managing the secondary health care schools, general and specialized education. Both Ministries supervise the curriculum, admission & final examinations, textbooks, and fulfillment of general regulations & guidelines.
After finishing the secondary school course for Medical Laboratorians there are 3 avenues for further education:
(1) The Institute for Post-graduate Education of Health Care Providers organizes 2-year part-time courses that enable students to obtain specialization (such as in Biochemistry, Hematology, etc.). As this Institute does not have a statute of a school, finishing of such a course does not mean that the student attains a higher educational degree;
(2) From 1997 a 2-year polyvalent part-time course that enables students to obtain a higher qualification will be available. On completion, graduates would receive a Certificate;
(3) Since 1996 a 3-year polyvalent Baccalaureate part-time course is available at Universities.
Currently, plans are underway to change the Slovak educational system to comply with standards of the European Union (EU). For health care education, including that of Medical Laboratorian, this will mean creation of a 4-tier educational system consisting of the following stages:
Secondary education, leading to successful passage of a final exam (Matriculation). Post-secondary specialized education, leading to a Certificate (Diploma).
University Baccalaureate study, leading to final state examination and Bachelor’s degree. University Master’s degree, leading to final state examination.
3. LEVELS AND LENGTH OF STUDY
(a) Graduates of the 4-year Medical Laboratorian course at secondary health care schools are authorized to perform the basic activities of a medical laboratory technician in clinical biochemistry, hematology, transfusion technology, histology, immunology, toxicology, microbiology and hygiene under supervision of a specialized technician with higher qualification.
(b) Beginning in 1997-1998, a part-time 2-year post-secondary specialized courses for Medical Laboratorian will be available. After successful completion, the graduate will have the title “Certified Laboratorian”.
(c) During 1996-1997, a 3-year Bachelor’s level program will be opened for Medical Laboratorian, leading to a Bachelor’s degree in laboratory diagnostic methods.
(d) Eventually, it is anticipated that the above-mentioned university course will be followed by a 2-year Master’s program, leading to a Master’s degree with a concentration in education and management.
4. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
(a) Medical Laboratorian: To enter a secondary health care school, a candidate must be a graduate of a primary school and be at least 14 years of age. Entrance examinations consist of biology and chemistry.
(b) Specialization Studies: A candidate must be a graduate of a secondary health care school with a concentration in Medical Technology with a minimum of one year of practice, have successfully passed the final exam (matriculation), and be at least 19 years of age.
(c) Certified Medical Technical Assistant: A candidate must be a graduate of a secondary health care school - specialization in Medical Laboratory Technician with a minimum of one year of practice, have successfully passed the final exam (matriculation), and be at least 19 years of age.
(d) Bachelor’s with Specialization as Medical Laboratorian: Entrance to this 3-year program requires success in the secondary school final examination with a concentration in Medical Laboratory Technology and age minimum of 18 years.
(e) Master’s Degree in Laboratory Diagnostic Methods. The University of Trnava is currently preparing a graduate curriculum.
5. SCOPE OF THE FIELD
Educational preparation for medical laboratorians is polyvalent and includes clinical biochemistry, hematology, immunohematology, microbiology, and histology & histologic techniques. The Institute for Post-graduate Education of Health Care Providers organizes 2-year part-time courses that enable students to obtain specialization in Biochemistry, Hematology, etc. Medical Laboratorians do not perform research independently. They are members of research teams headed by a physician or a researcher with academic education.
6. CURRICULUM
Education of Medical Laboratorians in the Slovak Republic provides basic secondary-level education in: (1) Clinical biochemistry (2) Hematology, immunology and transfusion
technology
(3) Histology, cytology and pathology (4) Microbiology, bacteriology, parasitology, (5) Genetics mycology, virology
(6) Selected laboratory methods
Specialization studies are provided by the Institute for Post-graduate Education include concentrations in areas (1) through (4) above.
Grading
Grading of students is as follows (at secondary schools only): 1 = Excellent
2 = Very good 3 = Good 4 = Sufficient 5 = Insufficient
The total number of hours is about 4,352. Of this number, 1,870 are devoted to general subjects, i.e. 42.8%; 2,482 are specialized subjects, i.e. 57.2%. After finishing the third year of study, students must pass a compulsory 1 month practice at one of the health care laboratories.
Examination - 4-years study:
The final examination consists of written, oral and practical parts. After successful completion of 4 years of study, students pass final examinations in front of the Examination Committee. They must pass the written and oral part. The practical part of the final exam (matriculation) includes working out a protocol for the practical part and defending it in front of the Committee. The practical part of the examination is performed in school laboratories or in hospital laboratories and lasts 3 days.
The oral part of the final examination includes major subjects: clinical biochemistry, hematology and transfusion technology, microbiology, histology and histologic technique.
The Chairperson of the Examination Committee is nominated by the Ministry of Education.
Sample Curriculum
Medical Laboratorian Secondary Health Care School
Categories and Number of lessons taught weekly
subjects year: 1 2 3 4 total Compulsory subjects 30 30 32 34 128
General subjects
Slovak language 2 2 2 2 8 Foreign language(English or German) 3(3) 2(2) 2(2) 2(2) 9(9) Civics 1 1 1 - 3
History 2 1 - - 3 Natural Sciences
Mathematics 2 2 2 - 6 Physics 3(1) 3(1) - - 6(2) Chemistry 4(1) 5(1)/3(1) - - 8(2) Biology 2(2) - - - 2(2) Informatics 2(2) - - - 2(2) Physical Training 2 2 2 2 8 Specialized Subjects
Anatomy and Physiology 3 - - - 3 Pathology - 2 - - 2 Microbiology, Epidemiol. and Hygiene - 2(1) 4(2) 5(2) 11(5) Health Care Management - - - 2 2 First Aid - - - 1(0.5) 1(0.5) Analytical Chemistry - 4(4) - - 4(4) Biochemistry - 2 2 1 4 Laboratory Technology 4(3) - - - 4(3) Histology & Histologic Technology - 2(1) 3(2) 3(2) 8(5) Clinical Biochemistry - - 6(4) 7(5) 13(9) Hematology & Transfusion
technology - - 5(3) 5(3) 10(6) Selected Laboratory Methods - 4(3) 3(2) - 8(5) Physical Chemistry - - - 2 2 Fundamentals of
Genetics and Immunology - - - 2 2 Non-Compulsory Subjects
Latin Language 2(2) - - - 2(2) Type-writing 2(2) - - - 2(2)
Foreign Language Conversation 2(2) 2(2) 2(2) 2(2) 8(8) Sports 2 2 2 2 8
Driving - - -(2) 2 2 The number of hours in brackets shows the proportion of practical lessons to the total number hours.
Approved by the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic on June 17, 1992, after the agreement with the Ministry of Education, Youths and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
Effective September 1, 1992. File Nr. Z-3186/1992-A
4982/1992-21
Certified Medical Laboratorian Anticipated for 1997-1998
(Part-time Post-secondary Courses for graduates of Medical Laboratorian Courses) Categories and Number of Hours per
Names of Subjects Half of a Second Year Total 1 2 3
Compulsory subjects 105 105 105 315 General subjects and languages
Foreign language
(English or German) 10(10) 10(10) 10(10) 30(30 Psychology and Ethics 10 - - 10 Management and Law 15 - - 15
Specialized subjects
Clinical Biochemistry 15 20(10) 15(5) 50(15) Hematology and Transfusion
technology 15 20(10) 15(5) 50(15) Clinical Microbiology 10 25(10) 15(5) 50(15) Clinical Pathology 10 20(10) 20(5) 50(15) Methodology of Research - 10(10) - 10(10) Selected Seminar - - 30(30) 30(30)
The number of hours in brackets shows the proportion of practical lessons to the total number of hours. The above course can only be studied by those applicants who are employed in a field directly related to the studied specialization.
During the program students are obliged to pass practicals at health care settings at the following departments: Clinical biochemistry - 75 hours
Hematology and transfusion technology - 75 hours Clinical microbiology - 75 hours Nuclear medicine - 75 hours
If a student is employed in one of these areas, the practice experience is waived for that department.
Following completion of the program, a student must pass an official theoretical and practical examination in all areas in front of a committee. Successful passing of these examinations qualifies a student to take a final examination which includes a written thesis and defense. After this is successfully passed the student receives a Certificate (Diploma).
Curricula for Baccalaureate and Master’s degree courses are currently under review
7. LIST OF PROGRAMS
4-year Medical Laboratorian Programs
Training for Medical Laboratorian courses in the Slovak Republic can be obtained at the following secondary health care schools (SZŠ): SZŠ, J. Braneckého Trencin, 4, 911 67 Tel/Fax: 0831/20057 Director H. Kobzová, Ph.D. SZŠ, Záhradnica 44, 821 08, Bratislava
Director O. Bachratá, Ph.D. Tel: 07/60598; Fax: 60598 SZŠ, Tajovského
24, 974 29, Banská
Director Vladimir Dianiska, MA. Tel: 088/30434; Fax: 30434 SZŠ, Moyzesova
17, 040 01, Kosice
Director Olga Králová, RND. Tel: 095/6221162; Fax: 6221162
Currently, legislation is being prepared that would enable those secondary schools providing post-secondary courses for Certified Medical Laboratorians, to become institutions of higher education.
Bachelor’s Program
University-level courses are being planned at: University of Trnava (Trnavská Univerzita) Hornopotocná 23,
918 43 Trnava. Dean of the Faculty
Prof. Vladimir Krcméry, M.D., Dr.Sc. Tel: 0805/252 83; Fax: 0805/214 83 Non-degree/non-title Continuing Education post-graduate specialized courses
These courses of specialization studies are available at: Institút pre dalsie vzdelávanie zdravotnickych pracovnikov
(Institute of Post-Graduate Education of Health Care Providers), Limbova 12, 833 03 Bratislava. Director: Mr. Májek, M.D., Csc.
Deputy Director for Education: Dana Farkasová, Ph.D., CSc.
These programs are not designed for transfer to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
8. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
(a) Accreditation -
Programs are accredited by the Ministry of Health, the Slovak Republic. (b) Certification/Licensure -
Successful passage of the final examination (Maturita) at the end of the Secondary Health Care School program for Medical Laboratorians entitle graduates to practice in health care settings in the following departments: Clinical Biochemistry, Hematology and Transfusiology, Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Pathology (Histology and Histological Technology). No special government permission (license/certification) is required.
(c) Professional Association -
Sloveská komora stredných zdravotníckych pracovníkov (SKSZP)
Strecnianska 12, 851 05 Bratislava Tel/Fax: (42) 07 820 088 [Laboratory Section of Slovak Chamber of
Secondary School Educated Health Care Practioners]
9. EQUIVALENCY/ RECIPROCITY
According to the law passed in 1994, a foreign citizen interested in working in the Republic of Slovakia Health Care (state- owned or private) needs confirmation from SKSZP.
For further information please contact:
President
Sloveská komora stredných zdravotníckych pracovníkov (SKSZP) Strecnianska 12, 851 05 Bratislava