Health professionals

Citation

(2009), "Health professionals", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 39 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2009.01739cab.005

Health professionals

Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 39, Issue 3.

Career progression in the health professions is changing rapidly with staff needing to continuously update their skills if they wish to progress. However, for many it is not feasible to enrol on a full-time course if indeed they are able to find a course that meets their specific requirements.

In response to this Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen has developed an innovative approach for health professionals by encouraging them to tailor their own training via continuous professional development (CPD). Lesley Forsyth, CPD Lead at the University's School of Health Sciences said, “Higher education is no longer about what universities decide to offer but what the individual wants. At Robert Gordon University we are giving individuals the opportunity to design their own future whether they want a change of career or wish to specialise in a specific discipline such as breast cancer”.

The University's School of Health Sciences has created a programme of on-line and work-based professional studies, initially targeted at NHS staff, who need the flexibility to fit their studies around their job and lifestyle. Students can choose from a wide range of topics which allows them to have greater control over their own careers. In many cases, these qualifications are an essential prerequisite to career progression.

The on-line and work-based courses were originally developed for health professionals working in remote or rural parts of Scotland but such is the appeal of the training on offer that many students are signing up from across the UK and abroad. Indeed the current crop of health professionals includes students from Canada, Nigeria, Azerbaijan and Ghana.

Lesley Forsyth said, “Although the distance learning approach was developed for remote and rural areas in Scotland anyone can benefit regardless of whether they live in Stornoway, Birmingham or Toronto. We're finding that the range of disciplines on offer and the control the student has in designing their own future is a big attraction”.

Health professionals currently studying via the postgraduate professional studies programme at Robert Gordon University's School of Health Sciences via distance learning include paramedics, physiotherapists, radiologists, nurses, opticians, offshore workers and a doctor. The courses can be undertaken as stand alone modules but they can also contribute to a recognised postgraduate award.

For further information on these courses please call the School of Health Sciences at Robert Gordon University on 01224 263250.