Recognised for being a world class healthcare hub, Singapore is committed to healthcare excellence. In recent years, we have seen multiple initiatives to lead change within the healthcare industry, such as the Silver Community Test-Bed Programme and National Grand Challenge.
However, the nation’s healthcare industry is not without its challenges. In view of the silver tsunami and rapidly ageing population in Singapore, the bed crunch is an ongoing and pressing issue that hospitals have to manage, especially when met with an overwhelming demand. To address issues like these, Singapore has been encouraging innovative solutions and positioning itself as a sophisticated “living lab”.
In addition, the medical technology industry has been building up an industry-ready workforce harnessing opportunities within the region, through partnerships between the Economic Development Board (EDB) and A*STAR, and this includes the Singapore-Stanford Biodesign Programme. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses are also leveraging the city-state’s infrastructure and talent pool to become Asia’s fastest-growing bio-cluster.
With these developments, there has never been a better time to pursue an education in the health sciences and you want to be poised to leverage on the opportunities ahead.
On the launchpad to success
To kickstart an education in the health sciences, there are many routes. Some students embark on an education abroad with schools such as Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, King’s College, Cambridge in the United Kingdom and in Australia, University of Sydney, University of Queensland and Curtin University. However, an overseas education is often accompanied with a hefty price tag that many may not be able to afford.
Locally, in addition to local universities, you have the option of numerous private education institutions that offer a differentiated and holistic education. Many of these educational institutions partner with prestigious overseas universities that provide a solid training on your journey to being a health science professional. In addition, they have received numerous accolades, as testament to the quality education that will prepare you to be industry-ready.
Here are some choices that you may want to consider:
1. PSB Academy – Bachelor Degree in Biomedical Sciences
a. Partners with La Trobe University
b. Programme duration: Full time 24 months; part time 48 months
c. Two intakes a year, in March and September
d. Curriculum includes modules like Introduction to Biomedical Science, Pharmaceutical Formulation, Statistics for Life Sciences, Applications in Biomedical Science
e. Per module Fees start at S$1,819.00* (Per Module)
f. Total programme fees for local & international students, at S$43,656.00*
g. Up to 12 module exemptions for relevant diplomas
h. Awards include:
i. Top 10 University in Australia (QS Top 50 Under 50 Rankings 2016/2017);
ii. Top 48th University Under 50 Years Old (QS Top 50 Under 50 2016/2017);
iii. 8th ranking as University in Australia for Biological Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016/2017)
i. Admission criteria:
i. GCE ‘A’-Levels minimum 8 in total for the best 3 H2 subjects and min. Grade C for Chemistry; or
ii. Local/Private Science-related diploma in relevant areas; or
iii. Local Engineering diploma with Calculus Mathematics background with a ‘C’ average grade may be considered;
2. East Asia Institute of Management (EASB) – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Bioscience
a. Partners with Aston University, Birminghan
b. Part time course; 18 months
c. Intakes in January, April, July and September
d. Curriculum includes modules like Endocrinology, Clinical Microbiology and infectious disease, Molecular Pathology, Metabolism
e. Fee information not available
f. For Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, total course fees of S$16,500
3. Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) – Bachelor of Science with Honours in Nursing
a. Partners with University of Glasglow (UofG)
b. Seeking accreditation from Singapore Nursing Board (SNB)
c. Full time2 year course, commencing in 4 September 2017, 8 January 2018 and 7 May 2018
d. Mandatory to complete 6 weeks of clinical placements in Singapore and 4 weeks of Overseas Immersion Program in Glasglow, UK
e. Curriculum:
i. Year 1 modules include: Healthcare Ethics and Law, Qualitative Research Methods, Health Systems – Singapore’s Perspectives, Development in Nursing Practice, Population Health
ii. Year 2 modules include: Teaching and Learning, Leadership and Change Management
f. Admission Criteria:
i. Successfully completed an SNB-accredited Diploma in Nursing programme with GPA of 3 or above from Nanyang Polytechnic (Diploma in Nursing) or Ngee Ann Polytechnic (Diploma in Health Sciences – Nursing); or
ii. Qualified as registered nurse; or
iii. Holds current registration with SNB
4. Parkway College of Nursing and Allied Health – Bachelor of Science (with Honours) in Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging
a. Partners with University of Hertfordshire, UK
b. Curriculum includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Imaging, Principles and Applications of Imaging Science and Radiographic Practice and Image Evaluation
c. Combination of clinical placements (usually above 1200 clinical hours) and academic education
d. Full time; 9 semesters over 36 months
e. Course commences in 18 September 2017
f. Fees at S$ $75,435 for the entire course
g. Admission Criteria:
i. Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident and 18 years or older;
ii. GCE A Level; or
iii. Polytechnic diplomas in relevant fields
5. SIM Global Education – Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)
a. Partners with The University of Sydney, Australia
b. Accredited by the Singapore Nursing Board
c. Part time course, 2 years with intakes in January and July
d. Total programme fee of S$23,540
e. Selected candidates will be awarded up to 50% SIM-University of Sydney scholarship
f. Awards include:
i. Ranked 1st in Australia and 13th in the world for University nursing education and research excellence (QS World University Rankings 2016)
ii. Ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide (Academic Ranking of World Universities 2015, Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2015-16)
iii. A member of the Group of Eight (Australia’s prestigious research-intensive universities)
g. Admission Criteria:
i. Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent awarded by the University of Sydney with a credit average or above;
ii. Equivalent qualifications from other universities with a minimum of WAM of 65;
iii. Current registration as a registered nurse in Australia OR a country other than Australia;
iv. English language proficiency requirements as detailed in the faculty resolutions.
6. DIMENSIONS College – Bachelor of Science with Honours in Biomedical Science
a. Partners with Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK
b. Available as Full time and Part time programme
c. Curriculum includes modules such as Biochemistry, Analytical & Research Methods, Infection and Immunity and The Biology & Laboratory Investigation of Disease
d. Full time course is S$27,755.80 per year
e. Part time course is S$21,164.60 per year
f. Admission Criteria:
i. At least 19 years old;
ii. GCE A Levels;
iii. Diploma qualification in Science or closely related area from approved local Polytechnic
Additionally, a plethora of scholarships are open to students and you may even find yourself on the fast track to achieving your dreams in your desired position. These are mostly available on an annual basis and contributing organisations include the public sector, as well as most private healthcare providers in Singapore.
What are possibilities for a career in Health Sciences?
Career options are aplenty – you can pursue a career in both public and private sectors in reputable organisations such as Health Science Authority (HSA), National Medical Research Council or the University Health System (NUHS) group. You will have a buffet of choices for where you want to work – be it patient-facing or research-oriented work. In a nutshell, the possibilities are not restricted to the conventional careers such as that or researchers or nurses. If you take up niche courses, you can be a safety officer or an allied health professional. With health tech being an emerging trend, you may even find yourself working in a startup developing the next medical breakthrough!
In Asia, there will be a multitude of growth opportunities in the industry, with a burgeoning middle-class and trends of ageing populations. This naturally extends into vast possibilities for global medical companies to extend their presence in Asia and Singapore will play a key role with talent access and infrastructural capabilities in the region.
If you are keen in shaping the future and addressing the complexities of Asia’s clinical needs, unlock your potential today by taking steps towards a fulfilling education in Health Sciences – which your future self will definitely thank you for.