Excellent University Distance Learning Opportunities for Allied Health Science Professionals

AVP Madhavi and Dilini Pathirana Faculty of Health Sciences Open University of Sri Lanka

Every Sri Lankan deserves the chance to go to university as it supports the development of an individual’s full potential to reach personal and career aspirations. University exposure also provides opportunities to develop skills and explore talents which can be used at home and the work place. Though the importance of a university education is recognized by most in Sri Lanka, this is a dream realised by only a very few. This is particularly true for those who become motivated and ready for university late in life as they realise the need and decide to pursue university level education only after working for a few years. Learning through Distance Learning The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), the premier Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution in the island, was set up in 1980 with the same legal and academic status as any other national university in Sri Lanka, particularly to help such working adults to obtain tertiary level academic qualifications. The OUSL removes barriers for all prospective students, young or old, in Colombo or in the peripheries, and permit them to pursue university level educational opportunities through ODL. The OUSL is unique in that, among the 15 national universities, it is the only one where students study solely through distance learning methods. An important feature of the distance mode of learning at the OUSL is the nurturing of a system of self- study, and allowing students to work and gain professional experience at the same time, if they choose to. A high degree of flexibility allows students to proceed at their own pace, allowing them to select courses based on their workload without giving up their jobs or other commitments

The degrees awarded by the OUSL are equal to those awarded by any other national university in Sri Lanka and is recognized internationally as well. Its enrolment has increased from 3,000 in 1980 to over 40,000 today, accounting for a large proportion of the total university enrolments in the country. OUSL is the only university in Sri Lanka with centres all over the country. The Central campus and the Colombo Regional Centre are located in Nawala. The other seven Regional Centres are situated in Kandy, Matara, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Badulla, Kurunegala and Batticaloa. Affordable Cost Unlike most currently available study programmes in Sri Lanka, the cost of OUSL degrees are very reasonable, as part of the fees are subsidised by the Government. Also, the flexible scheme of payment allows students to pay in two instalments per year. Moreover, the OUSL provides several scholarships and bursaries based merit. The Faculty of Health Sciences Recently, the OUSL branched out to open yet another Faculty by upgrading its Department of Health Sciences. The Faculty of Health Sciences is the fifth faculty of the Open University, with a combination of Departments such as Nursing, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Pharmacy, Basic Sciences, Psychology & Counselling, and Health Education & Research. The Faculty offers higher educational opportunities and career advancement, particularly targeting the in-service allied health science professionals. It presently caters to over 2500 students who have registered for the Nursing, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Pharmacy Degree programmes.

The Health Science faculty provides extensive support services to the students in the form of carefully prepared printed course material as the equivalent of lectures, supplemented with face-to-face sessions which include discussion classes, lab and field based exercises. Audio-visual material and online learning tools are also provided. The OUSL also facilitate the development of essential language, computer and other skills. OUSL’s Allied Health Science Degrees BSc Degree in Nursing: The OUSL’s Nursing Degree programme has the reputation for being one of the leading Nursing degree programmes in Sri Lanka catering to the working professionals and is the first such degree to be offered in Sri Lanka in 1994. With a current annual enrolment of around 600 students, this programme provides an outstanding opportunity for nurses working in any part of the island to achieve an advanced level of skills and knowledge in evidence based practice, education, and leadership. The programme consists of varied learning experiences designed to empower learners to go beyond the application of technical procedures at the bed side. A large number of graduates produced up to date are contributing effectively to the workforce of the country.

Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree: The Pharmacy degree at the OUSL was launched with the continuing and expanding demand for higher education opportunities for pharmacists already employed in the health sector. Currently a considerable number of pharmacists working in hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry are enrolled in the programme. This programme has been designed to develop an ethical and socially responsible professional pharmacist with updated knowledge, attitudes and skills in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to suit the needs of the healthcare sector and the relevant academic and research fields.

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS): The MLS degree was launched on the request of the professional association of Medical Laboratory Technologists. This programme is therefore an excellent opportunity for registered MLTs who have Diploma level qualifications to further develop their knowledge and skills in Medical Laboratory Sciences furthering their career aspirations. It is designed to create professionally competent individuals to engage in the fast-developing field of medical laboratory sciences, while recognising their role in the assurance of quality healthcare provision.

This year the applications for the above three allied Health Sciences degree programmes offered by the OUSL are invited from March 5 to April 5, 2017.

These degree programmes, conducted in the English medium, provide another chance to those who were not in a position to commit time for higher education earlier in their lives and to mid-career employed professionals who cannot attend full-time studies, but wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills for career development. All three degree programmes take into account previous academic qualifications and grant exemptions for selected courses. Enrolment in all three programmes is competitive and prospective applicants are selected through an entry test. For more information visit www.ou.ac.lk/ or drop an e-mail to pio@ou. ac.lk or visit the Central Campus at Nawala or any of its regional/study centres.