Colleges Call for Review of Cluster Points for Diploma Medical Courses 

Middle-level medical training colleges in Kenya have asked the government to review cluster points for medical courses.

The Association of Medical Training Institutions of Kenya has asked that the cluster points be reduced to allow more intake in colleges.

According to the medics, higher cluster points have contributed to low enrollment in crucial healthcare courses despite a growing demand for medical professionals both locally and internationally.

Consequently, the colleges are pushing for a review of the grading system for diploma and certificate courses, which are marketable in Kenya and internationally. 

“It will foster excellence in the medical profession, especially at the middle level colleges. We have also partnered with organizations that are able to give jobs, ” a representative said.

Also Read: Govt to Create Volunteering Opportunities for Medicine and Law Students

KUCCPS Application to Colleges

Further, the Association has asked the government to allow form four leavers to select their programs to the colleges through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal.

The association’s representatives argued that many students who want to pursue medical careers are locked out due to high entry requirements.

“There are many medical colleges in Kenya, and we want to come together to streamline training and ensure standardization from the government as the regulator,” a representative said.

Moreover, medical practitioners are calling on the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health to engage stakeholders and implement policy changes. They also want the government to recognize private medical training institutions as important players in the healthcare education system.

The Association plans to submit a formal proposal to the Ministry of Education and KUCCPS outlining their concerns and recommendations for reforming the admission process.

Also Read: KUCCPS-Approved Medical Courses for KCSE Students with C (Plain) and Below

Medical Courses for C Students

Some of the areas of study available for C students include community health, medical engineering, health records, pharmaceutical technology, nutrition and dietetics, and medical laboratory sciences.

Institutions offering a Diploma in Community Health include Kisii National Polytechnic, Northeastern National Polytechnic, and Siaya Institute of Technology.

For the Diploma in Community Health Level 6 under the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system, the courses are available at Bondo Technical Training Institute and Kitale National Polytechnic.

Additionally, students with a C Plain or C Minus can enroll in diploma programs such as Dietetic Management, Health Records and Information Technology, Nutrition and Diet Management, Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, and Science Laboratory Technology.

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