The role of higher education curriculum in the employability of health sciences graduates
Marilou Saong, Jacqueline Bonifacio & Kathleenjoy Katleya Rosalia Gili
Abstract
One of the primary goals of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is to ensure that all students develop the skills necessary to respond to rapidly changing labor market requirements and conditions. Universities must consider how they train their students to be employable graduates. This study determined how Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science (BSMT/BSMLS) and BS Physical Therapy (BSPT) programs prepared the graduates for employment in the Philippines. The study employed a descriptive-correlational research design to establish a relationship between the graduates' level of satisfaction with their education and the level of adequacy of the BSMLS and BSPT programs. An alumni survey was distributed to all Academic Year 2014-2018 program graduates via e-mail and Messenger. The survey revealed that the preparation for the board examination is the most common influencing factor in the transition from graduation to employment. The vast majority of graduates were employed locally and in positions that were relevant to their programs. The survey also revealed that the University adequately prepared graduates for jobs related to their degrees, and that graduates are satisfied with their education due to high-quality instruction and well-established student internship programs. Pearson correlation revealed that there is a moderate and positive relationship between the level of adequacy of the programs and the level of satisfaction. The study concludes that that graduates’ high employability both locally and globally is a result of the adequate academic preparation they received at the University.
Keywords
employability, health sciences programs, graduates, satisfaction, tracer study
Author information & Contribution
Marilou Saong. Corresponding author. PhD in Education, School Research Head and Professor, University of Baguio. Corresponding email: marilousaong@e.ubaguio.edu
Jacqueline Bonifacio. PhD in Development Education, Professor, University of Baguio
Kathleenjoy Katleya Rosalia Gili. Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Instructor, Professor, University of Baguio
Disclosure statement
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
AI Declaration
Notes
Acknowledgement
References
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Cite this article:
Saong, M., Bonifacio, J. & Gili, K.R. (2023). The role of higher education curriculum in the employability of health sciences graduates. International Journal of Academe and Industry Research, 4 (3), 82-104. https://doi.org/10.53378/353009
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