DIPLOMA IN HEALTH SERVICE SUPPORT
Health Service Support is a course that focuses on the non-clinical aspects of healthcare delivery and management. It covers the essential support functions that enable healthcare facilities to operate efficiently and effectively. The curriculum typically includes topics such as healthcare administration, medical records management, health information systems, patient services coordination, and healthcare logistics. Students learn about the organizational structure of healthcare institutions, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and patient safety protocols. The course also addresses aspects of healthcare finance, insurance processing, and resource allocation. Practical skills in customer service, communication, and problem-solving within a healthcare context are emphasized. This course prepares students for roles that support medical professionals and ensure smooth operations in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Course Overview:
This diploma program typically focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to assist healthcare professionals in various settings. It covers a range of topics related to healthcare support services.
- Duration: 2 years, depending whether it’s full-time or part-time.
- Core Units: These form the foundation of the program and are usually mandatory. They cover essential healthcare knowledge and skills.
- Elective Units: Students often have the opportunity to choose some specialized units based on their interests or career goals.
- Practical Components: Many programs include hands-on training in simulated healthcare environments or actual healthcare facilities.
- Theoretical Learning: Classroom-based learning covering healthcare concepts, theories, and principles.
- Assessments: A mix of written exams, practical assessments, case studies, and projects.
- Clinical Placements: Some programs include supervised work placements in healthcare settings.
- Capstone Project: Often, students complete a final project integrating their learning from the entire course.
- First Aid Certification: Many programs include this as a requirement.
- Modules: The course is typically divided into several modules or semesters, each focusing on different aspects of health service support.
Career Prospects:
Graduates of this program may find employment opportunities in:
1. Hospitals
2. Clinics
3. Nursing homes
4. Home healthcare services
5. Rehabilitation centers
6. Community health organizations
Potential job roles:
– Healthcare assistant
– Patient care technician
– Medical administrative assistant
– Ward clerk
– Healthcare support worker
Basic Units:
Some common units in this program include:
1. Introduction to Healthcare Systems
2. Medical Terminology
3. Basic Anatomy and Physiology
4. Infection Control and Safety
5. Patient Care Fundamentals
6. Healthcare Communication
7. Medical Ethics and Law
8. Basic First Aid and Emergency Response
Requirements
a) Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) mean grade C- (minus)
Or
b) Certificate Level 5 in Community Health
Or
c) Equivalent qualifications as determined by Kenya National Qualifications Authority
(KNQA)
And/or
d) As may be guided by relevant regulatory body
Duration: 2 Years
Career path: Community Health Assistant
BASIC UNITS OF LEARNING
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Duration in Hours | Credit Factor |
| MED/CU/HSS/BC/01/5/A | Communication skills | 25 | 2.5 |
| MED/CU/HSS/BC/02/5/A | Numeracy skills | 40 | 4 |
| MED/CU/HSS/BC/03/5/A | Digital literacy | 45 | 4.5 |
| MED/CU/HSS/BC/04/5/A | Employability skills | 70 | 7 |
| MED/CU/HSS/BC/05/5/A | Entrepreneurial skills | 50 | 5 |
| MED/CU/HSS/BC/06/5/A | Environmental literacy | 25 | 2.5 |
| MED/CU/HSS/BC/07/5/A | Occupational health and safety | 25 | 2.5 |
| Total | 280 | 28 | |
COMMON UNITS OF LEARNING
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Duration in Hours | Credit Factor |
| MED/CU/HSS/CC/01/5/A | First Aid Services | 80 | 8 |
| MED/CU/HSS/CC/02/5/A | Medical-legal Ethics in HSS | 30 | 3 |
| MED/CU/HSS/CC/03/5/A | Common Diseases | 60 | 6 |
| MED/CU/HSS/CC/04/5/A | Organization of Health Facilities | 30 | 3 |
| MED/CU/HSS/CC/05/5/A | Medical Terminologies in HSS | 30 | 3 |
| Total | 230 | 23 | |
Core Units of Learning
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Duration in Hours | Credit Factor |
| MED/CU/HSS/CR/01/5/A | Infection Prevention and Control | 80 | 8 |
| MED/CU/HSS/CR/02/5/A | Hospital Housekeeping Procedures | 80 | 8 |
| MED/CU/HSS/CR/03/5/A | Outpatient and inpatient support services | 120 | 12 |
| MED/CU/HSS/CR/04/5/A | Hospital Catering Services | 120 | 12 |
| MED/CU/HSS/CR/05/5/A | Mortuary Techniques | 60 | 6 |
| MED/CU/HSS/CR/06/5/A | Supportive Store Procedures | 100 | 10 |
| Industrial attachment | 360 | 36 | |
| Total | 920 | 92 | |
| Grand total | 1430 | 143 | |