Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Emergency Medical Care

Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Emergency Medical Care

Preamble

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a branch of specialty health practice that focuses on the management of a broad range of acute illnesses and injury in all age groups. A specialist in emergency medicine is a clinician who uses highly developed clinical reasoning skills to care for patients with acute and often undiagnosed medical problems, that is, before comprehensive clinical or diagnostic information is available. Emergency medical services are often referred to as: ambulance or paramedic services; services that require an urgent medical response or the provision of out-of-hospital treatment and transport to definitive care. 

Programme Aim

 The programme also aims to educate and train emergency medical care professionals who demonstrate expertise in:

  • Clinical practice and decision-making
  • Leadership and management
  • Research and evidence-based practice
  • Communication and collaboration

Preparing them to make a positive impact in emergency healthcare services, and to pursue advanced education and specialization in the field.

Admission Entry Requirements

For admission into the Bachelor of Science Honours in Emergency Medical Care, one should have the following qualifications:

  • Five (5) ‘O’ Level subjects including English, Maths and a Science subject. ‘A’ Level is an added advantage.
  • A diploma or degree in a related health discipline such as: A Diploma in Paramedics, Diploma in EMT, Certificate in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), a Medical Doctor, a Registered General Nurse with Advanced Trauma Care, a Registered General nurse with post-basic nurse training in Intensive Care Nursing, Anaesthesia or Emergency Care Nursing,
  • Working experience of at least two years in EMS is an added requirement.
  • Registration with the Allied Health Professions Council or a relevant regulatory body is mandatory on the programme since no patient contact or staff deployment may occur without registration. Registration is the individual responsibility of the learner and not that of the University.
Duration of Programme

The Degree in Emergency Medical Care shall take three (3) years to complete.  Courses will be offered in blocks and on weekends. Each academic year shall consist of two (2) semesters. According to the Zimbabwe Qualifications Framework (ZQF), the Degree is offered at level 8.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the Degree Programme will lead to the award of a BSc Degree in Emergency Medical Care (EMC). The degree holder will be an academic and community resource, providing leadership in the administration and management of Emergency Departments, Emergency Medical Systems and programmes. Therefore, a qualified EMC practitioner is a communicator, a collaborator, a manager, a health advocate, a scholar and a professional.

The course aims to equip the learner with the skills required for reflective practice. The principles of continuing education within the clinical pre-hospital realm must be upheld. Individuals seeking career advancement in the field of emergency medical care may enrol for further studies at Master’s and PhD levels.

Additional Information
  • The Research Project shall be done by all the students and done during the second year of the programme at an approved site after approval of the proposal.
    • The Department of Family and Health Sciences shall approve at least one academic member of staff to supervise the student’s dissertation.
    • There shall be a minimum of 40 hours of consultation time between the student and the supervisor during the period of the research project.
    • The student must submit two spiral-bound copies of the Research Project to the Department for marking at a date determined by the WUA.
    • The assessment of the Research Project shall be based on the format prescribed by the Faculty Board.
    • Two examiners shall assess the Research Project.
    • The Faculty Board of Examiners shall consider the two examiners’ assessments and decide on the final mark for the Research Project.