Academics
CLINICAL OFFICERS TRAINING PROGRAMME
Introduction
The Ministry of Health in collaboration with Kigali Health Institute started training Clinical Officers in 2011/2012 academic year. The graduates will be awarded with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine and Community Health. Two options were proposed for the purpose of providing short and long term solutions to the Rwandan healthcare workforce. The first phase has started with a ‘bridge' program in order to rapidly deploy the cadres to the primary health care setting in the country. Candidates enrolled in this program are holders of advanced Diploma (A1) either in Nursing / Midwifery or Clinical Medicine and Community Health.
Another phase of ‘basic training programme' in Clinical Medicine and Community Health is planned and the course will be a full time training of four years.
Vision
The Department envisions being a centre of excellence in developing Clinical Officers of highest standard to serve humanity and improve the standards of health care in Rwanda.
Mission
Our mission is to produce graduates who are competent and ethically committed to deliver quality health care based on curative, preventive, rehabilitative and restorative services to individuals and families in the community. The department of Clinical Officers will strive to provide professionally based health training that is community-oriented to meet the health care needs of Rwandan population and of other developing nations.
Structure of the Program
The ‘bridge' programme is offered over a period of three semesters or eighteen months including clinical attachment in hospitals. The curriculum focuses on Community and Public Health; Clinical Medicine; and Health Center Management. The program is student centered that offers trainees the opportunity for self directed learning in search of knowledge and relevant skills. The Clinical Officer trainees are also prepared to develop and apply critical thinking and problem solving techniques in execution of their work including participation in health research.
Clinical officer trainees performing auscultation in the skills Lab.
The trainees interviewing simulated patients
Roles of Clinical Officers
Clinical Officers play vital roles in the delivery of health care services to individuals and families in the community. They are responsible for the diagnosis and management of diseases seen in general practice within health facilities and catchment area, and refer cases beyond their skills to physicians for further management. Furthermore, Clinical Officers in collaboration with other health care team conduct community diagnosis and promote school health services among others. They are also trained to manage effectively and efficiently the resources in the health centers, outpatient units of hospitals and other workplace.