Newbie, please help with studies in Medical field

I feel like Im searching for a needle in the proverbial haystack.

Reaching my fourties and still energetic as hell and one daughter now on her way to her own studies in the medical field, I feel Ihave the time now to do what ive always been wanting to do throughout my single mothering years.

The question is, what are safe and internationally recognised degrees in microbiology/bacteriology or dietetics? I have to still run my own business to survive so I have to do distant/online learning.

Are there such degrees online and if so, where are the best? Keep in mind I am from South Africa so our exchange rate pretty much sucks at the moment, so what would be the more afforable options?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

If you have a hospital in your community I would suggest going there and speaking with those in the profession. Often hospitals accept "pre-medical/science students" for volunteer work in the area you are interested in. I would see if the local hospital has volunteer needs in the lab for starters. I rarely turn down a volunteer in the clinic! You will socialize with professionals that will become your friend and mentor and give you valuable advice on which pathway to pursue.

Usually a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from an accredited school has utility in Medical laboratories. Gaining the experience and knowledge of how to process and analyze labs will certainly require "hands on" training. I can explain how to grow a culture or centrifuge a blood sample or do a KOH but unless you actually do it, it is difficult to gain the skill set. I am sure there are accredited online programs in microbiology but it should include a clinical component!

 

Hi delta

Thank you! Our Netcare hospital is just up the road.

Would you know who I would go see there? Would it be the head or should I head directly to the labs?

 

I don't know about their DL offerings but you might want to take a peek and the Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA) located within the University of Limpopo.

University of Limpopo

 

If you go to the volunteer coordinator they may show you the opportunities they have available throughout the entire organization.. If you specifically enjoy laboratory, I would try and arrange a visit with the that department manager and inquire if there are volunteer opportunities for students.

My knowledge of South Africa system of healthcare is limited. I've been to Jo-burg and and Capetown and I was impressed with its modern infrastructure. Typically, volunteers get some kind of indoc and orientation. Often hospitals are wonderful sources for free "in house" education. In the US I have taken numerous courses for free or a nominal fee such as, CPR, blood drawing, IV certification, EKG, casting and suturing. Like I said, I don't know the SA system of healthcare. Good luck, I hope they give you an opportunity you are interested in!

What previous schooling do you have?

 

Hi Steve

Yes that would be the route, I was checking all possibilities, I was wondering if the degrees offered out there would be more recognised internationally?
Also it seems the study notes and lectures etc are better with some of the online universities?

 

I am bookkeeper by trade, however I did a year (not completed) of Podiatry when I was out of school.
I dropped out, (stupid little girl at the time!) And I was actually doing well! Dont ask me what the frame of mind was, to ths day I cannot tell you.

Im also a fitness instructor, although have not instructed for years, I still love my gym.
So I have a keen interest in the health sciences.

With 15 years of laborious accounting im ready to spread my wings and do what it is my heart really gravitates towards.
So very regretful I did not continue my education, but wiser now and with my daughters grown up, much easier too. (spent 18 years as a single mother)

 

Hi Delta

These are the options at Unisa:

Bachelor of Science Natural Sciences: Chemistry and Physics Stream (02089 - NCF)
Bachelor of Science Natural Sciences: Chemistry and Microbiology Stream (02089 - NCK)
Bachelor of Science Natural Sciences: Chemistry and Mathematics Stream (02089 - NCM)
Bachelor of Science Natural Sciences: Chemistry and Physiology Stream (02089 - NCP)
Bachelor of Science Natural Sciences: Physics and Computer Science Stream (02089 - NFC)
Bachelor of Science Natural Sciences: Physics Stream (02089 - NFI)

 

Ive posted a reply here but it has not shown?

 

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