Health Care Assistence

What is the objective of the course? What is it?
What does it train you for?

The course in Health Care Assistance aims to train health workers with the scientific and technical knowledge required to carry out the profession of Health Assistant (Assistente Sanitario: AS) responsibly. The AS is responsible for prevention, promotion and health education. The AS could work in public and private structures, identifying health needs and preventive, educational and recovery intervention priorities. In particular, the AS can organize vaccination campaigns according to national and regional programs; carry out vaccination sessions; organize cancer screening campaigns; manage health surveillance for the prevention of infectious diseases; deliver personalized advice on preventive measures for travellers; collect data in epidemiological studies on the main risk factors for infectious, oncological, and chronic-degenerative diseases; perform community supervision and control activities, collaborate on national lifestyle research projects and act as a consultant in court.

What do you learn?

The course includes frontal lessons and professionalizing internship activities, with compulsory attendance. The frontal lessons are on defined thematic areas, as follows:

• Biomedical sciences (Biochemistry, Biology, Histology with elements of anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Pharmacology and Hygiene);
• Preliminary and interdisciplinary sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Hygiene and Social Statistics);
• Medical Surgical Sciences and Health Care Sciences (Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Epidemiological Methodology, Applied Medical Techniques, Nursing and Neuropsychiatric and Rehabilitation Techniques, Applied Dietary Techniques Sciences, and Nursing Techniques, Neurology and Physical and rehabilitative medicine).

The course is completed with subjects such as Public Law, Forensic Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Protection and specific programs of radiation protection. The practical training activities carried out in the field of public health (in field of prevention, epidemiology, health promotion, communication, organization and health planning) are particularly important. At the end of the studies, the student will take a final test that qualifies him/her to practice the profession.

What can you do with it?

Graduates can be employed in Departments (DpT) and National Health Service Structures such as Prevention DpTs, Hygiene and Public Health Services, Vaccination Services, Birthing centres, Consultants for Foreigners, Health Education Service for Preventive and Community Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Sports Medicine, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, International Vaccinations Centre-Travel Medicine, Hospital Health Management, Epidemiology and Research Unit, Prevention and Research Institutes oncology field, prisons. Graduates can continue their studies by accessing the Master Degree Course currently available at other universities located throughout the National territory and I and II level University Masters available at regional level.