EBME Forums Forums Management Training Foundation Degree in Medical Technologies

Rob,

What is incorrect? The FD should be 2 years, as the Eastwood Park/Kingston one is. Can it be used to progress to a full degree? - probably yes, and it would seem that Kingston offer some follow up courses. The question is does anybody else offer a route to full degree if you have this particular FD?

For MoD students wishing to attend such a course I can reveal that Kingston University has an ELCAS number 1122.

Hi Techman,

Incorrect as far as Kingston offer access onto their higher degree programs. As far other Uni's are concerned, you would be in the same boat as anyone holding a HND.

This course is really aimed at those within the workplace who do not have or have not attained a level of education/training at level 4/5 (HND/FD) and those without any formal qualifications but with many years 'on the job experience' of which their are many out there who fit this category. There are those techncians who do not wish, for whatever reason, to sit in a classroom environment but would like the oppurtunity to gain a recognised qualification at this level.

This is not a competition between HND and FD they are both valid forms of vocational training, they just different in their format as previously explained.

Panander,

We currently have students whose fees have been paid by their employer. Their are no fees up front, grants are available to students whose family income is below £37,000 and Student loans are available to all students, loans would have to be paid back upon completion of the course at a rate that is dependent upon income at the time.

Employer paying, thats great, if not then you can cover the cost of the course with a combination of student loan and grant.

Just trying to ascertain the real value of this course. It is a lot of money to shell out. The likelihood of getting funding at that level is probably approaching zero, especially in view of the cutbacks – if you had access to funding in the first place. Grants and student loans are all very well, but not if you still end up paying, which is likely.

In the end, it comes down to personal choice, based around the questions of – Is it necessary; Is it worth me doing it and What will I gain? If the answers are in the positive, then why not go for it. Personally, I won't be.

If you allready have a HND then i can understand, however, many techncians out there do not have any formal vocational qualifications, Similarly techs who may have achieved level 3 but wish to atain the next level or techs that have completed a course many years ago that wish to be updated in their knowledge.

The cost of the course is in line with other degree courses and the price set by the University, the availability of grants and loans is quite unique.

the alternative to level 4/5 may well be the new range of level 3 vocational courses that are mapped directy to the National occupational standards that eastwood park are also delivering?

As I said, it is down to personal choice, and if people think it worthwhile they will go for it. The proof, as they say, will be in the pudding.

I wasn't really considering it for myself, more for my 'junior' techs. I have been around far too long to worry about it and have more bits of paper than is strictly necessary for the job (that argument again), most of which I paid for myself.

Hi Techman,

I have quite strong views on the subject of technician training, I believe that the MoD training scheme is one that shoiuld be emulated by the NHS. All of their technicians have a minimum academic qual of ONC/tec Cert, they then undergo a 4/5 month long generic training course, similar to the new (level 3)training prospectus at eastwood park. Then if sucessful they are for the first time allowed into the EBME department (MDSS in MoD speak). This is then followed up with specific device training. It has changed somewhat over recent years but this is generally the format.

NHS Training for newbie techs mapped to the 'new occupational standards set at level 3' would be the ideal building block prior to any subsequent specific device training. This type of training is now called for within MHRA/MDA DB 2006.

There is unfortunatly one big problem of course and why Chief Excec's get away with it? There is no legal necessity, you simply don't have to do it. If there was, your NHS budget for training would suddenly increase ten fold.

soapbox away...

Hi Rob,

I agree about the general principle and dire lack of funding, which is why I think the introduction of Registration and Regulation can only be beneficial in getting this changed.

As for the present, I use the HCS NOS as a basis for in-house training. As far as qualifications are concerned, I am recommending that people look to upgrading via a general engineering qualification, rather than a job specific one, which will provide options away from the NHS, which is the reason I am a bit reticent about the FD.

A sad indictment of the NHS and its career prospects, but a sensible approach to any newbie just starting out.

I couldent agree more regarding the VRCT, even though its seems to have had a number of huge set backs lately, it is a sensible and necessary step forward to bringing a group of excellent technicians a platform to address issues such as training, pay etc from.

HCS NOS are the very same standards I was refering to, this is what Eastwood Park's modules are currently mapped to and strangely enough closely reflects MoD training objectives.

Nice to see the NOS are finnaly being mapped to training.