Abstract
Introduction
Graduate employment metrics, used to measure student and institutional success, puts pressure on higher education providers to explore opportunities for better preparing students for the workforce. The demand for flexible education platforms has introduced further challenges in designing a curriculum that promotes connectedness with profession. The aim of the study was to understand student perceptions of their future profession and related continuing professional development (CPD) activities, and to identify opportunities that improve student connectedness to the workforce.
Methods
The study consisted of three phases. An anonymous survey was advertised to undergraduate students enrolled in AIMS accredited programs (phase 1) to understand their perception of workforce. These results assisted in developing an online learning module (phase 2) that attempted to consolidate key areas of workforce connectedness. Usefulness of the module was evaluated through an anonymous questionnaire (phase 3).
Results
The majority (79%) of participants noted that they were not members of any professional organisation, 59% were not aware of CPD activities and 41% noted that it would be useful to have a module that hosts job advertisements, information about professional bodies and associated CPD activities. Therefore, in phase 2, a free online module was developed using Brightspace learning management system. The questionnaire in phase 3 highlighted the importance of the module in presenting information in a user-friendly platform.
Conclusion
Many professional bodies offer memberships and CPD activities that undergraduate students are often not aware of. The module provided an easy to access platform, consolidated key information that promotes workforce integration, enhancing students’ sense of professional identity.
Graduate employment metrics, used to measure student and institutional success, puts pressure on higher education providers to explore opportunities for better preparing students for the workforce. The demand for flexible education platforms has introduced further challenges in designing a curriculum that promotes connectedness with profession. The aim of the study was to understand student perceptions of their future profession and related continuing professional development (CPD) activities, and to identify opportunities that improve student connectedness to the workforce.
Methods
The study consisted of three phases. An anonymous survey was advertised to undergraduate students enrolled in AIMS accredited programs (phase 1) to understand their perception of workforce. These results assisted in developing an online learning module (phase 2) that attempted to consolidate key areas of workforce connectedness. Usefulness of the module was evaluated through an anonymous questionnaire (phase 3).
Results
The majority (79%) of participants noted that they were not members of any professional organisation, 59% were not aware of CPD activities and 41% noted that it would be useful to have a module that hosts job advertisements, information about professional bodies and associated CPD activities. Therefore, in phase 2, a free online module was developed using Brightspace learning management system. The questionnaire in phase 3 highlighted the importance of the module in presenting information in a user-friendly platform.
Conclusion
Many professional bodies offer memberships and CPD activities that undergraduate students are often not aware of. The module provided an easy to access platform, consolidated key information that promotes workforce integration, enhancing students’ sense of professional identity.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
| Event | AIMS National Scientific Meeting 2024 - The Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, Australia Duration: 21 Aug 2024 → 23 Aug 2024 https://aimsnsm2024.com/ (Meeting website) https://az659834.vo.msecnd.net/eventsairseasiaprod/production-aomevents-public/fb0386de3b90452e8f9cb887bfec4b76 (Abstract book) |
Other
| Other | AIMS National Scientific Meeting 2024 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Moving forward |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Adelaide |
| Period | 21/08/24 → 23/08/24 |
| Other | On behalf of AIMS, I would like to invite members, students, trade and colleagues to join us for the National Scientific Meeting in Adelaide, South Australia from 21st-23rd August 2024. This will be our first face to face national scientific meeting post pandemic to allow more interaction, networking and collaboration. By listening to talks, viewing posters and discussing new ideas can improve your knowledge and awareness of advances in medical laboratory science. The face to face interaction offers exchange of experiences with other colleagues helping you to improve practice in your own laboratory. We will welcome back our trade partners to display up to date technology to allow conference participants to learn the new advances and initiatives. This will also be an excellent continuing educational opportunity to obtain CPD points towards your APACE certificate and certification. There will also be opportunity for touring destinations in South Australia to appreciate its natural landscapes. Professor Denise Jackson President, AIMS. |
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