Training organisations and their perceptions of graduate work skills

George S. Streitberg, Lyndall Angel, Kenneth Sikaris, Phillip Bwititi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Given the increased automation and use of expert systems in pathology laboratories, especially within clinical biochemistry laboratories, syllabi for degree, diploma, and certificate courses need to keep pace with work requirements. The aim of this study was to determine the skills expectations held by tertiary institutions of their pathology graduates when they initially enter the workforce. Australian universities with AIMS accredited undergraduate degree courses, and TAFE colleges with courses leading to work in pathology laboratories, were surveyed by mailed questionnaires. The data obtained indicate that TAFE colleges expect their diploma and certificate graduates to be able to prepare reagents and samples and to perform analyses independently, but these institutions anticipate more supervision of their graduates e.g. for checking results. Universities and TAFE colleges have similarly high expectations of their degree and diploma graduates respectively with regard to having an understanding of quality control. There were differences in expectations relating to more complex activities such as evaluation of new assays, suggesting that university graduates are better equipped to carry out research.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)122-130
Number of pages9
JournalAustralian Journal of Medical Science
Volume31
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2010

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