Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Healthcare Professional Conversion Programmes (Healthcare PCPs) 2015 Intake

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Healthcare Professional Conversion Programmes (Healthcare PCPs) 2015 Intake I ABOUT THE PROGRAMME 1. What is the objective of the programme? The Healthcare PCPs are offered by WDA and the Ministry of Health (MOH), and supported by MOH Holdings. The Healthcare PCPs serve as a conduit for local mid-career switchers to receive training that would enable them to work as nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists or radiographers upon graduation. 2. What are the programmes under the Healthcare PCPs? There are 5 mid-career switch healthcare programmes offered under the Healthcare Professional Conversion Programmes (Healthcare PCPs): 1. PCP for Registered Nurses (RNs) 2. PCP for Physiotherapists (PTs) 3. PCP for Occupational Therapists (OTs) 4. PCP for Diagnostic Radiographers (DRs) 5. PCP for Enrolled Nurses (ENs) Successful applicants will undergo the required training at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) for the diploma courses, or the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) for the NITEC in Nursing (PCP-EN). 3. What training do I need to undergo? PCP Course Training Duration Enrolled Nurses NITEC in Nursing 2 years, full-time Registered Nurses Diploma in Nursing 2 years, full-time (accelerated) Diagnostic Radiographers Occupational Therapists Physiotherapists Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography Diploma in Occupational Therapy Diploma in Physiotherapy 3 years, full-time 1

4. Is there funding support? Yes, there are 3 funding components: i. Course Fee This will be fully supported for the 2-year nursing or 3-year allied health courses. ii. iii. Enhanced! Training Allowance This will be provided for the 24-month or 36-month training period. The enhanced monthly training allowances, range between $1,300 - $1,500 (formerly $1,100 - $1,300) for PCP-EN and $1,700 - $1,900 (formerly $1,500 - $1,700) for the 4 other PCPs. Sponsoring employers will accord individuals training allowance based on prior work experience. New! Career Transition Bonus This will be awarded to trainees upon graduation, to celebrate a milestone achievement in their career transitions. Diploma graduates will receive a one-time bonus of $2,000, and NITEC graduates will receive $1,500. 5. Is there a bond tied to funding support? Candidates who are accepted into the programme are required to sign a bond deed with the sponsoring healthcare employer. PCP-EN trainees serve a two-year bond. PCP-RN, PCP-DR, PCP-OT and PCP-PT trainees will be required to serve a three-year bond. 6. What are the liquidated damages for breaking the bond? A participant who withdraws from the programme, whether during the course of study or during the service period of the bond, shall be liable for liquidated damages payable to the sponsoring healthcare employer. The amount payable will be pro-rated based on costs incurred by the sponsoring healthcare employer and funding bodies (e.g. WDA and the Ministry of Health) in accordance with the terms of the training deed(s). Total liquidated damages (including full course fees, training allowances and career transition bonus) at the point of training completion could amount to roughly: i. $40,000 to $48,000 for PCP-EN ii. iii. $125,000 for PCP-RN $145,000 for PCP-DR/OT/PT 7. Who is the target audience for these programmes? The Healthcare PCPs are targeted at mid-career switchers looking to transit to nursing or allied health professions. Such individuals should also have a strong interest to help patients. 2

8. What are the eligibility criteria? Candidates must be a Singaporeans or permanent residents with at least 2 years full-time working experience (excluding NS) and meet the entry requirements of the course. Entry requirement for the NITEC in Nursing 2 GCE O level credits***, or 3 GCE N level credits* in English, Math and one other subject, or ES WPLN Level 5 for Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking and Numeracy and either a) WSQ Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Support (Nursing Care) or b) ITE ISC in Healthcare (Inpatient/Outpatient/Home Care/Clinic Practice) with a min GPA of 3.0 Note: In-Service staff are required to apply through their employers. Entry requirement for the Diploma in Nursing Degree from a recognised university; or Diploma from a local polytechnic; or 3 GCE A level credits** and 2 GCE O level credits *** in Science and Mathematics Entry requirement for the Diploma in Physiotherapy / Diploma in Occupational Therapy / Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography Degree^ from a recognised university with a GCE O level credit in a Science subject***; or Diploma^ from a local polytechnic with a GCE O level credit in a Science subject***; or 3 GCE A level credits** in Science and two other subjects * GCE N level passes refer to grade 1-5 or A-D. **GCE A level credits refer to grades A to E ***GCE O level credits refer to grades A1 to C6. Science subjects refer to Biology, Chemistry, Combined Science, Engineering Science, Food & Nutrition, General Science, Human & Social Biology, Physical Science, Physics, Science (Physics, Biology), Science (Chemistry, Biology) and Science (Physics, Chemistry). ^Those with a science background will have an added advantage 9. Will I be able to work part-time during the 2-3 years of the course? Part-time work, without prior approval from your sponsoring employer, is not allowed. This is a fulltime high intensity clinical programme that requires commitment and significant investment of time and effort. Juggling between full-time studies and a part-time job will be very challenging and may take a toll on the person s academic performance, family responsibility and health. In recognition of each trainee s full-time commitment under the programme, the monthly training allowance will be provided even during vacation breaks within the 2 to 3 year duration of the course. 10. How many candidates do WDA and MOH target to recruit for this intake? We are able to take 70 or more, if there are suitable candidates. 3

II TRAINING COURSE DETAILS AND PROSPECTS 1. Where I can find information on the courses and professions? Organisation/Website Name Allied Health Professions Council Care To Go Beyond ITE NITEC in Nursing NYP School of Health Sciences Singapore Society of Radiographers Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists World Federation of Occupational Therapists Singapore Physiotherapy Association World Confederation of Physical Therapy Description Website on regulatory matters for allied health professions. MOH s website on Nursing and Allied Health professions. Course information on the NITEC in Nursing course. Course information on the diploma level, nursing and allied health courses. Information specific to Radiography. Information specific to Occupational Therapy. Information specific to Physiotherapy. Link www.ahpc.gov.sg www.caretogobeyond.sg www.ite.edu.sg (Select Full-Time Students Full- Time Courses Courses by School NITEC in Nursing ) www.nyp.edu.sg/shs/courses/continui ng-education-n-training-cet www.ssr.org.sg www.saot.org.sg www.wfot.org www.physiotherapy.org.sg www.wcpt.org 2. Are there any course details or expectations I should be familiar with should I apply for the 3-year DR, OT and PT diplomas? Students in the PCP conversion courses for DR, OT and PT join the same classes as the fresh A level holders. Course specific details are as follow: Course contact hours: Training delivery: Attendance requirement: Clinical Attachments: 25-27 contact hours per 5-day week throughout the semester. Trainees generally spend an additional 20-30 hours of self-study per week. Lectures, tutorials and practical sessions using a blended approach which includes classroom training, e-learning and self-directed learning in large and small groups. 85% attendance for all modules. Attachments are a compulsory component in the training, and integrated into the full training duration. They facilitate the integration of theoretical and practical training with patient/client intervention in a clinical environment. Attachments may be scheduled either during term time or term breaks; and are carried out at attachment sites which may include hospitals, specialist centres, polyclinics and voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) under the supervision of clinical professionals. Each attachment is scheduled in blocks of 4-8 weeks (5 to 6 day weeks). Shift or weekend work may be required based on the operational hours of the attachment sites. 4

Assessments: In order to graduate, trainees must pass all academic and clinical modules. Assessments of the course content will be carried out in the form of written exams, tests, quizzes, computer based assessments, group and individual presentations, written reports, practical examinations and oral assessment. 3. How is the general course structure of the 3-year DR, OT and PT diplomas like? The general course structure and core modules each year are broadly detailed in the table below: Year 1 Year 2 Modules Foundational Modules Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology (PT and OT) Radiological Physics (DR) Basic Sociology, Psychology Introductory professional related modules Clinical attachment Advanced Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics; Behavioural Sciences Academic and skills based professional related modules; Clinical attachment Prior knowledge that facilitates learning at NYP Background in chemistry, physics, biology. General Paper. The content in the professional modules will build upon the foundation modules listed above. Professional related modules. Year 1 modules form the foundation for year 2 modules. Professional related modules in Year 1 and 2. Year 3 Statistics and Research Methods Academic and skills based professional related modules; Clinical attachment Final Year project Mathematics. Year 3 modules are built upon Year 2 modules. Professional related modules in Year 1, 2, 3. Research and academic writing skills. 3. What is the difference between Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy? Physiotherapists will work with clients from the elite sports individual to the frail elderly. They are allied health care professionals who possess the knowledge and ability to manage and prevent problems affecting the physical functioning of the human body, and to maximise performance of human movement. They focus on implementing evidence-based techniques to enable clients to achieve optimal independence in movement and function. Occupational therapists rehabilitate clients to perform tasks in living, working, playing and schooling. Clients may have experienced a stroke, or may be a schizophrenia or a child with developmental problems. The work of occupational therapists includes the evaluation, intervention, consultation, supervision and education of their clients in order to overcome health-related and disability-related 5

problems. Occupational therapists use outcome and evidence-based practice to effect their evaluation and treatment of clients. Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy are different professions with their own historical development, theories for practice and body of research. However, both are rehabilitation professionals. Although some practices may appear similar, for example measurement of joint function, there are major differences in how professional care is delivered. This information is readily available on the internet and we recommend that candidates familiarise themselves with the similarities and differences between Physical and Occupational Therapy prior to the application and interview process. 4. When do the courses commence? The respective course commencement dates as provided below: PCP-EN January 2015 (exact date to be advised at a later date). PCP-RN 13 April 2015. PCP-DR, PCP-OT, PCP-PT 20 April 2015. 5. Where will the training be conducted? PCP-EN Classroom training will be conducted at the Institute of Technical Education College East (Simei Campus). Trainees will also be posted to various hospitals for clinical attachments. PCP-RN, PCP-DR, PCP-OT, PCP-PT Classroom training will be conducted at School of Health Sciences, Nanyang Polytechnic, 180 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, Singapore 569830. Trainees will also be posted to various hospitals for clinical attachments. 6. What are the trainees awarded with upon successful completion of the course? Upon successful completion of training, graduates are awarded a Diploma or NITEC in their respective field. PCP-EN Graduates from the NITEC in Nursing course will be eligible for registration with the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) to practice as enrolled nurses. PCP-RN Graduates from NYP s Diploma in Nursing course will be eligible for registration with the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) and will be able to practise as professional nurses thereafter. 6

PCP-DR The Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography is recognised by the Singapore Society of Radiographers and graduates will be able to work as professional radiographers in Singapore or overseas subject to local regulations. PCP-OT NYP s Diploma in Occupational Therapy course is recognised by Singapore s Allied Health Professions Council and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Graduates are eligible to apply to register for practice in Singapore or work world-wide subject to local regulations. PCP-PT NYP's Diploma in Physiotherapy course is recognised by Singapore s Allied Health Professions Council and has been given accreditation by the Singapore Physiotherapy Association, a member of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy. Graduates are eligible to register for practice as physiotherapists in Singapore and worldwide, subject to local regulations. III APPLICATION TO THE COURSE 1. How do I apply for the Programme and when is the closing date? Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early via http://app.wda.gov.sg/hrbd/pcp to expedite the selection and interview process. Application to the PCP-EN opens from 1 Sep 2014 (9am) and closes 30 Sep 2014 (5pm). Application to the diploma PCPs opens from 1 Sep 2014 (9am) and closes on 31 Oct 2014 (5pm). Please note that we are unable to accommodate late or incomplete submissions. For PCP-EN, in-service staff are required to apply through your employer, unless you are in an administrative or ancillary position. 2. I submitted my online application but wish to make changes to it. How should I go about it? Interested applicants are advised to check online applications carefully before submission. We are unable to amend an online application once it has been submitted into the system. 3. Is it compulsory to attach documents to my online application? It is not compulsory, but we would highly recommend attaching academic transcripts, certificates and any medical documentation for those with medical history. Applicants shortlisted for an interview should also be prepared to bring along these documents, current and past employment letters (to facilitate computation of Training Allowances) and NRIC for the interview. 7

4. I am interested to apply for more than one occupation/programme. Can I do so? We highly recommend that applicants to apply for only one profession as a clear indication of interest and commitment to the profession. However, applicants who wish to be considered for other professions may send an email to WDA_healthcare@wda.gov.sg to indicate your interest. 5. Will there be an interview and when will it be held? In the online application form, mid-career applicants will be allowed to select up to 3 preferred healthcare employers to be considered by for sponsorship. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by MOH Holdings for an interview by a joint interview panel comprising representatives from the training institutions (where applicable) and participating healthcare employers. Applicants who have selected Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society (THK) or SPD for the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist applications may be contacted separately by these employers or the National Council of Social Service for an interview. Following the interview, shortlisted applicants will be notified by their potential sponsoring employer to attend a compulsory 1-day attachment with the organisation. PCP-EN Interviews and attachments are expected to take place from 1 Oct 2014 30 Nov 2014. Finally, successful applicants will be required to apply for enrolment when ITE s admission exercise opens in mid Dec 2014. PCP-RN, PCP-DR, PCP-OT, PCP-PT Interviews and attachments are expected to take place from 1 Oct 2014 31 Dec 2014. Sponsoring employers will channel applications of shortlisted applicants to NYP for enrolment processing in Jan 2015. 6. When will I know of the results and who will contact me? Applicants who are shortlisted for interviews will be contacted by MOH Holdings via the email and/or the phone numbers listed on the application form. Those who have been shortlisted by Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society (THK) or SPD for interviews will be contacted by the respective employers or the National Council of Social Service. Subsequently, WDA will inform the applicants who have been unsuccessful in various phases. An email notification will be sent to unsuccessful applicants via WDA_Healthcare@wda.gov.sg. For enquiries on application status, please send an email to WDA_Healthcare@wda.gov.sg for assistance, unless otherwise advised by MOH Holdings or the participating healthcare employers. 7. If I wish to withdraw my application after submission, how do I go about it? Applicants who wish to withdraw their applications may send an email to wda_healthcare@wda.gov.sg to inform WDA and our partners. 8

IV OTHER ENQUIRIES 1. Where can I get more information? For more information about the Healthcare PCPs, please visit WDA website at www.wda.gov.sg or email to wda_healthcare@wda.gov.sg. For more information about the NITEC in Nursing course, please email ITE at training@ite.edu.sg. For more information about the Diploma courses, you can visit NYP s website at www.nyp.edu.sg/shs/courses/continuing-education-n-training-cet. 2. Will the Healthcare PCPs be available in 2016? The 2016 intake has not been confirmed. WDA will update those on our emailing list when the next run is confirmed. Do drop us an email at WDA_Healthcare@wda.gov.sg to indicate your interest to join our emailing list. 3. Is there a minimum class size for the Healthcare PCPs? Yes, there is a minimum class size for the PCP-RN, but not for the other 4 PCPs. Unlike the other Healthcare PCPs which tap on existing public runs, the PCP-RN requires a minimum of 15 pax to start the dedicated accelerated class. 4. Besides having to study hard and doing well in class, what other factors are important for successful completion? In order to focus on the course, having adequate financial support throughout the 3 years is crucial. Applicants are advised to consider their financial commitments prior to undertaking this 2-3 year training commitment. Some sponsors for the PCP students may stipulate minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements to be fulfilled. Please check with prospective sponsors on this and the consequences of not meeting the minimum GPA requirements at the end of each academic semester. The course is demanding and some of the training tasks, especially the clinical attachments, require physical strength, reach and mobility, and physical fitness is important. Some subjects require students to perform physical examinations or practice counselling on each other. Therefore, trainees may be challenged in their physical, psychological and social boundaries while undergoing training. Discipline, proper time management, good social skills and strong social support from family and friends are vital when having to manage stress and difficulties encountered during the course. 5. Do the healthcare organisations accept candidates who are into their forties? There is no age limit for the programme. However due to the nature of the profession, potential applicants should be mindful of physical requirements of the job. Prior to admission to the course, applicants will also be required to pass a medical test, and those found with physical handicaps or 9

medical conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension, Hepatitis B and C, mobility restrictions, AIDS etc, may be barred from admission. 6. Are there any sureties required for the bond? Yes, the respective employers will require either 1 to 2 sureties (usually 2 sureties are required) for the bond with them. Actual HR policy and terms of bond may vary across employers, but some general requisites for sureties would include: i. Above 21 years of age ii. Not bankrupt iii. Is gainfully employed iv. Not party to existing bond or loans 7. I am currently in employment. When can I tender my resignation? Applicants are advised to tender their resignation only upon successful recruitment by the cosponsoring employer. Applicants are deemed successfully recruited only upon signing the employer deed, clearance of the medical examination and upon officially acceptance by NYP or ITE. This will take place in Dec 2014 for PCP-EN, or early 2015 for the remaining PCPs. 8. What if I become pregnant during the course of the training? Will it affect my funding? Trainees who become pregnant during the course of the training period will not be affected in terms of funding support provided. However pregnant trainees may find it challenging to meet attendance and physical requirements of the course. 9. What will happen if I fail some of the examinations? Trainees who failed the examination of a module may be allowed to take a supplementary examination, or re-attempt the module in the subsequent semester, in line with the respective training institution s policy, and subject to your sponsoring employer s approval. Costs of the supplementary or retaking of the module will be borne by the trainee. 10. Am I allowed to defer my studies or bond service? Trainees who wish to defer their studies will have to seek the permission of their sponsoring employer, and the training institution. Upon graduation, those who wish to defer bond service for reasons such as furtherance of studies will have to seek approval from their sponsoring employer first, before applying for such courses. Permission to defer the bond service will be subject to employer s manpower needs, and overall academic and work performance of the individual. 10