Getting into an education program can be quite challenging especially when you must meet strict academic criteria. In Kenya, students aiming for a career in medicine often require very good grades in subjects like Biology. However, scoring a plain D in Biology doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road for those aspiring to pursue that path. This blog post delves into courses that are accessible to students with a D plain in Biology offering alternatives and guidance for navigating this academic journey.
Summary.
- Exploring Medical Paths; Apart from medicine there are options like community health, healthcare management and medical records.
- Bridging Programs; Courses designed to enhance Biology grades to fulfill the minimum entry requirements for studies.
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Institutions providing diploma and certificate programs in the field.
Exploring Alternative Medical Courses
While conventional medical degrees might seem out of reach for students with a D plain in Biology, there are plenty of opportunities within the healthcare industry.
It’s also very important to understand that qualifying for a university degree entails a lot of things such as having the prerequisite mean grade which as at now is C+. You may also need to have the required cluster points to be able to apply for a course via the KUCCPS portal, feel free to use our cluster points calculator and get suggestions of courses you might qualify here. But if you don’t meet university requirements, then there’s always TVET institutions as well as the Kenya Medical Training College to give it a short.
Community Health and Development.
- Overview: This program emphasizes health practices, community health promotion and disease prevention.
- Institutions: Various institutions, across Kenya offer diploma and certificate programs including Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).
- Career Opportunities: Graduates have the option to pursue careers, in community health initiatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and public health sectors.
Healthcare Administration.
- Overview: Focuses on the aspects of healthcare services, such as running hospitals and shaping health policies.
- Institutions: Numerous colleges and universities provide diploma and degree programs in this field.
- Career Opportunities: Job prospects range from roles in hospital management to positions in health insurance companies and healthcare consulting firms.
Medical Records and Health Information Management.
- Overview: This program equips students with skills in handling patient records and managing health information systems.
- Institutions: Institutions like KMTC and other medical colleges offer training programs.
- Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers as health information technicians, medical records managers or data analysts within healthcare settings.
Bridging Courses.
These courses are designed to assist students in enhancing their grades in subjects to meet the entry requirements for education programs.
- Biology Bridging Course: Many educational institutions provide biology bridging courses that enable students to upgrade their grades from D to a level. Successful completion can qualify students for medical studies.
- Duration and Content: Typically spanning a few months, these courses cover essential biology topics along with assessments.
- Institutions: Several universities and colleges, throughout Kenya offer bridging courses, including the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is essential for offering skill-based education. These institutions provide a variety of courses tailored to students who may have grades in Biology.
Diploma and Certificate in Nursing.
- Summary: TVET institutions offer diploma and certificate programs in nursing that emphasize nursing skills and patient care.
- Institutions: Programs are available at institutions such as Nairobi Women’s Hospital College and various KMTC branches.
- Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles as enrolled nurses in hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities.
Pharmacy Technology.
- Summary: This course trains students to support pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations.
- Institutions: Many TVET colleges provide diploma and certificate courses in pharmacy technology.
- Career Paths: Job prospects include positions in community pharmacies, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.
Clinical. Surgery.
- Summary: A course that prepares students with the skills needed for clinical procedures and assisting in medical practice.
- Institutions: Programs are offered at KMTC and other medical training colleges.
- Career Options: Graduates can pursue careers as clinical officers, medical assistants, or other supporting roles in the field.
Courses to Avoid: Applied Biology
Most TVET institutions do offer students to pursue courses such as Applied Biology, but with a weak grade in KCSE in Biology, I would highly recommend students to avoid this course by all means. The assumption here is that while you might have been good in other subjects, not having a stellar grasp in Biology can prove challenging pursuing a course in the same field. Additionally, Applied Biology is not really a field within the healthcare industry, therefore you might not get a job to work in a hospital for example, but you might get decent jobs in laboratories and even in learning institutions.
Final Thoughts
The potential impact of selecting the program with a D grade in Biology necessitates thoughtful deliberation regarding available choices and career aspirations. While pursuing medicine may pose challenges, numerous alternative routes offer gratifying career prospects within the healthcare industry.
By exploring community health and healthcare administration alongside other technical vocational education and training (TVET) programs, students can discover fulfilling positions in the sector. Additionally bridging courses present a chance to enhance grades and gain entry to advanced disciplines, especially if you have stellar grades in other subjects. Ultimately perseverance and an openness to exploring avenues can pave the way for a prosperous and meaningful career in healthcare.