18/12/2019
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FNU’s Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences programme gains international accreditation
In a historic achievement, the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences’ (CMNHS) Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (BMLS) programme has gained international accreditation by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).
Announcing the accreditation, AIMS Chief Executive, Michael Nolan, said: “on behalf of the AIMS Board, please accept my congratulations on the accreditation of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science programme offered by Fiji National University”.
“The AIMS Board endorsed the recommendations of the panel that the BMLS programme be accredited for two years from 1 January 2020 until 31 December 2021 subject to the listed conditions being met within the specified time.”
At the end of this period, the programme will be reviewed to determine if accreditation will be extended for a further two years.
“As part of the accreditation, the programme is now entitled to include the AIMS logo and the words “This programme has been accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists” on all documents and correspondence,” Nolan commented.
The AIMS Board, has also offered FNU the following:
Free student membership of AIMS for students enrolled in the AIMS accredited programme.
There are many advantages to student membership, including access to a range of ‘members-only’ educational material on the AIMS website.
Awards (prizes) for the top students in the programme. The university is offered up to four AIMS awards for top students in the professional subjects of the accredited programme while the programme remains accredited.
University Complimentary Corporate Membership of AIMS while the programme remains accredited. Corporate membership benefits include recognition on the AIMS website, discounted event registration rates for two representatives, and the opportunity to be part of a strong voice for medical science.
“Another advantage of AIMS accreditation relates to graduates wishing to apply to migrate to Australia as a Medical Laboratory Scientist under the General Skilled Migration visa categories.”
“AIMS has been specified by the Australian Government as the assessing authority for people seeking immigration to Australia for the occupation of Medical Laboratory Scientist ANZSCO 234611,” Nolan stated through the accreditation letter.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Healy said the international recognition is timely as the new University Council is committed to establishing FNU as the premier university in the region.
“As part of this overarching strategic goal, we are seeking international accreditation and/or recognition for our academic programmes, to ensure that our curriculum is meeting world-class standards,” said Prof Healey.
“This landmark accreditation of our BMLS programme by the AIMS is the latest reaffirmation that we are on track with this drive for academic excellence,” the VC added.
The Head of Department Pathology and Medical Laboratory Sciences at CMNHS, Taina Naivalu, acknowledged the efforts of programme coordinator, Dr Aruna Devi and the entire BMLS team for their commitment towards gaining this accreditation.
“Rigorous discussions around this accreditation started in 2017 and the entire team with the support of the College Dean, Dr William May, has worked hard to achieve this milestone for CMNHS,” she said.
Dr May said the international certification is one of the major highlights of the CMNHS achievements for this year.
“This accreditation regurgitates the high quality of programmes delivered at the College, where we place importance in providing our students with industry-relevant, up-to-date and international level qualifications in line with the University’s strategic objectives.”
“It also reaffirms the diligence of our staff who are equipped to deliver internationally recognised programmes to students from Fiji and the region.”
