School of Health Sciences

Questions & Answers

Dental Assistant program

1) What does a dental assistant do?

    The dental assistant is an integral part of the dental health team and typically assumes responsibility for infection control in the dental environment, works directly with the dentist assisting in the delivery of dental procedures and may also be asked to perform duties related to dental laboratory procedures and dental office administration.

2) What is an example of courses I would take in this program?

    Professional Ethics, Dental Materials, Dental Radiography and clinical courses.

3) Can Dental Assisting lead into Dental Hygiene? Or Dentistry?

    At present we do not offer a Dental Hygiene program. If you travel to other countries, such as Canada, it is possible to move from a Dental Assisting program into Dental Hygiene with some prior learning advantage. This varies from institution to institution. There is no direct link into dentistry from dental assisting.

4) How long is the program?

    The dental assistant program is two years in duration, but can be longer depending on how many pre-health science courses you need to prepare you for entry into the program.

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Environmental Health Technology Program

1. What is Environmental Health?

Environmental health is the discipline that "focuses on the health interrelationships between people and their environment, promotes human health and well-being, and fosters a safe and healthful environment."

2. What do Health Inspectors do?
Public health inspectors investigate, evaluate and deal with health-related complaints related to environmental factors. To ensure compliance with public health legislation and regulations, they inspect public and private facilities such as:

  • Food processing, preparation and service establishments
  • Waste management systems
  • Workplaces
  • Rental housing
  • Hotels, motels and other public accommodations
  • Schools
  • Child care facilities
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Animal facilities
  • Private and public water supplies
  • Swimming pools, whirlpools and water spray parks
  • Public beaches and recreational camps
  • Places of entertainment
  • Personal services facilities (for example, tattoo shops, hair salons, beauty salons)
  • Work camps
  • Other items may include:
    • Ambient and indoor air monitoring
    • Quality control/assurance
    • Tobacco control
    • Emergency preparedness
    • Land remediation and development issues

3. If I become a health inspector what type of working conditions can I expect?

Public health inspectors spend a significant portion of their time conducting inspections in a wide range of work settings. While in their offices, they prepare reports, set up schedules and answer questions from the public. They normally work alone but may consult with other health team members and health professionals.

Public health inspectors usually work regular office hours. However, overtime is sometimes required.

4. What type of personal characteristics makes a good health inspector?

Public health inspectors need the following characteristics:

  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Good written and oral communication skills
  • Good time management skills
  • Problem-solving and decision-making skills.

You should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for your work in analyzing information and dealing with people.

5. How long is the Environmental Health Technology program at the College of the North Atlantic-Qatar?

The College of the North Atlantic-Qatar has three streams of Environmental Health that differ in length. Also, the length of study depends on how many pre-health science courses you may need to take to prepare you for entry into the program.

  • Environmental Health (Public Health)
    • This is a three-year program.
    • The students graduating from this program will be able to work in all areas of Environmental Health including: Food Safety, Occupational Health and Safety, Infection Control, Communicable Disease Control, Non-Communicable Disease Control, Health Education and Promotion, Water Safety and Environmental Safety and Control.
  • Environmental Health (Food Safety and Inspection)
    • This is a two-year program.
    • The students graduating from this program will be able to work in the area of Food Safety.
  • Environmental Health (Occupational Health and Safety)
    • This is a two-year program.
    • The students graduating from this program will be able to work in the area of Occupational Health and Safety.
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Medical Radiography Program

1.  What does a Medical Radiographer do?

Radiographers use equipment that emits x-rays to produce images of a body part or system. Their work involves a broad variety of procedures and specialties such as mammography, angiography and fluoroscopy.

2. How long is the program?

This depends on the academic level of the student when admitted into the Medical Radiography Program. The program length will vary by one or two semesters depending on the number of preparatory courses that may be required.

3. How is the program designed?

The Medical Radiography program consists of three levels of study. Level 1 includes preparatory sciences, math and communication subjects. Level 2 consists of the core Medical Radiography subjects, including practical laboratory sessions. Level 3 concludes with 48 weeks of practical clinical training at Hamad Hospital and other affiliated sites.

4. What is the pass requirement?

The pass level for all Medical Radiography subjects is 60%.

6. What qualification will I receive after graduation?

Graduates of the Medical Radiography program will receive a Diploma in Medical Radiography.

7. What employment opportunities are there for graduates?

Graduates of the Medical Radiography program are considered highly trained and important members of the paramedical team. Radiographers are employed in hospitals and clinics where they operate highly sophisticated equipment and participate in all aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Medical Radiographers are also employed in research centres, educational institutions and large multinational medical corporations in areas such as sales, research and development, and equipment application.

8. Is continuing education/retraining being offered for registered radiographers?

The program is currently looking at the demand for this training and possibilities for continuing education programs. Please check back on this website for future developments.

9. Are post-graduate programs offered for radiographers?

Post-graduate programs in Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography may be offered in future. Please check on this website for program updates.

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Paramedicine

1. What does a graduate of the Paramedicine program do?

As a key member of the pre-hospital health care team, a graduate of this program will perform a wide variety of duties in the rendering of emergency medical care. Graduates are able to assess, treat, and transport patients to the hospital using a variety of medical equipment. Patient information must also be communicated accurately to other health care professionals in both verbal and written formats. Furthermore, graduates of this program will interact with a large number of other professionals in order to provide the best possible pre-hospital medical care.

2. What are some of the special considerations for applicants to this program?

Pre-hospital care providers do much more than respond to emergencies and treat patients. Students must care about the health and wellness of all individuals and communities within their jurisdiction. The wide range of roles and responsibilities involved in this work will require a similarly wide range of specialized skills such as the capacity to educate others and enjoy working with the public.

3. What are some career opportunities for graduates of the Paramedicine program?

Graduates tend to find themselves in jobs that are changing and adapting to current public needs. The Emergency Medical Services of Hamad Medical Corporation is the largest employer of Emergency Medical Technicians. However, opportunities also exist within industries such as the oil and gas companies. Paramedicine graduates may have the opportunity to advance to supervisory, training and administrative positions. They are often expected to complete a certain amount of time “on the job” before obtaining a supervisory status. It is also usually dependent upon the ability of the individual to work as a team leader. This program does include activities that will help individuals develop leadership capabilities.

4. What other related training or education can I do after graduation?

Graduates of this program may have the opportunity to continue their education at the degree level. Although still under review, it is likely that the graduate will transfer a portion of his or her college credits to a receiving university. Please consult with the receiving university regarding the credit transfer process.

Due to the continuous advancement and improvement of scientific and health-related procedures and best practices used by most pre-hospital care providers, skill sets must be continually upgraded to reflect the ever-changing technology and procedural expectations used by their respective employers. Many short courses are offered internationally for graduates of recognized health disciplines. In fact, some employers require that graduates continue professional development by taking continuing education courses and will sponsor the employee to do so. In order to remain current and effective, emergency care providers must commit to lifelong learning.

5. How will my learning and performance be assessed in the program?

Student assessments will include but not be limited to class assignments, lab work and reports, term tests, and final examinations. Student assessments may also include class participation and the student's overall attitude towards the course of studies. All graduates will also have to demonstrate the strength and techniques to safely lift and move patients in an emergency setting. Preparation and training will be provided to assist students in successfully achieving the required competencies.

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Pharmacy Technician program

1. What are some of the duties and /or skills I should be able to perform as a
graduate of the program?

A graduate of this program will be an entry-level practitioner, capable of working with other health professionals in a variety of pharmacy practice settings. The graduate will be able to assume a variety of roles in partnership with a pharmacist including patient education, health promotion, and inventory management consistent with national standards.

2. What are the job opportunities for graduates of the Pharmacy Technician program?

Graduates tend to find themselves in jobs as hospital pharmacy technicians in both the public and private sector. Other employment opportunities include pharmaceutical manufacturing and sales.

3. What  are the usual hours of work for graduates of the Pharmacy Technician program?

Most community pharmacies are open during normal business hours with a split shift. Hospital requirements for pharmacy services are seven days a week, with long operating hours. This would require a shift schedule to meet operational requirements

4. How is the salary determined for Pharmacy Technician graduates?

The college has no influence on the salary level for pharmacy technician graduates. This is determined by the employer on the basis of manpower requirements and market availability of qualified staff.

5. What opportunities for advancement are there after I graduate from the
program?

Career advancement is dependent on the work ethic and performance of the graduate. Employers do not offer automatic advancement without consideration of work performance.

6. What are some of the special considerations for applicants to this program?

Some tasks require the interaction with people in the capacity of caregiver. The pharmacy technician is often seen as the person who is able to prepare patient medications in the most efficient manner. The pharmacy technician is also able to contribute greatly to the efficiency of the pharmacist, and is required to interact with all members of the team in a positive way.

7. How could I discuss this program with an employee and/or employer in this field?

One should always take advantage of an opportunity to discuss the program with professionals in the field or associated field. The College also provides opportunities to discuss career choices with career counsellors, academic advisors, program coordinators, instructors, and others. You may also want to discuss the program with current students. At times, potential students can come to a pharmacy technician classroom for a day or two.

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Pre-Nursing program

1. What is the Pre-Nursing program?

The Pre-Nursing program is designed for people who intend to apply to a university Bachelor of Nursing program.  It prepares students academically to meet the entrance requirements for university, although students taking Pre-Nursing would also be prepared to pursue other Health Science programs at CNA-Q following completion of the program. The program offers EFL, Academics and Introduction to Nursing courses that develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.

2. Why take the Pre-Nursing program?

Globally there is a nursing shortage and Qatar is no exception. There are many opportunities for interesting careers in nursing in a variety of settings. There are also opportunities for sponsorship for both Qatari national and in some cases, expatriate students. The university nursing degree program is extremely challenging. Students who complete the Pre-Nursing program will be better prepared to be successful in the university program.

3. Will I be qualified for a specific job with a Pre-Nursing certificate?

The Pre-Nursing program is not designed to prepare you for any specific field of employment but rather it prepares you for further study in the health sciences.

4. Can I transfer my Pre-Nursing courses toward another diploma at CNA-Q?

Yes, the academics courses offered in the Pre-Nursing program will be transferable to most other health sciences diploma programs.

5. How long will the program take?

As with other programs, each student is assessed individually. The length of the program will depend on your EFL and Math requirements and whether you have any other transfer credits coming into the program.

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Respiratory Therapy Program

What is a Respiratory Therapist (RT)?

An RT is a highly trained and highly skilled professional working under a physician’s direction to care for a patient’s lungs. Respiratory Therapists are health care professionals who contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary disorders.

2. What does a Respiratory Therapist do?

  • Diagnose lung and breathing disorders and recommend treatment methods.
  • Interview patients and perform chest physical exams to determine what kind of therapy is best for the patient's condition.
  • Consult with physicians to recommend a change in therapy, based on your evaluation of the patient.
  • Analyze breathing, tissue and blood specimens to determine levels of oxygen and other gases.
  • Manage ventilators and artificial airway devices for patients who can’t breathe normally on their own.
  • Respond to Code Blue or other urgent calls for care.
  • Educate patients and families about lung disease so they can improve their recovery.  

3. Where do Respiratory Therapists work?

  • In hospitals, giving breathing treatments to people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
  • In intensive care units, managing ventilators that keep the critically ill alive.
  • In emergency rooms, delivering life-saving treatments.
  • In newborn and pediatric units, helping children with conditions ranging from premature birth to cystic fibrosis.
  • In operating rooms, working with anesthesiologists to monitor patients’ breathing during surgery.
  • In patients' homes, providing regular check-ups and making sure people have what they need to stay out of the hospital.
  • In sleep laboratories, helping to diagnose disorders like sleep apnea.
  • In skilled nursing facilities and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, helping older people breathe easier and improve their quality of life.
  • In physicians' offices, conducting pulmonary function tests and providing patient education.
  • In asthma education programs, helping children and adults learn how to cope with their pulmonary condition.
  • In smoking cessation programs, assisting those who want to stop smoking.  
  • In air transport and ambulance programs, rushing to rescue people in need of immediate medical attention.
  • In case management programs, helping devise long-term care plans for patients.

4. Are there any chances for career advancement?

Respiratory Therapists who enjoy managing other people find great career ladders in most settings, particularly in the hospital, which still employs the majority of therapists. RTs who excel on the job have no problem rising up the ranks from staff therapist, to shift supervisor, to department manager. There are even therapists who have ascended to the highest levels of hospital administration!

5. What are the hours of work?

Most RTs will be required to work shifts. At Hamad Medical Corporation, there are three shifts in a 24-hour day; 0600-1400, 1400-2200, and 2200-0600. Patients need 24-hour care! RTs generally work anywhere from 35 to 40 hours per week. Some areas of work, such as clinics, have regular working hours, such as 0700-1500, Sunday to Thursday.

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