NEW ACCELERATED PROFESSIONAL CONVERSION PROGRAMME IN PHYSIOTHERAPY

          The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) are expanding the Healthcare Professional Conversion Programmes (PCPs) with the introduction of a new degree-entry accelerated PCP at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).

2.        This is in line with the strategies under the Healthcare Industry Transformation Map (ITM), to build a strong local core in healthcare by providing multiple pathways for mid-career Singaporeans to join this growing sector.

3.        The Healthcare PCPs are jointly offered by MOH and WSG in partnership with various training partners to provide training pathways for mid-career locals to acquire the relevant training to join the healthcare sector. Healthcare PCPs are available for mid-career locals to be trained in these healthcare professions:
        - Enrolled Nurse (EN);
        - Registered Nurse (RN);
        - Physiotherapist (PT);
        - Occupational Therapist (OT); and
        - Diagnostic Radiographer (DR).

4.        Since 2003, close to 1,500 mid-career locals have participated in the Healthcare PCPs, of whom around 1,200 were in Nursing and close to 300 were in Allied Health Professions (AHPs).

5.        The new Professional Conversion Programme for Physiotherapists (Accelerated) (PCP-PT (Acc)) is targeted at mid-career locals with a prior degree qualification in a science-related field. It provides this group of individuals with an additional pathway to pursue a mid-career switch into physiotherapy. The accelerated Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physiotherapy programme will be offered by SIT starting from September 2019, which is available to mid-career switchers under the PCP. With a programme duration of less than three years, this allows the trainees to complete their training in a shorter period of time compared to the current four-year PCP-PT which is also offered by SIT. Course fees will be fully sponsored and trainees will receive training allowances throughout the duration of training. This new programme underscores MOH and WSG’s committment to provide additional pathways for mid-careerists hoping to make a switch into a meaningful career in healthcare, which is a growing sector.

6.        Speaking at the Career Preview for Allied Health Professions at SIT, Senior Minister of State for Health Dr Amy Khor said, “The allied health profession is very important to our healthcare workforce, especially as we face an ageing population and rising incidence of chronic diseases. Physiotherapists play an important role in ensuring care transitions for patients and help patients achieve a better quality of life through rehabilitation. The introduction of the accelerated Professional Conversion Programme for Physiotherapists comes at an opportune time for mid-career Singaporeans to join the healthcare sector. The shorter training duration of less than three years could also make it more attractive for mid-career switchers who are thinking of joining the profession, to take up the course.”

7.        Mr Tan Choon Shian, WSG’s Chief Executive said, “The launch of the PCP-PT (Acc) today is our latest effort to strengthen our support for more mid-career locals to tap on job opportunities in healthcare and fulfil their career aspirations. We will continue to work with MOH and our training partners to develop and tailor innovative solutions to meet the manpower needs of the healthcare sector."

8.        Applications for the PCP for Allied Health Professions is now open until 19 March 2019. Mid-career locals who are keen to join the healthcare sector as allied health professionals can visit WSG’s PCP website at (http://www.wsg.gov.sg/programmes-and-initiatives/professional-conversion-programmes.html) to find out more or to apply for the programme.

ANNEX A - Accelerated PCP-PT   

MINISTRY OF HEALTH and WORKFORCE SINGAPORE