Philippine E-Journals

A Tracer Study among Medical Technology Graduates of LPU-St. Cabrini School of Health Sceinces, Inc.

Leah F Quinto | Aura L. Posada

 

Abstract:

Graduate Tracer studies are essential for understanding the relevance and quality of programs offered by the universities as well as the labor market. Medical Technology graduates can work in all areas of the clinical laboratory and perform a full range of laboratory tests. LPU-SC Medical Technology graduates demonstrated good results in their employability performance in 2016. This research primarily monitors and assesses the LPU-SC Medical Technology graduates, which is relevant in program implementation and curriculum enhancement or revision. The study covered the first two graduate batches of Medical Technology program in Lyceum of the Philippines St. Cabrini, specifically its 2016 and 2017 graduates. Findings revealed that 91% reported that they were able to be hired within 1 year of graduation, a great majority (86%) of the graduates reported that they are working in the program they studied, and they are working in hospitals or diagnostic laboratories. The graduates also assessed the program favorably, with ratings between 3.4-3.6 out of 4.0. Predictors of employability, career success (based on current positions), and length of time before they got hired also showed that gender was given as an "important" predictor for status of employment. Moreover, on the soft skills learned from the program, some of the skills that were rated low are Negotiation skills (31.4%) and Creativity and Innovation (both at 45.3%), which are operationally important for any position. Leadership skills, such as Delegation (34.9%) and Mentoring (48.8%) also scored among the lowest in the skills list. The results suggest that the program need to be studied carefully for continuous improvement to give better chances for students to be hired immediately after - or even before graduation.