Healthcare Transformation in the Post-Pandemic Era
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a monumental shift in the healthcare landscape. It has exposed the weaknesses of healthcare systems worldwide and highlighted the need for transformation. To meet the healthcare demands of their communities in the post-pandemic age, healthcare professionals must concentrate on modernizing the systems. This transformation will entail a shift in emphasis from a reactive to a proactive strategy, increased use of technology, enhanced patient-provider communication, and more collaboration amongst healthcare institutions to allow resource and information sharing.
Impact of the Pandemic on Healthcare Transformation
The pandemic has had a strong impact on healthcare transformation across the globe. This is not only with respect to lifestyle changes but also educational choices. The shift to virtual care has accelerated dramatically, with telemedicine visits more than doubling in 2020 compared to the previous year. This change has increased patient accessibility while lowering the danger of viral exposure for healthcare personnel. The epidemic has also highlighted flaws in many countries' current healthcare systems. For instance, several nations have had difficulty ensuring enough access to care, which has resulted in treatment backlogs and overworked medical personnel. Finally, the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of digital health technologies. Technologies like remote monitoring, AI-driven analytics, and predictive analytics are being deployed to enhance healthcare delivery and offer more individualized treatment. This shift is enabling healthcare providers to better manage conditions and improve outcomes. Overall, the pandemic has dramatically impacted healthcare transformation and highlighted the need for improved digital health.
Challenges of Healthcare Transformation in the Post-Pandemic Era
To effectively address the challenges of the transformation, we must undertake healthcare transformation in the post-pandemic era. Let’s look at some challenges:1. The need to invest in the infrastructure of healthcare services
The epidemic, which has resulted in a shortage of supplies, employees, and equipment, has overburdened healthcare institutions. New institutions must be created to ensure that healthcare continues providing the best care. Plus, the existing ones need to be enlarged, and new technology needs to be incorporated into healthcare.2. The need to improve workforce preparedness
A second challenge is the need to improve workforce preparedness. Healthcare professionals had to adapt quickly to new standards and procedures during the epidemic. To reduce medical errors and provide high-quality treatment, it is essential to increase staff training and knowledge. The staff of healthcare organizations must be prepared to handle the adjustments and expectations of the post-pandemic environment. 3. Focus on patient-centered care and public health Healthcare systems must work harder to address socioeconomic factors affecting health and provide fair access to care, considering the epidemic. The ability to offer mental and emotional support to individuals who the virus or other ailments have afflicted is another requirement for healthcare professionals.
Solutions for Healthcare Transformation
1. Use Tech
By facilitating rapid access to medical data, enhancing provider collaboration and communication, and reducing administrative procedures, technology has the potential to change healthcare. It will be easy for patients to access better treatment at a reduced cost. It also improves outcomes with the use of mobile health apps and several other digital health options.2. Enhance Treatment Adherence
Improving patient outcomes and lowering healthcare costs require effective care coordination. Healthcare professionals may make sure that all stakeholders have access to the most recent medical information. They also help to co-ordinate treatment by building integrated care models that include primary care, specialists, and community-based providers.3. Boost Patient Involvement
Patients may become more active in their own care by increasing patient engagement and education. Healthcare practitioners should leverage technology, such as patient portals, to allow patients access to medical information and expedite healing.4. Deploy Quality Treatment
Value-based care models emphasize preventative care and patient education while delivering the correct care at the right time. Healthcare providers may improve patient outcomes and cut costs by switching to a value-based care model by removing pointless tests and treatments.Final Takeaways
The epidemic has demonstrated how effective, cost- and time-saving digital solutions can be used to enhance access to healthcare. Post-pandemic several students are opting for the bachelor of nursing, the MBBS course, the pharmacy degree, and even physiotherapy as a course to pursue. Healthcare businesses will embrace digital transformation in the post-pandemic period and create a more adaptable, connected, and secure healthcare system that is better equipped to handle the next health emergencies. Health organizations should use this opportunity to invest in technological solutions that can enhance patient engagement, improve data security, and drive a better overall healthcare experience.Examining the Lasting Impact of COVID-19 on the Nursing Workforce
The COVID-19 pandemic had an enormous impact on health and other sectors around the globe. This blog post will look at the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the nursing workforce, including the difficulties they confronted and the coping mechanisms they have used. Furthermore, several students are planning to start with a diploma in nursing; hence, this information will also be important to them. The article will go through the pandemic's probable long-term effects on the nursing field and how such changes could affect the field's future.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Nursing Workforce
The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the nursing workforce has also been tremendous. The nursing profession's general practitioners, clinical services, and support services are important to the healthcare system. With the increased burden of the pandemic, nurses have been put under immense strain. During the pandemic, nurses were working long hours, often without breaks, to ensure they could meet the growing demand for services. Since they lacked personal protective equipment, nurses were more likely to contract the illness. For nurses, this had resulted in high stress, worry, and burnout levels. As a result, some hospitals were understaffed and unable to provide for patients' fundamental requirements. However, post the pandemic, the situation has resulted in more vacancies for these noble services. Hence, more and more students are considering pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing.
Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on the Nursing Workforce
The long-term effects of the pandemic on the nursing workforce are wide-ranging. The pandemic had left many nurses feeling overwhelmed, underpaid, and unsupported, resulting in an increased risk of burnout and turnover. The physical and emotional toll of caring for patients with COVID-19 has taken a significant toll on nurses, as has the lack of resources available to them. This shortage has increased the workload for those remaining, leading to increased stress and fatigue. Nurses' mental health has suffered as a result of the pandemic. PTSD and weariness are common reactions to these events. The lack of resources, assistance, and support from patients and employers leads to negative impacts. Now more than ever, the need to have professionally trained nurses to support the shortage in staff is being felt. If the current shortage is not controlled, it could lead to a long-term shortage of nurses. This could also further compound the existing challenges. Overall, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nursing workforce are likely to be rather pressing. However, there are ways to overcome this through staffing of additional sources. Hence we see more students being keen to explore this profession from a long-term perspective. Also, it's a field that will always be in demand in the future.
Solutions to Maintain and Improve the Nursing Workforce
Here are some solutions to help maintain and improve the nursing workforce.1. Better salary options
Increasing wages and offering better benefits can help attract more qualified nurses and encourage current nurses to stay in the profession. This can also boost the number of students with a diploma in nursing.2. Improve work conditions
Working conditions can be a major factor in a nurse's decision to stay in the profession. Improving work conditions, such as by providing better support systems, can help to make the job more appealing and reduce turnover. 3. Improve your recruitment and retention There is a scarcity of nurses, making it challenging to find candidates. Increasing recruitment efforts, such as attending job fairs and using social media, can help attract qualified nurses.4. Offer flexible schedules
Many nurses have to work long hours, often leading to burnout. A flexible schedule, such as part-time or shift work, can prevent burnout and make a job more appealing. Implementing these solutions makes it possible to maintain and improve the nursing workforce.All in All
Nursing is a fulfilling and satisfying profession because it provides opportunities to help people heal and improve their quality of life. It is a rewarding profession that offers a sense of purpose and fulfilment by improving the lives of others. COVID-19 has significantly impacted the nursing workforce, and this influence will certainly last for years to come. The good news is that the epidemic has raised attention to the value of nursing personnel as well as the need for more funding and support for nurses. Additionally, the demand for a Bachelor of Nursing as a course of study for a professional qualification as a nurse has also significantly increased.Building a Successful Career in Finance: Exploring the Diversity of the Field
Every corner of society needs financial resources and therefore financial operations. Finance professionals or qualified professionals with a degree or diploma in finance, are the most needed personnel for smooth operations. The overall employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, as compared to the average of all occupations. This increase is expected to result in about 715,100 new jobs over the next decade, as published on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website. This means that someone in the finance industry or a professional with a bachelor's degree in finance can get many opportunities, not only in the banking sector but in all industries. There are many career options in finance, ranging from entry-level analyst positions, accountants, and consultants to insurance sales officers and all the way up to chief financial officers. The career choice depends on one’s own interests, skills and qualifications, like a diploma or bachelor in finance. Popular career paths in finance, which offer a wide range of exposures and lucrative packages, are:
1. Investment Banking
This pertains to certain activities of a financial services company or a corporate division that consist of advisory-based financial transactions on behalf of individuals, corporations, and governments. Investment banking also involves advising companies on mergers and acquisitions, underwriting and selling securities, and managing corporate finances.2. Financial Planning and Analysis
Financial professionals analyze financial data to help businesses make better decisions about all functions, like people management by way of salaries and bonuses, the marketing team with incentive payouts, the production team for exceeding their targets, and more. Analysis of the current year's data compared to the previous year and projected projections form the basis for budgeting for the coming year.
3. Commercial Banking
The commercial banking sector provides a range of services to its customers such as loans, certificates of deposit, savings accounts, overdrafts, etc. Commercial banks accept deposits from the public and make loans for consumption purposes (home loans, personal loans, education loans, etc.) and investments to earn profits. They provide financial services to individuals and businesses, such as lending and investment advice.4. Risk Management
Those who work on risk management are responsible for determining the potential risk of a person applying for insurance or a loan and then deciding whether that person can be approved based on the risk assessment. Basic risk management includes identifying and assessing financial risks and developing strategies to mitigate them. Five strategic and basic essentials of risk management are:- Avoidance
- Retention
- Spreading
- Loss Prevention and Reduction
- Transfer (through Insurance and Contracts)
5. Accounting and Auditing
The senior accounting professional plays a vital role in analyzing the financial data and preparing balance sheets or other sensitive financial statements for their companies. This process is often followed by auditing by the appointed company auditors. Auditing is otherwise known as on-site verification activity to ensure compliance with requirements.6. Asset Management
The practice of increasing wealth over a period of time by acquiring, maintaining and trading investments that can grow in value and make the assets more valuable. Asset managers aim to maximize the company’s ROI (Return on Investment) and manage all dealings with regard to property, money, stocks, shares, bonds, commodities, equities and any other financial products of the company. They are responsible for managing investments for individuals or institutions, including mutual funds or pension funds.7. Financial Consulting
Providing financial advice and expertise to clients on a range of issues such as systematic investments, advance taxes, GST, pension funds, and retirement planning. Finance consulting services help capitalize on opportunities to drive profitable growth as well as transformative change.
8. Insurance
With an aim to provide security or insurance coverage to individuals, businesses, or government agencies, the insurance sector offers a wide range of employment opportunities for finance graduates. A career in insurance can enable companies and individuals to identify potential risks and avoid financial losses. Insurance positions include sales representatives, claims adjusters, agents, customer service representatives, and risk consultants. Many insurance jobs are with large businesses, but one can also find them in smaller firms. Top finance industries where one can research and explore different career paths to start at an entry level and climb up the ladder to reach a C-Level Finance Official. The most common and top industries are:- Banking Insurance
- Investment Banking
- Personal Financial Planning
- Corporate and Public Finance
Conclusion
Finance professionals often have a variety of skills. These may be specific to finance or a combination of personality traits that help them perform their job. Depending on qualifications and experience in the field, there are finance careers in the private, corporate, or public sectors. To find out more about popular courses such as the Bachelor in Finance, the Diploma in Finance, and the Bachelor of Accounting and Finance and their career paths, please schedule an appointment with our helpful counsellors for a full counselling session and a campus visit.AIMST UNIVERSITY OPEN DAY
Should I Study Nursing?
Studying nursing is a wise choice for anyone seeking a satisfying and rewarding career with opportunities for growth and advancement. When we look at nursing education, there are two important options to consider: a diploma in nursing and a Bachelor of Nursing degree. A diploma in nursing is a shorter program. It focuses on the essential skills and knowledge needed for basic patient care. Students in a diploma program will receive hands-on, practical training and learn how to take vital signs, administer medicine, and perform other basic medical procedures. On the other hand, the Bachelor of Nursing degree is a more comprehensive program that takes about four years to complete. In addition to learning the essential skills of patient care, students in this program also study the theoretical foundations of nursing, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and nursing ethics. In this post, we will look at the top reasons why one should consider studying nursing.
1. Job Security
The most compelling reason to study nursing is the increased demand for nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurse employment will grow 9% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than the normal rate for all occupations. This means that nursing graduates can anticipate finding job opportunities in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, conventions, nursing homes, and home health agencies. With job security being a major concern for numerous people, studying nursing can give them peace of mind and financial stability.2. Opportunities
Opportunities for career advancement: Nursing offers a wide range of opportunities for career advancement. As a registered nurse, specialization can be done in a particular area of healthcare, similar to pediatrics, oncology, or critical care. You can also pursue advanced degrees in nursing, similar to a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Practice, which can lead to leadership positions and advanced hiring.
3. Bringing Changes in People's Lives
As a nurse, you can impact people's lives positively every day. Nurses are pivotal in patient care, including providing emotional support. You can help patients recover from ailments, manage habitual conditions, and improve their overall quality of recovery. The satisfaction that one gets from helping others is the most satisfying aspect of a career in nursing.4. Flexibility
Nurses can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, community health centres, and even in patients' homes. This flexibility allows nurses to choose a work environment that suits their personal preferences and career goals. You can work in fast-paced emergency rooms, provide preventative care in community health clinics, or care for patients in their own homes. This variety keeps the job interesting and challenging, ensuring that every day is unique.5. Competitive Salaries
Nursing is a well-paying career with competitive salaries and benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses in the United States was $75,330 in 2020. Furthermore, a lot of companies provide various advantages to their employees, including medical insurance, pension schemes, and remunerated leaves. With nursing salaries typically increasing with experience and education, your earnings will grow as your career progresses.
6. Professional and Personal Growth
Studying nursing can offer significant opportunities for personal and professional growth. As a nurse, you will develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. You will learn to work as part of a healthcare team, collaborate with other professionals, and provide leadership in patient care. These skills are valuable in nursing and many other professions and aspects of life. Additionally, the personal satisfaction that comes from helping others and positively impacting people's lives can be incredibly fulfilling and contribute to personal growth and well-being.Final Takeaways
Studying nursing is a wise choice for anyone seeking a challenging and rewarding career with opportunities for growth and advancement. With a high demand for nurses, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a positive impact on people's lives, nursing is a profession that offers both job security and personal fulfilment. Additionally, the flexibility of working in a variety of settings, the opportunity for lifelong learning, and the potential for working abroad make nursing an exciting and dynamic field. If you are looking for a career that offers stability, personal satisfaction, and the opportunity for professional growth, then studying nursing is definitely worth considering.Dentistry or Medicine: Which Course/Career Should I Choose?
Choosing a career in healthcare is an exciting and rewarding decision, but it can also be overwhelming when deciding which path to pursue. Two popular options are dentistry and medicine. While both fields share some similarities, there are also distinct differences to consider. This post will discuss the factors to consider when choosing between dentistry and medicine as a career path.
1. Education
Becoming a dentist requires completing a four-year dental program while becoming a physician requires completing a four-year medical program, a bachelor of medicine degree, or a bachelor of dental technology degree, followed by several years of residency training. If you are interested in a more technical aspect of dentistry, consider pursuing a degree in dental technology. Dentists focus on oral health and are trained in diagnosing and treating problems in the teeth, gums, and mouth. They are also trained to perform tooth extractions, root canals, and gum surgeries. On the other hand, physicians are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, from broken bones to chronic illnesses. They are also trained to perform procedures such as surgeries and prescribe medications. If you are considering studying medicine, Malaysia offers a range of universities with world-class medical programs. In Malaysia, you can pursue a bachelor in medicine degree, which typically takes five years to complete. The study of medicine in Malaysia provides comprehensive training in medical science and is designed to prepare graduates for the medical profession.2. Work Environment
Dentists and physicians work in different environments. Dentists typically work in private practices, clinics, or hospitals, while physicians can work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. There is the potential for long hours and being on-call in both fields.3. Job Outlook
Both dentistry and medicine are growing fields, but the job outlook varies. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dentists is projected to grow by 3 percent from 2020 to 2030, while employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow by 4 percent. While the difference in job outlook may seem small, it is important to consider the job market in your local area.
4. Salary
Salaries for dentists and physicians also differ. According to the same data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly salary for dentists was $158,120 in May 2020, while the median annual salary for physicians and surgeons was $208,000.5. Patient Interaction
Both dentists and physicians interact with patients, but the nature of the interaction differs. Dentists often have a more personal relationship with their patients, as they see them regularly for routine checkups and cleanings. In contrast, physicians may have less frequent interactions with their patients, as they are often treating acute or chronic conditions.6. Lifestyle
The lifestyles of a dentist and physician can also differ. Dentists often have more control over their schedules, which can lead to a better work-life balance. On the other hand, physicians may have more demanding programs and may be required to be on-call. If you are considering a career in dentistry, it's essential to note that the field is constantly evolving. Technology and research advances are continually changing how dental professionals approach patient care. In recent years, digital dentistry has become increasingly popular, with the use of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology revolutionizing the way dental prostheses are created. As a dental professional, staying up to date with the latest trends and technologies is essential to provide the best possible care to your patients. Similarly, the medical field is undergoing rapid change, with new treatments and diagnostic methods emerging every day. Medical professionals must stay informed and up to date on the latest developments in their respective fields to provide the best possible care to their patients. Pursuing a career in medicine requires a passion for patient care and a dedication to lifelong learning.
7. Passion
Finally, it's important to consider what field you are most passionate about. Dentistry and medicine are rewarding careers, but they require different skills and interests. Dentistry may be a better fit if you are passionate about oral health and enjoy working with your hands. Medicine is a better fit if you are passionate about diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions.All in All
In conclusion, both dentistry and medicine are rewarding careers with distinct differences. The decision on which career path to pursue ultimately depends on individual interests, skills, and goals. It's essential to comprehensively consider all factors and conduct proper research before deciding. Regardless of which path is chosen, a career in healthcare can provide a fulfilling and impactful career.Biomedical Science vs. Biotechnology: What are the Differences?
We have heard the terms Biomedical Science and Biotechnology several times and think they both mean the same. But that is not the case To understand their differences, we need to understand biomedical science and biotechnology in detail. Both terms are related to the study of the science of life, but both focus on different aspects.
An Overview: What are Biomedical Science and Biotechnology
Biomedical Science studies the human body and is all about the “what,” “why,” and “how” parts of things. It studies the human body to know how diseases and drugs affect the human body. Biomedical Science is all about researching different diseases like cancer, diabetes, aging, etc. This research contributes to making new drugs, therapies, or treatments. Biomedical Science studies the human body, its organs, cells, and system function in detail. By studying the human body, science wants to understand the effects of diseases or drugs on the human body. This branch of science is research-based and revolves around lab tests. The outcome is focused on the improvement and development of medical knowledge. Biomedicine helps one understand the fundamental workings of disease and how one can break down those workings to find the basis of it all. Biomedical Science studies the structure of the human body and how drugs affect it. It also studies the effects of chemical processes on living organisms. Now when we talk about Biotechnology, which is all about fixing a problem, it is more about “what can be done to fix a problem.” Biotechnology uses living organisms for the development of new products like seedless watermelons, bio-detergent, and biodegradable plastics. Biotechnology utilizes biological systems to alter the health of human beings or their environments. The advancement of biotechnology is to find ways to tackle severe diseases, create sustainable products to lessen environmental footprints, and conserve energy. Biotechnology is all about improving the quality of life. It is a branch of science that has gained a lot of popularity over the years. A most current example of biotechnology was the vaccines produced during COVID-19.
Academic Requirements for Enrolment
To pursue a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, the applicant must have had Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as their main subjects in high school. The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences if applying for the postgraduate program. The Eligibility Criteria for a Bachelor of Biotechnology is that the applicant must have an 80 percent score in their high school board with subjects being Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics. For postgraduation, the applicant must have Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology. For Biomedical, students need to understand Mathematics and Physics well. For a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, students need to understand Biology and chemistry well.Subjects covered in Biomedical and Biotechnology
In Biomedical Science Degree, students are expected to cover Pharmacology, biochemistry, Genetics, Physiology, pathology, cell Biology, Microbiology, and more. The subjects are not limited to only these. Subjects covered in Biotechnology are Cell Biology, Animal Biotechnology, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Crop Biotechnology, and Biostatistics. Biomedical Science and Biotechnology are different branches of Bioscience, so some of the subjects are going to be the same as well.Career Paths After Completion
Now, if students need clarification about which field to pursue, both fields provide different career paths. The prospects of Biomedical students are mainly in the research area of the medical and healthcare field. By pursuing a Biomedical Science Degree, one can become a Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Scientist, Forensic Scientist, or Drug Developer. On the other hand, Biotechnology opens different career paths, because it is such a vast field. With Biotechnology, one can become Epidemiologist, Food Scientist and Technologist, Environmental Biotechnologist, and Biomedical engineer.
In a Nutshell
There are so many differences between Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, even though they are both parts of Bioscience. It is possible to pursue both fields of study abroad as well. Having said that, the possibilities are endless in both fields.
Students can even combine some of their knowledge to have an expected outcome. There is no comparison between Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, even though they have branched out from Bioscience.
With so many life forms to study, it is vital to divide them, making it easier for students to decide which path is best for them.
Biomedical and Biotechnology are used together to mean the same thing, but they are very different in some ways and similar in others. The differences are vital in understanding the various implications and knowledge areas of the fields.ACCA vs. Accounting Degree: Which Course Should You Take
ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. ACCA is not an academic degree but a professional accounting qualification that is awarded by an international body. Unlike other finance courses, this one does not qualify as a degree. A Bachelor of Accounting and Finance is a degree in accounting awarded by a university. Accounting is like any other undergraduate degree that prepares a student for their chosen field. An accounting degree is more appropriate for people who have a business bent of mind and are curious to explore accounting details. When it comes to ACCA, it focuses mainly on the principles and technical aspects of accounting, which will help a professional. The individual will acquire deep knowledge of accounting.
The Difference in the Study Program
An accounting degree or a bachelor in Finance is designed to give a complete experience with the help of core and elective subjects. It is also paired with research work and assignments. Core subjects consist of Financial Accounting, Auditing, and Taxation. The electives cover subjects like business management, entrepreneurship, and others. Additionally, there will also be assignments and a thesis. This makes the experience of acquiring a degree more wholesome. ACCA only concentrates on the technical areas related to accounting. It will provide more specialized knowledge about the subject. The syllabus contains accounting techniques and calculations in great depth. The knowledge is much more detailed compared to a degree program on a professional level.Duration for Completion
An accounting degree is usually studied over three years. So, the difficulty is also in a distributive format over three years. The degree is also not completely exam-based. ACCA is challenging as it combines two levels into one. Both bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees are combined in one course. A lot is expected to be done and understood in a short period of time. It takes 4-5 years to complete the degree after the SPM level. ACCA requires three years to complete after the completion of SPM.
Which One is More Difficult?
In a degree course, there are going to be lots of assignments, group work, and tests, including final exams. One needs to be consistent with the study and needs to manage time in a way that the focus is not altered. ACCA has been considered difficult. The fundamental and professional levels are highly different. The course material becomes difficult to keep up with as one starts to go from one to the other. In short, ACCA demands a lot in very little time.The cost of the ACCA and the Accounting Degree
The cost of the three-year degree program is higher than the cost of ACCA. For ACCA, one doesn’t need to attend any college or private tuition center, which automatically lowers the cost of ACCA.The Faster One to Complete
ACCA is considered the fastest way to accomplish what one has set out to do. One can opt for CAT (Certified Accounting Technician) entrance after completing SPM. ACCA can be completed in less than three years if one can pass all the papers. To pursue an accounting degree, one has to be pre-university qualified, which takes 1-2 years. After that, there is a 3-year degree to finish. It can only be finished after that duration.
Job Prospects
An accounting degree from a recognized university is more recognized because it has international accreditation and partnership arrangements. If one wants to keep their options open outside of accounting as well, an accounting degree is the way to go. The degree program also gives exposure to real estate, media and marketing, and market research. ACCA equips people with professional accounting skills, making it easier to explore the accounting world. Many big organizations like the Big Four want their employees to have professional qualifications like the ACCA. The ACCA can be done after the accounting degree as well. Many organizations want their employees to pursue professional courses and even pay for the same. An accounting degree also offers exemptions from some ACCA papers.Conclusion
It’s safe to say that one cannot determine which is better than the other. Both have their pros and cons. Both the degree and the ACCA will help them explore the world of accounting. Many criteria, like time, cost, and prospects for the future, will become deciding factors for any individual. Another factor is whether the candidate aims for a faster route to join the big organizations.Five strategies to boost entrepreneurial behaviour
With their business acumen and innovative products, entrepreneurs add value to people's welfare through job creation and enjoyment of life. Hence, the role of government, the private sector, GLCs, and society is vital in assisting aspiring entrepreneurs. The Vice-Chancellor of AIMST University, Professor Datuk Dr. John Antony Xavier, has enlisted strategies to boost entrepreneurial behaviour in an article titled 'Five strategies to boost entrepreneurial behavior.' The article got featured in the columnist section of NST on 27 February 2023. Click here to read
Governance, Innovation and Digitalisation
Governance, economic transformation and digitalisation of the Malaysian economy are three areas for transformation that are required in fundamental restructuring for economic resilience. Read more about it in an article titled, ‘Governance, innovation and digitalisation’ by the Vice-Chancellor of AIMST University, Professor Datuk Dr. John Antony Xavier. The article got featured in the columnist section of NST on 15 February 2023: The fear of a recession in advanced economies is fast fading. After big interest rate hikes, inflation is climbing down. A recovering world has helped stabilise our ringgit and propped up our competitiveness. The better news, of course, is China's resurgent economy. The lifting of its zero-Covid policy has restored fractured supply chains, auguring well for the world economy. Research at the American Federal Reserve suggests that a one per cent expansion of China's gross domestic product (GDP) will increase global growth by about 0.25 per cent. With China's growth rate expected to rise by 2.5 per cent, we can witness a ripple effect on the global economic growth of roughly 0.6 per cent. Malaysia is an export-driven economy and China is our largest market. Accordingly, Malaysia can expect the spillover effect from China's buoyancy to lift our economic boat. However, that should not cloud us from a fundamental restructuring for economic resilience. Here are three areas for transformation. First is governance. In their 2012 book Why nations fail, Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson argue that the main determinant of prosperity is the strength of a country's institutions. That the United States and Europe are economically more advanced than Latin America is because the former have good institutions. The public sector represents one such institution. The speed and efficiency of the public sector determine the agility, cost-effectiveness and productivity of the private sector. The latter's competitiveness in turn contributes to national prosperity. We have made inroads to becoming business-friendly. The World Bank puts Malaysia at 12th in its global ease-of-doing-business ranking. This is commendable, but we have some distance to go to achieve the top spot or enter the top-10. This includes shortening the time to start a business (ranked 126th among 190 countries), paying taxes (80th) and improving the efficiency of the judiciary. For instance, it takes more than a year for contractual disputes to grind through the legal system. Our perceived level of public-sector corruption ranks 61st out of 180 countries, as surveyed by Transparency International. The "Madani Malaysia" or civil-society concept aspires to fight corruption and foster trust in public institutions. The second economic transformation is improving the competitiveness of companies through investment in research and development (R&D). Increased R&D leads to greater innovation and high-technology adoption. The richest countries owe their wealth creation to innovation. Take the US, Switzerland, South Korea and the Scandinavian countries. They spend as much as four per cent of their GDP on R&D. If we want a vibrant economy, we need to quadruple our R&D expenditure from the current one per cent of GDP. Third is the digitalisation of the economy. The 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) focuses on digitalisation of the public sector and small firms to catalyse growth. These efforts require high-performance networks across the country and integration of the fragmented databases across the three levels of government: federal, state and local. At 38th in the world, Malaysia lags world leaders such as South Korea, Japan and the Scandinavian countries in electronic government, Internet quality, digital infrastructure and cyber security. Specifically, Malaysia ranked 45th in the world for mobile Internet speeds and 36th for fixed broadband speeds in December 2022. As 98 per cent of our businesses are SMEs, we need to increase digital use among them as only 45 per cent do it now. Recently, I went to Australia. I did not use any hard currency as all transactions were digital. While travelling in South Korea some years ago, I marvelled at the massive Internet coverage there in buses, boats and at rest stops. Strengthening institutions, increasing spending on research and the digitalisation of processes are long-term measures to put the country on a sturdier footing. These policy options are well known. The crux is implementation.
What you can do to get a good night’s rest
What you can do to get a good night's rest? Get the answers by reading an opinion piece by Senior Associate Professor Dr. Jayita Poduval from the Faculty of Medicine. The article got featured in the NST's letters to the editor column on 29 January 2023. Click to read
Why are Men Important in Nursing?
Nursing forms an integral part of the healthcare sector. However, it is also one of the areas that lacks gender diversity. When individuals complete a diploma in nursing or a bachelor of nursing, they are deemed qualified to become nurses and join the healthcare field. Irrespective of the right educational guidance, the nursing field lacks gender equality.
Need for Gender Equality in the Medical Field
Gender equality must be of paramount importance in a specific field and in all fields. It is even more important in the medical field to ensure that all patients receive the highest quality of care possible. Lack of gender diversity in the medical field may lead to overlooking certain perspectives and experiences. This could lead to a lack of understanding of the problem and a lack of sensitivity toward certain patients. Research has shown that a more diverse workforce can improve patient treatment options. Gender equality in the medical field can help break stereotypes and biases, leading to more inclusive and equitable healthcare systems for one and all. If innovation in healthcare is to be promoted, there is a need to ensure that all genders are properly represented in various leadership roles and decision-making processes. According to a recent study by the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, the demand and job openings for nurses are expected to go up by 7% from 2019 to 2029. Over the years, male nurses have become commonplace within the medical field. While gender equality has helped women break through barriers, even men benefit since they can explore fields they otherwise wouldn’t. Having a mix of men and women in the workforce, especially among nurses, can help patients get better care. Men bring a different perspective and approach that can lead to more effective treatment. A diverse workforce also helps with better understanding and sensitivity toward patients of all genders. Men have traditionally been underrepresented in the medical field of nursing, and women make up most of the workforce. However, this article will analyze why men are important in the nursing field.
Reasons Why Men are Important in Nursing
1. They Act as Role Models
Men in nursing serve as role models for young boys and men considering a career in healthcare. This helps break stereotypes that nursing is considered a "woman’s job” and encourages more men to take this up as a career opportunity.2. They Can Help Address the Nursing Shortage
With an aging population and long-lived stereotypes, nursing has been facing shortages for a while now. This can be addressed when more men join the nursing field. Since the demand for healthcare services is increasing, the need for qualified nurses is also increasing. Male nurses can help fill this gap and ensure all patients get quality healthcare services.3. Men Introduce Diverse Skillsets
Men bring different perspectives and skill sets to the nursing field. They have different physical abilities, including greater upper body strength, which can be extremely beneficial in nursing. Men nurses can help in moving and lifting patients as well. Their different and unique ways of commnication can also make them more patient-friendly and help the medical field as a whole.4. They Create a More Inclusive and Equitable Healthcare System
Men in nursing can help to ensure a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. They can help break stereotypes and biases to ensure that patients of every gender get the same level of care and attention. They can also bring an unbiased perspective to the decision-making process and contribute to the advancement of the medical profession.
