Future health technicians are trained with digital health technologies!

As digital transformation continues unabated in the healthcare sector, it is more important than ever for technical health personnel, who will be responsible for the delivery of health services, to be proficient in new technologies. 

Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal stated that the use of artificial intelligence applications in healthcare is rapidly increasing, saying, "AI-supported systems and health automation technologies do not eliminate the role of technical health personnel; on the contrary, they make their duties more qualified and strategic." Karasakal, who stated that they provide education with 38 programs, said, "Our main goal is to prepare our students not only for today's but also for the future's healthcare system."
 

Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal, Director of Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS), evaluated the educational efforts undertaken to train qualified health technicians needed by the digitalizing healthcare sector.

The main task is to bring qualified healthcare professionals to the sector

Emphasizing that Vocational Schools of Health Services are no longer merely institutions providing vocational knowledge, Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal said, "The main task of Vocational Schools of Health Services is to provide qualified healthcare professionals to the sector by teaching students today's healthcare practices and also preparing them for the digital health ecosystem of the future. As Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services, we attach importance to our students gaining practical experience with digital health technologies during their education."

Stating that students are introduced to current technologies not only in the classroom but also within the industry, Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal said, "Through seminars, symposiums, workshops, industry meetings, and technical trips organized throughout the year for our students, both in our applied courses and specifically for our programs, we offer them the opportunity to see the latest technologies in the healthcare sector on-site and meet with leading experts in the field. Thus, our graduates are prepared as professional health technicians who can effectively use technology, adapt to change, and meet the needs of the future in the rapidly digitalizing healthcare sector."

Artificial intelligence is not replacing healthcare professionals, but supporting them

Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal stated that the use of artificial intelligence applications in healthcare is rapidly increasing, saying, "AI-supported systems and health automation technologies do not eliminate the role of technical health personnel; on the contrary, they make their duties more qualified and strategic. Artificial intelligence should not be seen as a technology replacing healthcare professionals; rather, it should be regarded as a powerful assistant that supports decision-making processes and improves service quality."

Expressing that artificial intelligence is actively used in many healthcare services today, Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal said, "When we follow current processes today, artificial intelligence applications are used in many areas such as preliminary evaluation of radiological images, analysis of laboratory data, prediction of patient risks, real-time monitoring of intensive care patients, and clinical decision support systems."

However, emphasizing that technology alone is not sufficient, Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal stated, "For these systems to operate reliably, proper use of devices, verification of generated data, quality controls, and correct correlation of results with clinical processes make well-trained technical health personnel indispensable. Therefore, the need for health technicians graduating from Vocational Schools of Health Services is not decreasing; on the contrary, it is increasing day by day in parallel with technological developments."

Students are trained with many technologies, from electronic health records to smart devices

Stating that theoretical knowledge is supported by practice at VSHS, Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal said, "In our education process, we attach great importance to our students integrating theoretical knowledge with current technology. In this regard, thanks to the modern devices, equipment, simulation systems, and digital applications in our laboratories, our students have the opportunity to experience their professions before going into the field."

Providing information about the technologies used according to the programs, Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal continued as follows:

“For example, in our Electroneurophysiology Laboratory, electrical signals of the nervous and muscular systems are analyzed via digital systems, while in our Anesthesia Laboratory, our students learn to monitor vital signs such as heart rhythm, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation with high-tech devices within the scope of patient monitoring. In our Health Information Systems Program, electronic health records, hospital information management systems, and digital patient tracking software are used practically. 

Emergency intervention scenarios and case analyses are conducted

In our First and Emergency Aid Laboratory, emergency intervention scenarios and case analyses are carried out using simulation models. In our Medical Imaging Techniques and Nuclear Technology and Radiation Safety programs, our students have the opportunity to get closely acquainted with advanced imaging technologies both in the laboratory environment and during technical trips conducted as part of industry collaborations. In our Home Patient Care, Elderly Care, and Disabled Care and Rehabilitation programs, current technologies and simulation applications used in care services form an important part of the education process.”

They become technicians adapted to the digital health ecosystem

Noting that the gait analysis system is commonly used by different programs, Karasakal said:

"Thanks to the gait analysis system in our Podiatry Laboratory, which is also open for use by students in our different programs, our students learn practically to evaluate foot and gait disorders with advanced technology and to relate the obtained data to clinical applications. When our students graduate, they are prepared for working life as technicians who, in addition to professional knowledge, can effectively use electronic health records, digital patient tracking systems, smart medical devices, and health automation systems, and are adapted to the digital health ecosystem."

Future specialization areas will range from health informatics to digital rehabilitation

Referring to the new specialization areas awaiting associate degree graduates in the healthcare sector, Karasakal said, "It is no longer sufficient to possess only classic technical skills in healthcare services; there is a need for healthcare professionals who can use digital technologies, interpret data, and rapidly adapt to innovations. As Üsküdar University VSHS, we are preparing our students for this process. In the coming period, health informatics, AI-supported diagnostic and decision support systems, remote health services, management of big health data, biomedical device technologies, smart laboratory systems, digital rehabilitation applications, and green skills supporting sustainable health services will be prominent specialization areas for health technicians. Therefore, it is of great importance for technicians who will work in the field to be proficient in digital literacy."

Simulation technologies provide a safe learning environment

Referring to the importance of simulation laboratories in health education, Karasakal stated, "In health education, practical skills are as important as theoretical knowledge. However, due to patient safety and ethical principles, it is not possible for students to learn all professional skills directly on real patients. At this point, simulation opportunities, case analysis applications performed in the laboratory, and digital education technologies used in these processes have become indispensable elements of health education.”

Experience in real clinical environments…

Drawing attention to Üsküdar University's strong educational infrastructure, Karasakal continued as follows:

"As Üsküdar University VSHS, we offer our students a modern educational infrastructure where they can experience real clinical environments as closely as possible. In our laboratories, emergency intervention, patient assessment, care practices, and clinical scenarios can be repeatedly applied in a safe environment using high-fidelity models and training systems. Thus, our students gain experience without fear of making mistakes, while also developing their self-confidence and professional skills. Thanks to these technologies, the learning process becomes more permanent, more effective, and more student-centered. At the same time, our students' critical thinking, clinical decision-making, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are also supported." 

Digital literacy and data security stand out

Karasakal also listed the competencies required for future healthcare professionals:

“Among the competencies the healthcare sector will most need today and in the future are digital literacy, technology usage skills, data security awareness, teamwork, communication skills, ethical sensitivity, and a lifelong learning approach. As technologies rapidly change, employees also need to continuously update themselves. Therefore, our goal is to train qualified health technicians who can access information, use technology correctly, work with a focus on patient safety and quality, adhere to ethical values, and adapt to change to play an effective role in the digital health systems of the future."

"Our students are confidently preparing for the future"

Emphasizing the importance of the healthcare sector in terms of employment, Karasakal said, "The healthcare sector is one of Türkiye's most dynamic fields with the highest employment potential. However, today, what makes a difference in working life is not just having a diploma; it is also possessing strong practical skills, technological equipment, and competencies to adapt to the changing healthcare system."

Reminding that they provide education with 38 programs, Karasakal concluded his words by saying, "As Üsküdar University VSHS, we offer our students practice-oriented education with our 38 programs. Thanks to our strong laboratory infrastructure, simulation-based education, laboratories equipped with current technologies, collaborations with the industry, and experienced academic staff, our students gain the knowledge and skills required by their professions through practical application even while their education is ongoing. Our main goal is to prepare our students not only for today's but also for the future's healthcare system. Students who choose Üsküdar University VSHS are stepping confidently into the future with a strong practical education, technological infrastructure, an industry-integrated learning environment, and an educational experience offering high employment potential after graduation."