These professions stand out with their employment opportunities!

During the YKS additional placement period, candidates, while evaluating vacant quotas, not only consider getting placed in a program but also post-graduation employment opportunities and the future of professions. Experts point out that the aging population, changing societal needs, diversification of disability care services, and advancements in health technologies are creating new fields of work.

Asst. Prof. Melek Çaylak, Head of the Social Services Department at Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services, explained that Turkey's social structure is undergoing a significant transformation.

Asst. Prof. Melek Çaylak stated, “The share of the population aged 65 and over in Turkey's total population is now above 11 percent. This is not just a demographic data; it means that issues such as care, loneliness, social isolation, and the participation of the elderly in social life will be more on our agenda in the upcoming period. Precisely for this reason, the need for social services is increasing.”

Social service is not just about helping

Emphasizing that social service is a scientific and professional field, Asst. Prof. Melek Çaylak continued:

“Defining social service merely as ‘helping those in need’ significantly narrows the scope of the field. Social service specialists assess the problems experienced by individuals, families, or groups, analyze their social causes, identify available resources, and create an intervention plan based on scientific knowledge.”

Pointing out that the working areas of the profession are also expanding, Asst. Prof. Melek Çaylak said, “Hospitals, municipalities, social service centers, child protection systems, women's and family services, addiction combat, private care institutions, migration and integration studies, disaster and crisis interventions, and non-governmental organizations are among the important areas of work.”

“Just loving to help people is not enough”

Addressing young people who will choose the profession, Asst. Prof. Melek Çaylak said, “Social service is not a profession to be chosen merely with the thought of ‘I love helping people’. Working with people requires great responsibility. Patience, scientific thinking, ethical sensitivity, crisis management, and the ability to analyze societal problems are required skills.”

Stating that graduates of the Social Services Program can work in private care institutions, elderly and disabled services, municipal social support units, child and family services, and non-governmental organizations, Asst. Prof. Melek Çaylak noted that graduates who meet the necessary education and experience requirements can also create a career path leading to management.

The need for qualified workers in disability care is increasing

Instructor Gönül Kil Tetik, Head of the Disability Care and Rehabilitation Program at Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services, also stated that professional care and rehabilitation play an important role in developing the independent living skills of individuals with disabilities.

Instructor Gönül Kil Tetik said, “The professional care and rehabilitation approach aims to maximize an individual's physical, mental, and social potential. It not only provides basic care but also strengthens independent living skills such as self-care, mobility, and social adaptation.”

Stating that a significant transformation is taking place in disability care services, Instructor Gönül Kil Tetik said, “The range of services is rapidly expanding, from home care services to day care centers, from sheltered workplaces to active living centers. This situation is increasing the demand for well-equipped technicians with theoretical knowledge and practical skills.”

Stating that graduates can work in public care and rehabilitation centers, private disability care institutions, special education and rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and home care services, Instructor Gönül Kil Tetik noted that there is also the opportunity to transfer to various undergraduate programs with DGS.

Technology is opening up new specialization areas in prosthetics and orthotics

Instructor Kübra Akkalay, Head of the Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Program at Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services, stated that the field brings together health, technology, and manual skills.

Instructor Kübra Akkalay said, “Contributing to an individual's ability to walk again, regain freedom of movement, and lead an independent daily life makes the profession of prosthetics and orthotics extremely valuable from both a scientific and a human perspective.”

Era of 3D printers and smart prostheses

Pointing out that technological developments are rapidly transforming the profession, Instructor Kübra Akkalay said, “While digital measurement, CAD/CAM, and three-dimensional production technologies accelerate design and manufacturing processes, smart prostheses supported by sensor and robotic systems offer solutions more compatible with an individual's movement. These developments are increasing the importance of qualified human resources with strong practical skills and mastery of digital technologies.”

Stating that the aging population, diabetes, traumas, and limb losses also increase the need for prosthetic and orthotic services, Instructor Kübra Akkalay said that graduates can work in public and private health institutions, prosthetic-orthotic centers, rehabilitation institutions, and manufacturing companies.

Instructor Kübra Akkalay noted that the technological transformation of the field also offers graduates new specialization areas such as CAD/CAM-based design, 3D production, digital measurement and modeling, and smart prosthetic-orthotic applications.