External Stakeholder Meeting of the Medical Laboratory Techniques Program within the Department of Medical Services and Techniques Was Held

The External Stakeholder Meeting, held on March 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM by the Medical Laboratory Techniques Program of the Medical Services and Techniques Department, provided a productive evaluation environment where important topics aimed at improving the quality of education in the program were discussed. The meeting was attended by the Director of the Vocational School, Prof. Dr. Gülay Altun Uğraş, the Deputy Director, Lecturer Dr. Serdar Ulak, department faculty members, institutional representatives, and student representatives.

The meeting comprehensively evaluated the program's curriculum development efforts, graduate competencies, and applied training processes. Participants addressed current needs to enhance students' professional competencies and shared their views and suggestions for strengthening the educational program.

The discussions also addressed the 3+1 education model proposed by the Higher Education Council for vocational schools, and its potential impact on the program curriculum was evaluated with the stakeholders. While some uncertainties exist regarding the transition process to practical application in health-related programs, important assessments were made regarding arrangements to increase students' practical experience. In this context, a consensus was reached on creating a curriculum structure that would allow students to complete five days of practical training per week in institutions during the fourth semester, following three semesters of theoretical education, and on reviewing the content of some compulsory courses.

One of the important agenda items of the meeting was the effective use of practical training areas and the strengthening of institutional collaborations. The importance of distributing the 70-student quota determined by the Higher Education Council evenly across practical training areas was emphasized. Furthermore, it was decided to update existing cooperation protocols and initiate new collaborations with institutions conducting clinical laboratory activities, such as the new hospitals, public health center, and the Red Crescent, planned to be operational in Mersin.

The meeting also addressed the updating of course content and the improvement of laboratory infrastructure, and plans were made to implement initiatives that would strengthen students' practical skills. In addition, it was decided to evaluate the practical training quotas that could be provided by stakeholder institutions in the next academic year and to ensure the sustainable continuation of inter-institutional cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, the Director of the Vocational School, Prof. Dr. Gülay Altun Uğraş thanked all contributing stakeholders, emphasized the great importance of university-industry collaboration for the professional development of students, and concluded the meeting.