Are you interested in making a career as a clinical associate or looking for a clinical associate job in Singapore? If it is so, the post is for you. Read the post to know about the job profile in detail. Additionally, you will learn about a clinical associate professional's qualifications, skills, and complete job description.

So, without wasting further time, let's get started!

Who Is A Clinical Associate? 

A clinical associate is a medical professional who performs patient care while overseen by a licensed medical practitioner in Singapore. Clinical Associates can support the burden of doctors and other healthcare professionals because they are qualified to carry out specific medical procedures.

To enhance patient care and lighten doctors' workloads, Singapore's Ministry of Health first implemented the Clinical Associate scheme in 2012. Clinical Associates are often chosen from the local universities and get training in particular medical specialties, such as pediatrics, emergency medicine, or general medicine.

In Singapore, Clinical Associates are not allowed to work independently or prescribe medication, and they must always work under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner. 

They have no licensed healthcare professionals, but they play an important role in the healthcare system by supporting doctors and other medical professionals, especially in areas with a shortage of doctors.

A clinical associate can obtain specialization in the following mentioned fields:

RadiologyGeneral medicineGeneral surgeryAnesthesiologyGeriatric medicine

Clinical Associate Qualifications

After learning about the job profile of a clinical associate, now is the time to discuss the qualifications required to pursue the job profile. Read the following segment to know about the educational requirements to join the career:

A clinical associate must have a diploma or degree in Physician Assistant Studies from an accredited institution. This program must be recognized by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore.Upon graduation, a clinical associate must pass the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants in the United States. It is a computer-based exam that covers medical and surgical knowledge, clinical skills, and other essential competencies.After obtaining certification, the clinical associate must complete a minimum of 12 months of supervised clinical practice in a hospital or medical institution before obtaining a license to practice in Singapore.Once the PA has completed the required clinical practice, they must apply for a license from the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) to practice as a clinical associate.

In addition to the above qualifications, clinical associates in Singapore must undergo continuing education and training to maintain their licenses and stay up-to-date with the latest medical advances and practices.

Skills Required To Become A Clinical Associate

To become a successful clinical associate, several skills and qualities are important. Whether you are going to start a career in the profile or already working somewhere as a clinical associate, you need to possess the following mentioned skills:

A clinical associate must have a strong foundation in medical knowledge and terminology, as they will be responsible for diagnosing and treating patients under the supervision of a physician. They should be able to understand and interpret medical data and have an understanding of various medical conditions and treatments.Communication is critical for clinical associates as they will interact with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. They should be able to effectively communicate medical information to patients and their families clearly and understandably. They should also be able to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and maintain good relationships.A clinical associate must have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to diagnose and treat patients effectively. They should be able to think quickly on their feet and make sound decisions based on the information available.A clinical associate must be highly detail-oriented, as they will be responsible for accurately documenting patient information and medical data. They must also be able to identify and manage potential risks and complications.Clinical associates should have a high level of compassion and empathy for their patients. They should be able to connect with their patients personally, providing support and comfort during difficult times.The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and a clinical associate must be adaptable to changes in policies, procedures, and medical advancements. They should be able to adjust to new situations and be flexible in their approach to patient care.

Clinical Associate Job Description

A clinical associate is a healthcare professional who provides clinical and administrative support to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. The job duties and responsibilities of a clinical associate may include the following:

To assist patients' examinations under the direction of a physician or nurse.To prepare patients for examinations like drawing blood and obtaining medical histories.To administer treatments or medications as directed by a physician.To collect and process specimens for laboratory testing.To document patient information in electronic medical records and maintain patient charts.To schedule appointments and arrange for hospital admissions.To provide patient education and counseling on health and wellness.Respond to the patients' inquiries and concerns and direct patients to the appropriate professionals as required.To assist with inventory management and order medical supplies and equipment.

Medical Jobs Singapore

Singapore is a culturally rich country, so various medical jobs are available here. Apart from clinical associates, one can continue in other job profiles in the healthcare sector. Here are some examples:

Physicians, also known as medical doctors, diagnose and treat patients with medical conditions. They prescribe medications, perform medical procedures, and advise their patients. Furthermore, a physician job in Singapore is not hard to find if one has acquired proper educational qualifications.Nurses provide direct patient care, including administering medications, monitoring patients, and managing patient records. They work under the supervision of physicians and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care to patients.Medical technologists, also known as clinical laboratory technologists, perform tests on patient samples to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. They work in medical laboratories and use various laboratory instruments to analyze samples and generate test results.Physiotherapists use physical techniques and exercises to help patients with injuries, disabilities, or other medical conditions. They help patients regain physical function, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.Medical researchers conduct research studies to improve our understanding of medical conditions and develop new treatments. They design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and publish their findings in medical journals.Dental surgeons provide preventive and corrective care for patients with dental problems. They perform dental procedures, such as extractions, root canals, and fillings, and provide advice on oral hygiene and dental care.

These are just a few examples of the medical jobs available in Singapore. Many other medical professions include pharmacists, dieticians, occupational therapists, and more. One can think of joining an internal medicine job in Singapore.

Summing Up

Conclusively, it is not a wrong decision to continue your career in the healthcare sector. However, you can contact a hiring company specifically associated with the healthcare sector for your assistance. These companies acknowledge the medical talent and help the candidates work in the desired workplace. 

For more information, visit the websites of reliable recruitment agencies!