A friend of mine's daughter, having completed high school with not a single pass at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) level, decided that she would pursue a career as a practical nurse. She enrolled in a certain institution and paid approximately $90,000 for the 18 months of training. Upon completion, she was not able to find a suitable job because she has learned from the Nursing Council of Jamaica (NCJ) that the institution that she has attended was not accredited.

Recently, there was a dispute or disagreement among the Government and practical nurses with regard to their treatment. For years, some institutions in Jamaica which offer nursing and educational courses have lured many students to their institutions, yet they are not accredited or certified. No wonder we are experiencing problems in our education and nursing sectors in Jamaica. Many school leavers have not taken the initiative to acquire at least five CXC passes which include mathematics, English language, human and social biology and information technology, just to name a few, in order to be accepted at recognised institutions.

Accreditations

As a result, many are finding it difficult to fit into a society that is very demanding and high tech. What most people should do prior to registering in an institution is to check the appropriate councils to ascertain information. For example, prior to registering in an institution that offers nursing courses, individuals should contact the NCJ to find out if the institution is accredited.

In regard to any institution that offers education courses, students should contact the University Council of Jamaica prior to registration and the submission of fees. This will prevent future embarrassment, misconception or loss of money. The Government should put preventive measures in place in order to correct these deficiencies that affect two critical sectors of our society.

I am, etc;

Charles Brown

charliebrown1004@

hotmail.com