The Backbone of Healthcare: Meeting the Global Demand
New Academic Programme Framework: Launching January 2027
Executive Summary and Programme Design Philosophy
To meet the increasing demand for specialized, highly skilled, and ethical allied health professionals both locally in Jamaica and internationally, SPACS College
is introducing five new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programmes commencing January 2027:
-
AAS in Radiology Technology (RDT 001)
-
AAS in Surgical Assisting Technology (SCT002)
-
AAS in Dialysis Technology (DIA003)
-
AAS in Emergency Medical Technology (EMT004)
-
AAS in Electrocardiogram Technology (ECG004)
Every programme incorporates five mandatory core competencies:
-
Anatomy and Physiology: Customized to the clinical specialty of each programme.
-
Medical Terminology: Specialized vocabularies for each healthcare discipline.
-
Statistics and Mathematical Calculations: Dosage, physics calculations, data interpretation, and quality control.
-
Pharmacology: Contrasts, anesthetics, anticoagulants, emergency medications, and cardiac drugs
-
Ethics, Law, and Regulation: Regional and international practice acts, HIPAA, patient rights, and standards of care.
Data from the health services sector underscores a powerful reality: Allied health professionals represent the largest segment of the healthcare workforce. A landmark 2009 report revealed that allied health professionals (medical laboratory technician and technologist, pharmacist an pharmacy technician, dentist, dental hygienist and dental assistant and phlebotomy technician among many others) comprised 35% of the workforce—surpassing nurses (24%) and physicians (5%).
As the global need for healthcare professionals continues to rise across all sectors, SPACS College stands at the forefront of allied health education.
Meeting Local and Global Needs We have observed this demand firsthand through the frequent requests for our graduates from both government and private health institutions throughout the parish of St. Ann parish and across Jamaica. Our focus is clear: to produce well-prepared graduates who are ready to step into these high-demand roles immediately.
Adapting to Innovation The healthcare landscape is in a state of constant evolution. With the influx of sophisticated medical equipment and new clinical techniques, the industry demands a higher level of skill and specialization. At SPACS College, we consider it our duty to continuously elevate our training standards, ensuring our students are equipped to meet the technical and professional challenges of a modern, global health sector.
Department Programme Durations and Qualifications
# |
Department |
Duration |
Qualification |
|
Dentistry Department |
||||
|
01 |
Dental Hygiene |
2 years |
Associates of Applied Science-AAS |
|
|
02 |
Dental Assisting |
1.5 years |
Advance Diploma – AD |
|
|
Pharmacy Department |
||||
|
01 |
Pharmacy Technician |
1.5 years |
Associates of Applied Science-AAS |
|
|
Medical Laboratory Science |
||||
|
01 |
Medical Laboratory Technician |
1st, 2 years |
Associates of Applied Science-AAS |
|
|
02a |
Medical Microbiology Major – MLT 1st 2, years prerequisite |
2nd, 2 years |
Bachelor of Science -BSc |
|
|
02b |
Medical Chemical Pathology Major – MLT 1st, 2 years prerequisite |
2nd, 2 years |
Bachelor of Science -BSc |
|
|
02c |
Medical Hematology and Coagulation Major – MLT 1st, 2 years prerequisite |
2nd, 2 years |
Bachelor of Science -BSc |
|
|
02d |
Medical Blood Banking Major – MLT 1st, 2 years prerequisite |
2nd, 2 years |
Bachelor of Science -BSc |
|
|
02e |
Medical Histopathology Major – MLT 1st, 2 years prerequisite |
2nd, 2 years |
Bachelor of Science -BSc |
|
|
03 |
Medical Laboratory Science |
4 years |
Bachelor of Science -BSc |
|
|
04 |
Phlebotomy Technician |
3 / 6 months |
Certificate or Diploma- C/D |
|
|
New Applied Science Programme: Lunching in January 2027 |
||||
|
01 |
Radiology Technology |
2 years |
Associates of Applied Science-AAS |
|
|
02 |
Surgical Assisting Technology |
2 years |
Associates of Applied Science-AAS |
|
|
03 |
Dialysis Technology |
2 years |
Associates of Applied Science-AAS |
|
|
04 |
Emergency Medical Technology |
2 years |
Associates of Applied Science-AAS |
|
|
05 |
Electrocardiogram Technology |
2 years |
Associates of Applied Science-AAS |
|
APPLIED MEDICAL/HEALTH SCIENCE PROGRAMMES
Specialist Training in Applied Medical/Health Science with both local and International Certifications
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the employment rate after completing any programme?
At SPACS, we don’t just train students for exams; we train them for careers. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our impressive graduate outcomes and our strong ties to the healthcare industry.
Proven Results: Our Graduate Employment Impact
At the School of Paramedic Studies, the ultimate measure of our success is the employability of our graduates. We are proud to maintain a consistent employment rate of 80% to 85% across our diverse range of healthcare programmes.
Leading the Way in Workforce Placement: Our data indicates that specific programmes are currently seeing the highest demand from public and private health institutions:
- Top Performers: The Associate of Science degree programs in Pharmacy Technician and Medical Laboratory Technician currently lead our employment statistics.
- High Demand: The Advanced Diploma in Dental Assistant program follows closely, with graduates finding rapid placement in the dental sector.
By choosing SPACS it means choosing a path with a proven track record of professional placement.
Can I use my certificate outside Jamaica?
Whether students are looking to work locally or take their talents across the globe, SPACS ensures student credentials carry weight.
International Recognition and Professional Certifications
At SPACS, we don’t just prepare students for the local market; we prepare them for the world. In addition to our institutional diplomas and degrees, we facilitate access to prestigious foreign professional certifications.
Our curriculum aligns with the standards of leading international bodies, allowing our students to pursue credentials from:
- AMT (American Medical Technologists)
- AAH (American Allied Health)
- ASCP (American Society of Clinical Pathology)
- CPT(Canadian Phlebotomy Certification Organization)
These certifications provide our graduates with a “global passport," ensuring their skills are recognized and respected by healthcare employers internationally.
Do you offer evening or weekend classes?
Whether students are a busy professional or a full-time parent, we’ve designed our schedule to meet them where they are. Here are three ways to share this update on class availability:
Class Timing and Weekend Availability
At SPACS, we prioritize flexibility to ensure our students can balance their education with their daily lives.
- Evening Classes: We offer regular evening sessions from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. These sessions are designed to provide high-quality instruction without interrupting your workday.
- Weekend Facilitation: To maintain our personalized approach, the college can facilitate weekend classes for specific programs for small groups of 5 to 10 students.
Interested in a weekend schedule? Please contact our administrative office directly to make further inquiries regarding availability for student selected programme.
What are the hours for classes?
Schedule at SPACS is designed to respect student professional and personal commitments while ensuring student get the rigorous training required for the healthcare field. Here is how we balance flexibility with hands-on mastery.
Class Schedule and Learning Format
At SPACS, we utilize a “Hybrid-Flexible" model. This means student can manage their theoretical studies from the comfort of their home and join us on-campus for intensive practical training.
1. Weekly Lecture Schedule
- Frequency: Classes range from two (2) to four (4) days per week, depending on your specific programme of study.
- Days: All lectures are held between Monday and Thursday.
- Time: Sessions are delivered fully online, starting at 6:00 PM EST.
- Duration: The length of each session varies based on the curriculum requirements of your selected programme ranges from two to three hours.
2. Practical Intensive Sessions
While the theory is learned online, the practice happens in person.
- Timing: Conducted at the end of each semester.
- Duration: These are full-day sessions (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
- Location: Hosted at our Ocho Rios campus location, where you will work directly with industry-standard equipment under expert supervision.
Schedule at a Glance
|
Component |
Format |
Days/Frequency |
Time |
|
Theoretical Lectures |
Fully Online |
2–4 Days (Mon–Thu) |
Starts at 5:00 PM |
|
Practical Labs |
Face-to-Face |
End of Semester |
Full Day (On-Campus) |
Will I be placed after the completion of the programme?
Clinical Placement and Internship Excellence
A hallmark of the SPACS curriculum is our commitment to real-world application. Upon the successful completion of the theoretical portion of their studies, students are placed in affiliated health facilities to gain vital clinical work experience (internship/ practicum).
- Programme-Specific Placement: Internships are carefully selected based on the student’s specific course of study (e.g., Medical Lab, Pharmacy, or Dental) to ensure maximum career relevance.
- Professional Mentorship: All clinical rotations are conducted under the direct supervision of qualified healthcare professionals, ensuring that our trainees meet the highest industry standards of safety and competence.
Do you offer any payment plans for tuition?
Standard Payment Plan (Multi-Semester Programs)
For our longer diploma and degree programs, you can spread your investment across the semester:
- Initial Payment: 50% due at the start of the program.
- Second Installment: 25% due after two months.
- Final Installment: 25% due after four months.
Short-Term Programs (3 Months)
For our intensive 3-month certificate programs, the payment structure is simplified:
- One-time Payment: 100% of the tuition is due at the time of enrollment.
At-a-Glance Summary
|
Program Length |
Start of Program |
Month 2 |
Month 4 |
|
Standard (4+ Months) |
50% Deposit |
25% Payment |
25% Final Payment |
|
Short-Term (3 Months) |
100% Full Payment |
— |
— |
What are the cost and duration of each programme?
| Nos | Programmes | 3 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months | 18 Months | 24 Months |
| 1 | Dental Assistant | $250,000 | ||||
| 2 | Pharmacy Technician | $300,000 | ||||
| 3 | Phlebotomy Technician | $115,000 | $150,000 | |||
| 4 | Dental Hygine | $320,000 | ||||
| 5 | Medical Lab Technician | $350,000 |
Can I register online?
Yes, you can do so by visiting our webste and complete the Online Application Form.
What are the requirements for admission?
Flexible Admission Pathways
To ensure equitable access, SPACS College provides multiple entry routes aligned with local, sub-region and international standards based on target student demographics:
Admissions Criteria: Entry Pathways
We maintain rigorous standards to ensure students are prepared for the intensity of paramedical training while offering flexible entry points for continuous professional development.
Degree and Associate Degree Programmes
(Dental Hygiene, Pharmacy Tech, Med. Lab Tech/Science)
- Standard Entry: Minimum of five (5) CSEC/GCE O’Level subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, and at least two (2) relevant Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics).
- Transfer Credits: Candidates with prior tertiary certification may apply for credit exemptions following a transcript evaluation.
- Alternative Route: Students missing prerequisites can enroll in the General Applied Science (GAS) programme (Biology, Chemistry, and Math) while simultaneously studying their chosen course.
Diploma and Certificate Programmes
(Dental Assisting, Phlebotomy)
- Standard Entry: Minimum of three (3) CSEC/GCE O’Level subjects, including English Language and a Science subject.
- Mature Entry: Candidates aged 25+ with significant industry experience may be considered via an entrance interview and portfolio review.
- Alternative Route: Students missing prerequisites can enroll in the General Applied Science (GAS) programme (Biology, Chemistry, and Math) while simultaneously studying their chosen course.
How do I register for a programme?
How to Register at SPACS
We offer two convenient ways to apply. Select your preferred option:
Option 1: Apply Online (Fastest)
- Visit our website and fill out the Online Application Form.
- Upload your digital copies or follow the WhatsApp instructions below.
Option 2: Apply in Person
- Download the Application Form from our website.
- Fill it out completely.
- Bring the completed form to our Ocho Rios campus along with your original supporting documents.
Important: Submitting Supporting Documents
To speed up your application process, we utilize a direct digital submission system. Once you have your documents ready (ID, certificates, etc.):
- Step: Simply WhatsApp clear photos or scans of all supporting documents.
- Official Number: +1 (875) 845-4862











