HEC ADVISES STUDENTS NOT TO SEEK ADMISSION IN ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAMS INVOLVING CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad issued a student alert informing students not to seek admission to degree programs involving clinical applications. Such degree programs are offered in the Allied Health science field. It is for the information of students and their parents that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has advised all universities not to offer undergraduate degree programs involving clinical applications without due permission from HEC. HEC has noted with grave concern that some universities, without consultation of relevant professional bodies and HEC, have launched diplomas and degree programs in disciplines involving clinical applications.

Degree Programs involving clinical applications

As per HEC, degree programs involving clinical applications include, but are not limited to

• Dermatology
• Dermal Sciences
• Aesthetics
• Cosmetology
• Radiology
• Ophthalmology
• Anesthesia
• Cardiology
• Hemodialysis and
• Neurophysiology etc.

at the undergraduate level. To safeguard the academic career and employment prospects of the students, universities are advised not to offer admissions in diplomas and degree programs in the aforementioned disciplines at the undergraduate level unless permitted by HEC and to stop all ongoing operations in this regard with immediate effect. HEC shall not verify the degrees offered in violation of this advisory.