Qassim University

What you'll study

The programme combines classroom-based theory with hands-on clinical practice to develop competence in patient assessment, basic clinical procedures and safe care delivery. Core subject areas include:

• Medical terminology and anatomy & physiology — foundations of body systems relevant to patient care.
• Clinical skills and bedside care — taking vital signs, hygiene assistance, mobility support, wound care basics and patient positioning.
• Infection prevention and control — standard precautions, hand hygiene, safe disposal of clinical waste and basic sterilisation principles.
• Basic life support and emergency response — CPR, recognising deteriorating patients and initial emergency measures.
• Specimen collection and basic diagnostic procedures — phlebotomy principles, urine sampling and preparing patients for diagnostic tests (ECG, X‑ray).
• Medication administration foundations — routes of administration, common medication categories, and reporting procedures (administration is within the technician scope and under supervision).
• Communication and professional practice — effective communication with patients and multidisciplinary teams, ethics, patient rights and documentation.
• Clinical practicum — supervised placements in hospital wards, outpatient clinics and community settings to apply skills in real care environments.

The programme is structured to progressively build practical competence alongside theory, with assessment through practical exams, written tests and workplace-based evaluations during placements.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements include completion of secondary education with a focus on scientific subjects or an equivalent credential recognised by Qassim University. Applicants are usually required to:

• Hold a high school certificate (or equivalent) in the scientific stream or meet faculty-approved equivalency criteria.
• Pass any institutional entrance assessments and meet health and immunisation screening requirements for clinical placements.
• Demonstrate language competence sufficient to follow lectures and record patient information; proficiency in Arabic is required for clinical communication, and basic English is often recommended for reading medical literature.
• Undergo interview or selection procedures where applicable, and meet any fitness-to-practice or background checks mandated by clinical partners.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify for roles supporting patient care across a range of healthcare settings. Common career destinations include:

• Patient Care Technician or Healthcare Assistant roles in public and private hospitals.
• Support staff in primary healthcare centres, outpatient clinics and rehabilitation units.
• Home healthcare and community nursing support services.
• Laboratory or diagnostic support roles where specimen handling and patient preparation are required.

Many graduates use the diploma as a stepping stone to further study in nursing, allied health or health sciences, or to obtain additional certification in specialised clinical skills.

Why study at Qassim University

Qassim University offers the diploma within its health sciences framework, drawing on regional clinical partnerships that provide supervised placement opportunities in local hospitals and health centres. Students benefit from dedicated clinical skills laboratories, experienced teaching staff with practical healthcare backgrounds, and a curriculum aligned with national healthcare workforce needs. The programme emphasises workplace readiness, close faculty support during practicum, and pathways for progression to higher qualifications within the university or other accredited institutions.