Last updated on September 1st, 2023 at 05:32 pm
According to the Kenya Education Guide, there are various short medical courses in Kenya that you can complete within a relatively short period.
These courses are designed to provide specialized training and skills to healthcare professionals and individuals interested in the medical field.
Most of these short courses target those in the medical field needing promotion or to upgrade their skills.
Additionally, these courses are also good if you want to join the medical field and you don’t have time to study a lengthy medical course.
Embarking on a journey toward medical expertise has never been more accessible than through the best short medical courses in Kenya.
These meticulously crafted programs offer a compact yet comprehensive pathway for individuals driven by a passion for healthcare.
Whether aspiring to kickstart a medical career or aiming to enhance existing skills, these courses stand as beacons of knowledge and opportunity in the Kenyan medical education landscape.
Best Short Medical Courses in Kenya
Best Short Medical Courses in Kenya include:
1. HIV Training and Counseling Services (HTS)
- Careers: HIV counselor, healthcare worker
- Market Salary: Varies, around Ksh 20,000 – 50,000
- Entry Mean Grade: D+
- Focus on Secondary Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
- Course Duration: 3 weeks
- Target Group: Any Health workers who are interested in working in HIV/ AIDS programs (minimum Diploma)
2. Certificate in Community Health Extension Work
- Careers: Community health worker, health educator
- Market Salary: Around Ksh 15,000 – 30,000
- Entry Mean Grade: C-
- Focus on Secondary Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
- Course Duration: 4 months
- Target Group: Health Promotion, Community Health Nurse, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Records and Information, Social Work and Sociology or its equivalent field from a recognized institution
3. Adherence Counseling
- Careers: Medication adherence counselor
- Market Salary: Approximately Ksh 25,000 – 40,000
- Entry Mean Grade: C-
- Focus on Secondary Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
- Course Duration: 1 Week full time and 1 month practicum/ mentorship
- Target Group: Everyone certificates in HTS, health or social sciences, counseling community health & development. Additionally, you must have done VCT counseling.
4. Echocardiography
- Careers: Echocardiographer, cardiac technologist
- Market Salary: About Ksh 40,000 – 70,000
- Entry Mean Grade: C+
- Focus on Secondary Subjects: Physics, Biology, Mathematics
- Course Duration: 6 months
- Target Group: Medical professionals interested in cardiology, Radiographers, Healthcare professionals with strong background Anatomy & physiology (Nurses, Clinical officers, doctors)
5. Nursing and Midwifery Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
CPD short courses:
- Mentorship course for nursing and midwifery student preceptors-1 weeks
- Skills lab management course-2 weeks
- Basic Emergency Obstetric care-1week
- First Aid and Life support courses-3 days
- Leadership and team practice in health care settings-1 week
- Helping Babies Breath (HBB)-3days
- Teaching methodology course for clinical instructors-1 week
- Hospital administration course-2 weeks
Target group for the above CPD short courses
Nurses and midwives who are already qualified and practicing in their respective professions
6. First Responder( is the Best Short Medical Courses in Kenya to study)
Become a certified First Responder, equipped to handle medical emergencies swiftly. Ideal for healthcare professionals and laypersons. Salary varies by role, but paramedics can earn around Ksh 500,000 annually. KCSE C+ required, with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics preferred. Course takes 5 days. Open to all interested in emergency care.
7. Ambulance Operator Course
Learn to operate and maintain medical vehicles. Suitable for drivers and paramedics. Salary range is Ksh 300,000 to 500,000 yearly. KCSE D+ required, with Sciences a plus. Duration is 1 month. Anyone with an interest in medical transport can join.
8. Monitoring & Evaluation
Gain skills in assessing healthcare programs. Suited for public health professionals and managers. Salary ranges from Ksh 600,000 per year.
Bachelor’s degree required. KCSE C+ with Mathematics and English. Course spans 6-8 weeks. Open to those with an interest in program assessment.
9. Healthcare Entrepreneurship
Learn to create and manage healthcare businesses. Geared towards aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs.
Income varies widely. Bachelor’s degree required. KCSE C+ with Business Studies.
Course lasts 3 months. Individuals interested in merging healthcare with business can apply.
10. Leadership Development Program ( Favorite Best Short Medical Courses in Kenya)
Develop leadership skills in healthcare settings.
Aimed at medical professionals aiming for leadership roles.
Salaries differ, with medical directors earning around Ksh 2.5M per year. Medical degree required. KCSE C+ with Science subjects. Course extends over 2 weeks. Open to medical professionals seeking leadership growth.
Best short medical courses in Kenya- More courses
11. Safe Phlebotomy
This course teaches safe blood sample collection techniques. Healthcare workers learn to minimize infection risk and ensure patient safety. Career options include phlebotomists and medical laboratory technicians.
Market salary estimation: Ksh400000/year. Entry mean grade: C (Plain).
Focus on Secondary Subjects: Biology (C Plain), Chemistry (C Plain). Course study duration: 1-2 months. Target group: Healthcare professionals seeking to enhance skills.
12. Infection Prevention and Control for Healthcare Workers (Unique Best Short Medical Courses in Kenya)
This course equips healthcare workers with knowledge on preventing and managing infections.
It’s essential for nurses, doctors, and other medical staff. Career options: Nurses, doctors, healthcare administrators.
Salary: KSh300,000/year. Entry mean grade: C+ (Plus). Focus on Secondary Subjects: Biology (C+), Chemistry (C+).
Duration: 5 days. Target group: Healthcare professionals.
13. Infection Prevention and Control for Non-Healthcare Professionals
Designed for non-medical personnel, this course imparts infection control basics for workplaces.
Suitable for office staff, hotel employees, etc. Career options: Office administrators, hospitality staff.
Salary: Varies by industry. Entry mean grade: D (Plain). Focus on Secondary Subjects: English (D Plain). Duration: 5 weeks. Target group: Non-healthcare workers.
14. First Aid and Basic Life Support
Teaches life-saving techniques like CPR and wound care. Vital for anyone wanting to provide immediate assistance in emergencies.
Career options: Emergency responders, lifeguards. Salary: Varies. Entry mean grade: D+ (Plus). Focus on Secondary Subjects: Any subject (D+).
Duration: 1 week – 1 month. Target group: General public, security personnel.
13. Geriatric Rehabilitation ( another Best Short Medical Courses in Kenya)
This course focuses on aiding elderly individuals in maintaining or regaining their physical and mental well-being. Geriatric care facilities and rehabilitation centers require trained professionals. Career options: Geriatric care specialists, physical therapists. Salary: $4,000 – $7,000/year.
Entry mean grade: C (Plain). Focus on Secondary Subjects: Biology (C Plain). Duration: 2weeks to 1 month. Target group: Physiotherapists with a Minimum Requirement of Diploma in Physiotherapy.
14. Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Management
This course equips medical professionals with skills in advanced pain management techniques for surgical procedures.
Careers include anesthetist and pain management specialist. Market salary ranges from Ksh 2,000,000 to 5,000,000 annually.
Entry requires a Mean Grade of C+ in KCSE with a focus on Biology and Chemistry. Course duration is 6 months. Ideal for medical doctors seeking specialization in anesthesia.
15. Upper Extremity Splinting in Occupational Therapy
Focused on upper limb rehabilitation, this course trains occupational therapists to create and manage splints for patients with upper extremity injuries.
Careers include occupational therapist specializing in hand therapy.
Salary averages Ksh 1,500,000 per year. Entry requires a Mean Grade of C+ with a Biology background. Study period is 2 weeks. Suitable for healthcare professionals interested in hand rehabilitation.
16. Community Mental Health
This course educates professionals to address mental health issues within communities.
Career options include community mental health worker. Estimated annual salary is Ksh 800,000 to 1,500,000.
Entry requires a Mean Grade of C with Biology background. Study duration is 4 months.
Ideal for individuals passionate about mental health support at the community level.
17. Nutrition in Critical Care
Training healthcare providers to manage nutrition for critically ill patients, careers in this field include critical care dietitian.
Salary ranges from Ksh 1,200,000 to 2,500,000 annually. Entry requires a Mean Grade of C+ with a background in Biology and Chemistry.
The course lasts for 3 months. Suitable for those interested in the intersection of nutrition and critical care.
18. Health Communication and Journalism
This course focuses on teaching effective communication strategies for healthcare professionals, preparing them for roles like health journalist or communication officer. Salary varies widely, averaging Ksh 800,000 to 2,000,000 per year. Entry requires a Mean Grade of C with a background in English. Study duration is 4 Weeks (7 days Face to Face and 21 days Fieldwork). Suited for individuals interested in healthcare communication.
19. Disaster and Trauma Counseling Management
Professionals learn to provide mental health support in disaster and trauma situations.
Careers include disaster response counselor. Estimated annual salary is Ksh 1,000,000 to 2,500,000.
Entry requires a Mean Grade of C with a background in Psychology. Course duration is 2 weeks. Suitable for individuals interested in crisis counseling.
20. Health Systems Management
This course educates healthcare administrators in effectively managing healthcare facilities.
Careers include health facility manager. Salary ranges from Ksh 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 per year.
Entry requires a Mean Grade of C+ with a background in Business Studies.
Study duration is 6 months. Ideal for those seeking administrative roles in healthcare.
21. Exercise Physiology and Prescription
This course focuses on understanding the human body’s response to exercise and designing effective fitness programs.
Graduates can become fitness trainers, exercise physiologists, or health educators. The estimated salary is around Ksh 800,000 per annum.
A mean grade of C+ in KCSE is required for entry, with a focus on biology and physical education.
The course takes 6 months to 1 year to complete, targeting individuals interested in health and fitness.
22. Sign Language for Health Workers
This course teaches medical professionals communication with hearing-impaired patients. Graduates can work as sign language interpreters in healthcare settings.
Salary varies, but it can be around Ksh 600,000 annually. A KCSE mean grade of C is needed, with a focus on languages. The course lasts for 3-6 months.
Medical practitioners who want to enhance patient care through improved communication are the target audience.
Some of the medical institutions offering best short medical courses in Kenya Include:
- KMTC (Kenya Medical Training Collage)
- AMREF International university
- John Ambulance Kenya
- Kenya red cross training institute
Wrapping up on best short medical courses in Kenya
In conclusion, exploring the realm of best short medical courses in Kenya opens a gateway to invaluable learning opportunities.
These condensed yet comprehensive programs not only provide a fast track to essential medical skills but also offer a platform for eager individuals to embark on a journey of professional growth and contribution to healthcare.
As Kenya’s medical landscape continues to evolve, these courses stand as beacons of accessible education, empowering a new wave of healthcare providers to make a significant impact in their communities.
Also Checkout: Is medical engineering marketable in Kenya
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Short Medical Courses in Kenya
What are the best medical courses in Kenya?
The best medical courses in Kenya include Medicine and Dental Surgery, Nursing, Dental Medicine, Clinical Medicine, and Radiography/Radio Imaging.
What are the best short medical courses in Kenya?
Some of the best short medical courses in Kenya include HIV Training and Counseling Services (HTS), Certificate in Community Health Extension Work, Adherence Counseling, Echocardiography, and First Aid and Basic Life Support.
What is the duration of short medical courses in Kenya?
The duration of short medical courses in Kenya varies depending on the course. Most short courses take between 2-3 months, while some are more intensive and exceed 6 months.
What are the entry requirements for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree programme (MBChB)?
The entry requirements for MBChB include a KCSE Mean Grade of C+ (or better), a B plain (minimum) in Biology, Physics/Mathematics, English/Kiswahili, and Chemistry.
What is the job market like for medical professionals in Kenya?
The job market for medical professionals in Kenya is generally good. However, some medical courses are more marketable than others. For instance, medicine and surgery are among the best paying medical courses in Kenya.
What is the role of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)?
KMTC is a state corporation established under the Ministry of Health to train various disciplines in the health sector to serve Kenyan interests, East Africa, and beyond.
What is Strathmore University’s reputation in the field of medicine?
Strathmore University is a chartered university based in Nairobi that offers a particularly successful accounting program. It has produced 60% of CPA finalists in Kenya over the past ten years.