Designing and implementing the National Qualification Framework PROF. DR MOME SPASOVSKI, VICE-RECTOR FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION PROF. DR KOLE VASILEVSKI, VICE-RECTOR FOR SCIENCE

Defining descriptors Decree of the National Framework of Qualifications (Article 14) “Specific descriptors of the qualifications which set the results from the process of learning for the respective study programme of the respective study cycle are submitted to the Ministry for Higher Education and are published on the web-sites of the higher education institutions“.

Examples for descriptors  Examples for descriptors of qualification for:  master of pharmacy  professional studies of a professional medical nurse/technician

Descriptors - master of pharmacy Graduate studies - Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) 1st and 2nd cycle integrated*, 5 yrs, 10 semesters, 300 ECTS-credits Type of description Cycle of study Qualification descriptors Knowledge and understanding 1 st and 2 nd cycle integrated Demonstrate knowledge and understanding that builds upon general secondary education and higher education entrance qualification in core areas of pharmaceutical practice and science, implementing methodologies appropriate for solving problems, both systematically and creatively, that provides a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and/or applying autonomous ideas in a practice and research context. Demonstrate knowledge to practice pharmacy within the legislation and according to the professional standards and ethical principles, to design, formulate, produce and test medicines, medicinal products and medical devices as well as to provide adequate outcome of the pharmacotherapy. Demonstrate critical understanding of the key theories, principles and methods in pharmaceutical science and practice and are able to consolidate their knowledge vertically, horizontally and laterally.

Descriptors - master of pharmacy Type of descrip tion Cycle of study Qualification descriptors Applying knowledge and understanding 1 st and 2 nd cycle integrated Apply evidence based knowledge and understanding in the field of pharmaceutical science and in management of pharmacy practice, formulation, production and ensuring quality of the medicines, medicinal products and medical devices, and in planning, managing, monitoring, advising and reviewing general pharmaceutical care programmes for patients. Develop and advance solutions to problems and arguments in the concerned areas applying modern technology and both multidisciplinary and individual, creative and original approach in new or unfamiliar environments within multidisciplinary context.

Descriptors - master of pharmacy Type of description Cycle of study Qualification descriptors Making judgment 1 st and 2 nd cycle integrated Demonstrate ability to gather, analyze, evaluate and present information, ideas and concepts, from complete or limited relevant data, for the core areas of the pharmaceutical practice. Demonstrate ability to assess and make selection of scientific theories, methodologies, tools and general skills in the core areas of the pharmaceutical science. Demonstrate ability to use skills in a range of routine and complex situations requiring analysis or comparison of a range of options. Recognize priorities when problem-solving and identify deviations from the normal patterns. Demonstrate ability to follow legal, ethical, professional and organizational policies/procedures and codes of conduct and to take action based on own interpretation of broad professional policies/ procedures where necessary.

Descriptors - master of pharmacy Type of descripti on Cycle of study Qualification descriptors Communication skills 1 st and 2 nd cycle integrated Demonstrate use of appropriate professional communication to gain the cooperation of individual patients, small groups of patients, colleagues, other (senior) health professionals and managers within the organization. Demonstrate ability to communicate where the context of discussion and criteria for decisions and the scope of the task are both explicitly defined and based on opinion. Demonstrate ability for independent participation into specific, scientific and interdisciplinary discussions, with a professional approach. Accept consultation for specialist advice and also take on responsibility in a team. Lead and initiate activity.

Descriptors - master of pharmacy Type of descrip tion Cycle of study Qualification descriptors Learning skills 1 st and 2 nd cycle integrated Identify their personal needs and interest for continuing education and professional development independently, design strategy and plans for promotion of personal intellectual growth, organize advanced learning activities and critically evaluate adequacy of the learning methods, their influence on knowledge, skills, competency and of practice. They are able to document the learning activities by creating an individual portfolio.

PhD studies – Biomedical and Health Sciences, field Pharmacy 3rd cycle, 3 yrs, 6 semesters, 180 ECTS-credits Type of descri ption Cycl e of stud y Qualification descriptors Knowledge and understanding 3 rd cycle Demonstrate high level of generic and systematic understanding for qualified research and mastered skills and methods for research in the area of pharmaceutical, biomedical and health sciences, and relevant subdisciplines for performing independent, autonomous research in accordance with the highest international standards.

PhD studies – Biomedical and Health Sciences, field Pharmacy 3rd cycle, 3 yrs, 6 semesters, 180 ECTS-credits Type of descrip tion Cycle of stud y Qualification descriptors Applyingknowledge and understanding 3 rd cycle Demonstrate ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research in the area of pharmaceutical, biomedical and health sciences, and relevant subdisciplines. Demonstrate ability for independent contribution to research that is capable of extending the borders of knowledge and stand up to national or international review and examination by experts and specialists in the field.

PhD studies – Biomedical and Health Sciences, field Pharmacy 3rd cycle, 3 yrs, 6 semesters, 180 ECTS-credits Type of description Cycle of study Qualifications descriptors Making judgment 3 rd cycle Demonstrate ability to identify scientific questions and issues independently. Demonstrate ability for critical analysis, development and synthesis of new and complex ideas in the area of pharmaceutical, biomedical and health sciences, having assessment competences and respecting ethical issues. Demonstrate ability to initiate and participate in national and international research networks and events, independently and with scientific integrity. Demonstrate ability to initiate research and development projects that will generate new knowledge and skills for development in the field of pharmaceutical, biomedical and health sciences.

PhD studies – Biomedical and Health Sciences, field Pharmacy 3rd cycle, 3 yrs, 6 semesters, 180 ECTS-credits Type of description Cycle of study Qualification descriptors Communication skills 3 rd cycle Demonstrate ability to present and discuss findings and results from their research field with their peers, colleagues and communicate these to an academic or non- academic society. Establish collaboration network with the colleagues, domestic and international academic community and the society within their area of expertise. They can lead a research team. Type of description Cycle of study Qualification descriptors Learning skills 3 rd cycle Demonstrate ability to promote themselves within the academic and professional context, and technological, social and cultural development in a knowledge based society.

Undergraduate studies – professional studies for professional medical nurse/technician First cycle, 3 years, 6 semesters, 180 ECTS credits field: medical sciences and health health care 4205 hours theoretical and practical work 4205 hours theoretical and practical work Undergraduate thesis defense Undergraduate thesis defense Professional title – professional medical nurse/technician Professional title – professional medical nurse/technician Eligibility for further continuous education on a higher level – graduate studies (specialist or master studies) in different fields within the health care. Eligibility for further continuous education on a higher level – graduate studies (specialist or master studies) in different fields within the health care.

Undergraduate studies – professional studies for professional medical nurse/technician Type of descriptors Cycle of studies Descriptors for qualifications Knowledge and understanding First cycle 1. Demonstrates knowledge of the medical terminology, physiological and pathological mechanisms which refer to the human body systems and illnesses, human behavior and value systems, knowledge necessary for practicing medical care 2. Shows knowledge for the most frequently used medicine and their use, organization of different diagnostic departments in hospitals, the way information for diagnostics are interpreted, as well as what is the role of the medical nurses in the administration of the diagnostic orders 3. Demonstrates knowledge how to solve problems, how to work in teams with higher educated persons and how to lead the team included in the health care.

Undergraduate studies – professional studies for professional medical nurse/technician Type of desriptors Cycle of studies Дескриптори на квалификациите Application of knowledge and understanding First cycle 1. Applies the theoretical principles and practical skills of all kinds for general care of the patient, take preventive measures for improving the patient’s health and their prevention. 2. Interprets information for different laboratories and diagnostic orders, operates the orders and keeps the results. 3. Professionally solves problems and cooperates in team with doctors in the process of diagnosis and remedying the sick, leads the team for medical care, determines and organizes daily working tasks and successfully keeps records of the documentation.

Type of descriptors Cycle of studies Descriptors of qualifications Making judgements First cycle 1.Demonstrates ability for making conclusions and opinions with a process of analysis of visible and available information and data 2. Demonstrates ability to recognize, correlates and explains the signs and symptoms of the given condition, to determine the data for a patient, interprets the data, makes nurse diagnosis and identifies the appropriate methods for care 3. Demonstrates understanding of the mechanisms and meaning of each case, their elements and effects, with a goal to find a solution for each.

Type of descriptors Cycle of studies Descriptors of qualification Communicatio n skills First cycle 1.Shows ability efficiently to communicate with patients, visitors, colleagues, medical nurses, doctors and the employees in other sectors. Works as member of a team, reliable person, unobtrusive behaviour, critical thinking,, respect for other cultural differences. 2. Shows ability for adapting to persons with different origin and way of communication, as well as to have respect for others. 3. Has an understanding for the human behavior, value systems, the elements and components of communication, listening skills, successful phone techniques, time and stress management.

Type of descriptors Cycles of studies Descriptors of qualifications Learning skills First cycle 1. Demonstrates learning skills: concentration, reading and listening, memorizing, time management. 2. Demonstrates ability for rational thinking, makes research of strategies for generating ideas with creative thinking and efficiently uses them, as well as the strategies for solving the everyday problems in the scientific method too. 2. Shows ability for identifying of their own needs and interests for postgraduate studies in different fields of medical care and takes initiative for gaining new knowledge and learning with a high level of independency.

Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje