What are the Differences Between Polytechnic and the School/College of Health Technology? Find Answers Here

A polytechnic is a technical institution offering post-secondary technical education programs leading to the award of diplomas and certificates such as the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND). Graduates of polytechnic schools are prepared to work in fields related to their discipline.

School of Health Technology is an institution that offers National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates in the medical field. Graduates from the school of health provide solutions to human health problems. They can work in research laboratories, hospitals, and clinical centers. 

The School of Health Technology has a polytechnic status because it awards an ND or HND certificate but is referred to as a “monotechnic” because it focuses on Health programmes only.

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Differences between polytechnic and School Of Health.

1. The School of Health focuses only on health programmes, while Polytechnic offers many programmes like engineering courses, business courses, environmental courses, etc.

2. The school of health is primarily for science students, while polytechnic is for both science, arts and commercial students. For example, you can only study Medical Laboratory Technician in school health; this course isn’t available in polytechnic, and likewise, you can’t study marketing in school of health. Marketing can be studied in polytechnics but is not available in Health Colleges.

3. The School of Health programme takes 2–3 years for ND, depending on the course you want to study. As for polytechnic, ND programs are always two years. Meanwhile, HND programme is 2 years both in College of Health and Polytechnic.

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4. Polytechnic graduates are trained as Technicians or Technologists, while School of Health graduates are trained for the primary health care system (Health Officers).

5. Polytechnic is overseen by the NBTE only, while the school of health is overseen by the NBTE and other professional boards like PCN, PSN etc.

6. The School of Health Technology offers medical professional courses, while Polytechnic offers Technical degree courses.

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Which One is the Best between Polytechnic and School of Health? 

This depends on your choice and field of study. Studying a Health Technology-related course is a lucrative course in Nigeria because their service is always needed, and there is always a job waiting for you after your program. 

If you’re a science student and your dream is to become a physician, nurse, pharmacist, medical laboratory scientist, or other professional in the field aligned to medicine in degree or non-degree form, then I will advise you to choose the school of Health over a Polytechnic. Although you will be issued a ND or HND certificate after your programme, at least 99% assurance of jobs is waiting for you out there. 

However, if you are a non-science student, then polytechnic is the best option for you. Let me explain it this way so you can understand better: Let’s assume you want to become a nurse. You can pursue your dream through the school of Health, but if you wish to become an engineer, banker, accountant, surveyor, manager, etc., polytechnic is the fastest ladder to pursue your dream and make it a reality.

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Similarities between the School of Health and a Polytechnic 

1. You can gain admission to the School of Health and Polytechnic with or without Jamb.

2. Both schools of Health and polytechnics award ND and HND certificates.

3.  HND graduates of both polytechnic and School of health will be mobilized for NYSC after the successful completion of their programmes. 

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In conclusion, the School of Health is a monotechnic that offers a diploma in Health programmes only, while a polytechnic is an institution that offers a diploma that is concentrated on practical and skill-oriented training.

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