Professional practice for biochemists in Universidad Nacional del Sur

The Professional Practice for Biochemists (PPB) has been included since 2008 in the studies plan of the Biochemistry Degree. It is developed all the year round, independent of the academic calendar. Minimum hour charge is six hundred hours, covering two six-month periods, which include two different groups of students. The aim of the PPB is to offer the skills for the professional practice in the hospital setting, under a programmed and supervised educational system. During the last four years, 188 students applied for seven hospitals, mean age 27.1 years old, 151 being female and 37 male. Final exams were passed by 71 % of the practitioners, and 42% of them got a workplace after a year. That was considered a very good figure, and the introduction of this subject in the Biochemist School of Universidad Nacional del Sur aims at comprehensive training of advanced students in professional, practical, ethical, social and biosecurity aspects.