FACULTY OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES
School of Health Sciences
The School of Health Sciences provides education and training in medical laboratory technology, dental assisting, and environmental health to prepare students for professional health service roles in Tonga.
There are Five programmes of study currently offered by the School of Health Sciences. Each programme has a programme statement to clearly indicate the expectations and learning focus of the programme.
Programmes Offered
Click each programme below to view the programme statement, course structure, and entry requirements.
1. Advanced Diploma in Pharmacy (Level 6)
Programme Statement: The Advanced Diploma in Pharmacy (Level 6) is a two-year programme designed to develop competent pharmacy professionals with a strong foundation in biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmacy practice.
The programme begins with core studies in Anatomy, Human Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmaceutics, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and progresses to advanced subjects including Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacy Practice, Pharmaceutics 2, and Pathology. Students develop knowledge and practical skills in drug formulation, preparation, quality assurance, medicine management, pharmacology, patient care, and the safe and effective use of medicines, preparing them to work under the supervision of pharmacists in healthcare settings and contribute to the delivery of quality pharmaceutical services.
Entry Requirements:
- Successful completion of the Tonga National Form 7 Certificate or an equivalent qualification with strong grades in:
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- Completion of a recognised Foundation Science Programme (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of:including passing grades in:
- 2.5 out of 4.5, or
- 2.53 out of 5.0
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- Completion of at least the first year of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) programme with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.5
2.Advanced Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography (Level 6)
Programme Statement:
The Advanced Diploma of Diagnostic Radiography (Level 6) is a three-year, 300-credit programme designed to prepare competent and professionally responsible Diagnostic Radiographers for practice within the healthcare sector
The programme combines theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, professional ethics, communication, research, radiation safety, and extensive workplace-based clinical training. Students develop competency in performing and evaluating diagnostic imaging procedures across general radiography, fluoroscopy, mobile radiography, theatre imaging, computed tomography (CT), mammography, and ultrasound, while applying safe radiation practices and patient-centred care. Graduates are equipped to work autonomously and collaboratively within healthcare teams, provide high-quality diagnostic imaging services, and contribute to the ongoing development of radiography services in Tonga and internationally.
Entry Requirements:
- Successful completion of the Tonga National Form 7 Certificate or an equivalent qualification with strong grades in:
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- Completion of a recognised Foundation Science Programme (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of:including passing grades in:
- 2.5 out of 4.5, or
- 2.53 out of 5.0
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- Completion of at least the first year of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) programme with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.5
3. Diploma in Oral Health (Level 5)
Programme Statement: The Diploma in Oral Health (Dental Assisting) (Level 5) is a one-year, 120-credit programme designed to prepare competent Dental Assistants to support the delivery of safe, efficient, and patient-centred oral healthcare services.
The programme combines foundational knowledge in dental sciences, infection prevention and control, dental radiography, preventive dentistry, dental materials, clinical dentistry, and practice management. Students develop the clinical and administrative skills required to assist dental practitioners, maintain infection control standards, support radiographic procedures, educate patients in oral health promotion, and contribute to the smooth operation of dental clinics. Graduates are equipped for employment as Dental Assistants and may progress to higher qualifications in Oral Health.
Entry Requirements:
- Successful completion of the Tonga National Form 7 Certificate or an equivalent qualification with strong grades in:
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- Completion of a recognised Foundation Science Programme (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of:including passing grades in:
- 2.5 out of 4.5, or
- 2.53 out of 5.0
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- Completion of at least the first year of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) programme with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.5.
4. Advanced Diploma in Oral Health (Level 6)
Programme Statement: The Advanced Diploma in Oral Health (Dental Hygiene) (Level 6) is a one-year, 120-credit programme designed to prepare graduates for professional practice as Dental Hygienists.
The programme develops advanced clinical knowledge and skills in preventive oral healthcare, periodontal therapy, oral health promotion, local anaesthesia, paediatric oral health, oral pathology, ethics, and professional practice. Through a combination of classroom learning, pre-clinical laboratory training, and supervised clinical placements, students gain experience in periodontal assessment, scaling and root debridement, fluoride therapy, fissure sealants, oral health education, and community-based oral health promotion. Graduates are equipped to provide evidence-based preventive oral healthcare services and contribute to improving oral health outcomes throughout Tonga.
Entry Requirements:
- Successful completion of the Tonga National Form 7 Certificate or an equivalent qualification with strong grades in:
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- Completion of a recognised Foundation Science Programme (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of:including passing grades in:
- 2.5 out of 4.5, or
- 2.53 out of 5.0
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- Completion of at least the first year of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) programme with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.5.
- Hold a recognised Certificate in Dental Assisting (Level 4) or Diploma in Oral Health (Level 5).
- Have at least one year of relevant work experience in a dental practice or oral health setting.
- Successfully complete a cross-credit assessment process.
5. Bachelor of Oral Health (Level 7)
Programme Statement: The Bachelor of Oral Health (Dental Therapy) (Level 7) is a three-year, 360-credit programme designed to prepare competent, ethical, and culturally responsive Dental Therapists who can provide preventive, restorative, therapeutic, and community oral health services.
The programme combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, simulation, and extensive supervised clinical experience. Students develop competencies in oral health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, restorative dentistry, oral surgery, pharmacology, oral radiology, epidemiology, community oral health, and clinical therapy practice. Graduates are equipped to work in schools, community clinics, hospitals, and public health programmes, addressing oral health needs across Tonga while contributing to national healthcare priorities.
Entry Requirements:
- Successful completion of the Tonga National Form 7 Certificate or an equivalent qualification with minimum grades in:
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- Completion of a recognised Foundation Science Programme (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of:including passing grades in:
- 2.5 on a 4.5 scale, or
- 2.53 on a 5.0 scale
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- Successful completion of at least the first year of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) programme with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.5 scale.
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