School of Allied Medical Sciences

School of Allied Health Sciences, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences (SHMU)

 

Introduction

The School of Allied Health Sciences at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences (SHMU) is dedicated to training specialized and highly competent professionals across various essential ancillary healthcare fields. Our commitment transcends basic technical proficiency; we strive to cultivate critical thinkers and problem-solvers who integrate seamlessly into the complex dynamics of modern healthcare delivery. Our programs are meticulously designed to equip students with the comprehensive technical expertise, rigorous scientific foundation, and sharp critical thinking skills necessary to function effectively as vital members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. By prioritizing evidence-based practice and advanced technological integration, our graduates are prepared to contribute significantly to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes both regionally and internationally.

The establishment of this School reflects SHMU’s strategic dedication to strengthening the supportive infrastructure of medical services, recognizing that advanced paramedical services are indispensable cornerstones of high-quality, safe, and efficient patient care in contemporary medical settings, from the emergency room to specialized surgical theaters.

 

Mission

Our overarching mission is to advance the fields of paramedical science through the synergy of high-quality education, intensive practical training, and focused, relevant research. We pursue this mission through several key pillars:

1- Educate Specialized Professionals: We are committed to offering diverse and rigorous academic programs across disciplines that form the backbone of ancillary medical support. These programs currently include, but are not limited to:

* Anesthesiology Technology

* Radiology (Medical Imaging) Technology

* Laboratory Sciences (Clinical Laboratory Technology)

* Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and related disciplines.

We ensure all curricula are rigorously aligned with national and international standards of practice.

2- Ensure Clinical Competency: A cornerstone of our pedagogy is the practical application of theoretical knowledge. We provide extensive, structured hands-on training utilizing state-of-the-art modern equipment, sophisticated clinical simulation tools (including high-fidelity mannequins and virtual reality modules), and structured clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals. This ensures that graduates achieve immediate effectiveness and professional autonomy upon entering the workforce, capable of managing complex technical scenarios.

3- Promote Research and Innovation: We actively foster an environment where faculty and students are encouraged to conduct applied, translational research that directly addresses clinical challenges. Key areas of focus include optimizing diagnostic protocols through technological refinement, enhancing patient safety through procedural standardization, and improving the overall technical efficiency of support services within the healthcare ecosystem. Research output is expected to contribute meaningfully to the knowledge base of paramedical sciences.

 

Vision

We aspire to evolve into a preeminent national center for paramedical education, skill development, and impactful research within Iran. We aim to be universally recognized for producing highly sought-after technical experts whose contributions drive continuous innovation in medical support services. Our graduates will be known for their professionalism, adaptability, and significant contribution to elevating the overall standard and quality of patient care delivery across all clinical environments they serve. We envision a future where SHMU-trained paramedical professionals are leaders in adopting and implementing new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.

 

Academic Programs

The School of Paramedical Science meticulously curates a range of undergraduate (B.Sc.) and postgraduate (M.Sc.) degrees. These programs are specifically tailored to address the critical support areas required by modern, technologically advanced medicine, emphasizing a balance between core scientific principles and specialized technical proficiencies.

 

Undergraduate Programs (B.Sc.)

These foundational degrees provide intensive technical training coupled with a deep understanding of human physiology, pathology, and relevant physics principles:

* B. Sc. in Anesthesiology Technology: This program focuses intensely on the technical, pharmacological, and physiological support required during complex surgical procedures, pain management, and in critical care settings (ICU). Students master the operation of anesthesia delivery systems, patient monitoring equipment, and emergency resuscitation techniques, including the precise calculation of drug dosages based on patient parameters.

* B. Sc. in Radiology Technology (Medical Imaging): This program trains students in the technical operation, quality control, and safety protocols associated with advanced medical imaging modalities, covering X-ray physics, Computed Tomography (CT scan), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and fundamentals of Nuclear Medicine. Emphasis is placed on radiation safety, adhering strictly to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, and understanding image processing algorithms.

* B. Sc. in Laboratory Sciences (Clinical Laboratory Technology): This stream prepares highly skilled experts capable of executing, validating, and interpreting a vast array of clinical and diagnostic tests across major laboratory disciplines: hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, and histopathology. Competency includes rigorous quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures and understanding the chemical and biological principles underlying various diagnostic assays.

 

Postgraduate Programs (M.Sc.)

Advanced studies at the Master’s level are structured to deepen theoretical knowledge, develop independent research capabilities, and foster specialized clinical mastery.

* M.Sc. Programs: Specializations are typically offered in areas requiring advanced theoretical modeling and complex clinical judgment, such as:

* Medical Physics: Focusing on the mathematical and physical principles underlying medical imaging and radiation therapy, including radiation dosimetry.

* Advanced Anesthesiology and Critical Care: Deep dive into advanced hemodynamic monitoring, complex pharmacology, and mechanical ventilation management.

* Specialized Medical Imaging Techniques: Including advanced topics in MRI sequences, multi-detector CT applications, and quantitative imaging analysis, requiring proficiency in advanced statistics and signal processing for thesis work.

 

Educational Facilities and Resources

The school is committed to providing a world-class learning environment, ensuring that all educational activities are supported by cutting-edge infrastructure that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.

* Specialized Labs for Paramedical Sciences: Our infrastructure includes highly functional, purpose-built teaching laboratories replicating professional environments, covering Hematology/Coagulation, Biochemistry/Immunology, and Microbiology/Pathology with modern, automated equipment.

* Simulation Centers for Anesthesia and Emergency Care: These centers are designed for immersive, high-stakes, low-consequence training. They feature High-Fidelity Patient Simulators capable of realistic physiological responses, Advanced Airway Management Stations, and Crisis Resource Management (CRM) Training Modules emphasizing team communication.

* Radiology Training Suites: To ensure proficiency without patient risk, specialized, non-diagnostic facilities are maintained, including Imaging Simulators for practicing positioning and exposure factor selection, and Phantom Devices for practicing radiation safety checks.

* Digital Learning and Research Hubs: Recognizing the digital nature of modern healthcare data, we provide robust technological support, including dedicated computer labs with specialized analytical software (e.g., for image processing, LIMS simulators, and statistical packages) and comprehensive institutional access to major scholarly electronic databases.

 

Research Focus

Research conducted at the School of Paramedical Science is fundamentally translational, aiming to bridge the gap between fundamental scientific discovery and practical, immediate improvements in clinical and diagnostic performance. Faculty and student research activities are steered by the current operational needs of the healthcare system.

Optimization of Imaging Techniques: This research stream utilizes physics and engineering principles to refine diagnostic workflows, such as developing algorithms for noise reduction in low-dose CT scans to minimize patient radiation burden while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Development of Laboratory Standards and Automation: Research here focuses on enhancing the reliability, speed, and efficiency of clinical testing across various lab sections, including implementing and validating new point-of-care testing (POCT) technologies.

Anesthesia Safety and Postoperative Care: This area emphasizes human factors engineering, monitoring technology, and pharmacological efficacy in critical and operative environments, exploring comparative studies on analgesic agents and developing robust early warning scoring systems for postoperative complications.

 

Contact Information:

Dean: Dr. Reza Jafari

Email: jafari.r@shmu.ac.ir

Tel: +98-23-32395054

Address: School of Paramedical Science, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences (SHMU), 7th Tir Square, Shahrood, Iran.