BRIEF HISTORY OF TNIMA
The Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts (TNIMA) was established in 1945 through the
effort and cooperation of the Liberian National Public Health services- now Ministry of Health
and Social Welfare and the United States Mission.
In 1945, two already existing programmes for the training of nurses were merged-namely
Professional/ Practical Nursing. Through the collaborative efforts of the National Public
Health Team, a unified local training programmes of instruction for nurses and other health
related workers was started. This union was named “ Tubman National Institute of Medical
Arts” ( TNIMA) after the incumbent President of Liberia- William V.S. Tubman.
In 1952, a training course of auxiliary health education was established at TNIMA trough the
effort of the Liberian American Joint Commission for Economic Development. This program
later phase out. Later that year, the Liberian requested WHO to established a school of
sanitation after realizing the most of the population’s common diseases were a result of poor
sanitation and hygiene. The school was then established on a one year training basis until
1961 when it was raised to two (2) years and renamed the School of Environmental Health.
Temporarily closed for curriculum update from 1982 – 1984 and reopened since 1985 and is
operational.
The Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts (TNIMA) was established in 1945 through the
effort and cooperation of the Liberian National Public Health services- now Ministry of Health
and Social Welfare and the United States Mission.
In 1945, two already existing programmes for the training of nurses were merged-namely
Professional/ Practical Nursing. Through the collaborative efforts of the National Public
Health Team, a unified local training programmes of instruction for nurses and other health
related workers was started. This union was named “ Tubman National Institute of Medical
Arts” ( TNIMA) after the incumbent President of Liberia- William V.S. Tubman.
In 1952, a training course of auxiliary health education was established at TNIMA trough the
effort of the Liberian American Joint Commission for Economic Development. This program
later phase out. Later that year, the Liberian requested WHO to established a school of
sanitation after realizing the most of the population’s common diseases were a result of poor
sanitation and hygiene. The school was then established on a one year training basis until
1961 when it was raised to two (2) years and renamed the School of Environmental Health.
Temporarily closed for curriculum update from 1982 – 1984 and reopened since 1985 and is
operational.
In 1964, the need to established Physician Assistant Program for the development of health workers for the rural areas
became apparent. The Government of Liberia in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF establish the Physician Assistant
Program, and training started in March 1965 as a two (2) year program and increased to three (3) years in 1976.
Since its establishment, it has graduated over 3000 para-medical health workers (as of 2013) who are contributing their
quota in the health care delivery system of Liberia.
TNIMA currently operates four programs, which are opened to high school graduates desirous to further their education.
These areas of disciplines are:
• School of environmental Health
• School of Midwifery
• School of Physician Assistant
• School of Professional Nursing
Other schools that existed includes the Schools of Laboratory , Medical Record and Radiology.
became apparent. The Government of Liberia in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF establish the Physician Assistant
Program, and training started in March 1965 as a two (2) year program and increased to three (3) years in 1976.
Since its establishment, it has graduated over 3000 para-medical health workers (as of 2013) who are contributing their
quota in the health care delivery system of Liberia.
TNIMA currently operates four programs, which are opened to high school graduates desirous to further their education.
These areas of disciplines are:
• School of environmental Health
• School of Midwifery
• School of Physician Assistant
• School of Professional Nursing
Other schools that existed includes the Schools of Laboratory , Medical Record and Radiology.
SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
1. In 1952, the School of Environmental Health was established as a component of the Tubman National Institute of
Medical Arts (TNIMA). The program is a two years Training Program.
The school is accredited both by the Liberian Board for Allied Health Workers
and the West Africa Health Examination Board ( WAHEB). WAHEB’s
headquarter is in Nigeria and membership is comprised of Nigeria, The Gambia,
Sierra Leone and Liberia.
The School has enrolled over 800 students during its fifty-three years of service.
Its living alumni to date, number about five hundred (500). They can be found in all parts of the country contributing to the
development of the nation either in their professional area or others. Some have climbed the correct ladder and have
become prominent personalities in the health area at home and abroad.
2. DEFINITION:
Environmental Health Technician is trained to assist the community in identify environmental Health needs and problems,
and to support them in implementing appropriate preventive actions, particularly through health Education.
3. SCOPE OF WORK:
An Environmental Health Technician is trained to assist the community in identifying environmental Health needs and
problems, and to support them in implementing appropriate preventive actions, particularly through health Education.
4. EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION:
To be qualified to practice Environmental Health, one must be a graduate from an accredited school of Environmental
Health in Liberia, the sub region and the world at large. One can earn a diploma, BSc, and even a PHD. in any one of these
specialized areas.
a. Occupational Health e. Epidemiology
b. Water Supply (Hydrology) f. Sanitary Engineering
c. Health Education g. Community Health
d. Entomology h. Food Sanitation
i. Primary Health Care etc.
5. LINE OF AUTHORITY
Technically, a technician is responsible to the Environmental Health Supervisor. Administratively, a technician is
responsible to any person in charge of the health center or hospital or the supervisor or PHC activities in the community.
6. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION:
A technician is fellow of the following organization:
a. Liberian Association of Public Health inspectors (LAPHI).
b. West Africa Health Examination Board/Nigeria
c. International Environmental Health/West Germany
d. National Environmental Commission of Liberia
7. Opportunities:
a. Attractive salary
b. Privilege to work with the following institutions:
I. Ministry of Health & Social Welfare
II. Ministry of Rural Development.
III. Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation
IV. Monrovia City Corporation
V. International NGOs involved in Environmental Health.
a) World Health Organization
b) Christian Health Association of Liberia (CHAL)
c) Save the Children (UK)
d) MSF
e) Children Aid International
f) Merlin
g) World Vision etc.
VI INDUSTRIES:
a) Food & Beverages
b) Meat and Meat product
c) Fish
VII WOOD INDUSTRIES:
VII CONCESSION ETC.
May we also inform you that the medical professional has two distinct divisions. They are both curative and preventive
services. Environmental Health is a basically preventive medicine and the engineering as part of the medical profession.
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Curative Medicine
Preventive Medicine
Individual Community
Expensive Cheap
Curative Preventive
Treatment Education
SCHOOL OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
The school of Physician Assistant, one of four Schools in TNIMA, was established in 1965 under a joint venture between the
Liberian Government, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO) to train mid-level health care professionals.
These health care professionals (PAs) work independently, especially, at health posts, clinics and health centers that are
usually several miles for the hospital or medical doctor using the basic concepts of primary health care (PHC) and the
referral system. Additional, the Physician Assistant can also working Urban setting to enhance the patient’s management
and the seriously ill. The program at present offered a three years period and a Diploma is awarded.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
Physician Assistant program graduates are eligible to sit for the Physician Asst. National Certification Examination
administered by the Liberia National Physician Assistant Examination Boards. The certification is only issued to successful
candidates.
ACCREDITATION
The Physician Assistant program is fully accredited by the Liberia national Physician Assistant Association (LINPAA) and the
Liberia medical & dental Association Board (LMDA). To legally practice medicine as a Physician Assistant in Liberia, the
Physician Assistant must passed the State Board Exams administered by the Physician Assistant Association Board of
Examiners & lice-sure and is licensed.
MANY ROLES OF THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
Doctor’s substitute is areas where there is no medical doctors.
Provide emergency treatment to the injured.
Statistician: Records birth, morbidity mortality (Infant, and maternal etc) for the Ministry of health. Nutritionist: Adyises and
demonstrates to the people of his community the important of a good balance diet. Recognizes the sign and symptoms of
diseases related to malnutrition and under nutrition etc.
Midwife: where no trained midwife is available conducts a prenatal clinics, postnatal cares both mother and child etc. family
Planning & Reproductive Health: Encourages families to space their children properly for better health of mother and child,
decides on the number of children to have etc. Health Education: Helps the community to become aware and seek out the
services of available health personnel teach the importance of vaccination etc.
PROFESSIONAL UTILIZATION & EDUCATION
The graduate Physician Assistant is used at every levels of the health deliver system of Liberian and in countries with
physician or medical assistant program. The physician Assistant can earn a diploma, Esc, MA, and can specialized in
Emergency medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Geriatrics, Internal Medicine, etc.
The physician Assistant is the leader of the community health team. The Physician Assistant School has graduated
hundreds of Liberian who are contributing immensely to the Health Care Delivery System of Liberia.
SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING & MIDWIFERY
OBJECTIVES:
It was established to:
a. Train Nursing and Midwifery Students.
b. Provide basis knowledge and skill for student, and its products; carry out basic health services to the Liberia people,
society.
c. Provide services in healing and prevention.
d. Provide health services to both Urban Rural communities; with emphasis on rural communities.
THE PROGRAMS
A. Professional Nursing program
• Accept both male and female students.
• The program runs for three consecutive years.
• No pregnancy is allowed.
• The program offered diploma at the moment.
• Students are to do both Theoretical and Clinical practice at all level.
• The Freshman students are placed on probationary period during the 1st semester.
• Students are assessed at the end of the 1st three months and those failing in two or more courses are dropped from
the program.
• All Senior students are to go for Rural Affiliation before graduation.
• At the end of the 1st semester, students failing in one major, two or more courses will be dropped from the program.
• All Senior students are to go of rural Affiliation before graduation.
MIDWIFERY PROGRAM
This program is similar to that of professional Nursing program but has few exceptions.
1. Runs on for two years
2. Admits only female students at the moment
3. Certain number of deliveries has to be done before graduation
4. It provides Diploma
5. Rural affiliation must be carried out before graduation.
1. In 1952, the School of Environmental Health was established as a component of the Tubman National Institute of
Medical Arts (TNIMA). The program is a two years Training Program.
The school is accredited both by the Liberian Board for Allied Health Workers
and the West Africa Health Examination Board ( WAHEB). WAHEB’s
headquarter is in Nigeria and membership is comprised of Nigeria, The Gambia,
Sierra Leone and Liberia.
The School has enrolled over 800 students during its fifty-three years of service.
Its living alumni to date, number about five hundred (500). They can be found in all parts of the country contributing to the
development of the nation either in their professional area or others. Some have climbed the correct ladder and have
become prominent personalities in the health area at home and abroad.
2. DEFINITION:
Environmental Health Technician is trained to assist the community in identify environmental Health needs and problems,
and to support them in implementing appropriate preventive actions, particularly through health Education.
3. SCOPE OF WORK:
An Environmental Health Technician is trained to assist the community in identifying environmental Health needs and
problems, and to support them in implementing appropriate preventive actions, particularly through health Education.
4. EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION:
To be qualified to practice Environmental Health, one must be a graduate from an accredited school of Environmental
Health in Liberia, the sub region and the world at large. One can earn a diploma, BSc, and even a PHD. in any one of these
specialized areas.
a. Occupational Health e. Epidemiology
b. Water Supply (Hydrology) f. Sanitary Engineering
c. Health Education g. Community Health
d. Entomology h. Food Sanitation
i. Primary Health Care etc.
5. LINE OF AUTHORITY
Technically, a technician is responsible to the Environmental Health Supervisor. Administratively, a technician is
responsible to any person in charge of the health center or hospital or the supervisor or PHC activities in the community.
6. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION:
A technician is fellow of the following organization:
a. Liberian Association of Public Health inspectors (LAPHI).
b. West Africa Health Examination Board/Nigeria
c. International Environmental Health/West Germany
d. National Environmental Commission of Liberia
7. Opportunities:
a. Attractive salary
b. Privilege to work with the following institutions:
I. Ministry of Health & Social Welfare
II. Ministry of Rural Development.
III. Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation
IV. Monrovia City Corporation
V. International NGOs involved in Environmental Health.
a) World Health Organization
b) Christian Health Association of Liberia (CHAL)
c) Save the Children (UK)
d) MSF
e) Children Aid International
f) Merlin
g) World Vision etc.
VI INDUSTRIES:
a) Food & Beverages
b) Meat and Meat product
c) Fish
VII WOOD INDUSTRIES:
VII CONCESSION ETC.
May we also inform you that the medical professional has two distinct divisions. They are both curative and preventive
services. Environmental Health is a basically preventive medicine and the engineering as part of the medical profession.
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Curative Medicine
Preventive Medicine
Individual Community
Expensive Cheap
Curative Preventive
Treatment Education
SCHOOL OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
The school of Physician Assistant, one of four Schools in TNIMA, was established in 1965 under a joint venture between the
Liberian Government, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO) to train mid-level health care professionals.
These health care professionals (PAs) work independently, especially, at health posts, clinics and health centers that are
usually several miles for the hospital or medical doctor using the basic concepts of primary health care (PHC) and the
referral system. Additional, the Physician Assistant can also working Urban setting to enhance the patient’s management
and the seriously ill. The program at present offered a three years period and a Diploma is awarded.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
Physician Assistant program graduates are eligible to sit for the Physician Asst. National Certification Examination
administered by the Liberia National Physician Assistant Examination Boards. The certification is only issued to successful
candidates.
ACCREDITATION
The Physician Assistant program is fully accredited by the Liberia national Physician Assistant Association (LINPAA) and the
Liberia medical & dental Association Board (LMDA). To legally practice medicine as a Physician Assistant in Liberia, the
Physician Assistant must passed the State Board Exams administered by the Physician Assistant Association Board of
Examiners & lice-sure and is licensed.
MANY ROLES OF THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
Doctor’s substitute is areas where there is no medical doctors.
Provide emergency treatment to the injured.
Statistician: Records birth, morbidity mortality (Infant, and maternal etc) for the Ministry of health. Nutritionist: Adyises and
demonstrates to the people of his community the important of a good balance diet. Recognizes the sign and symptoms of
diseases related to malnutrition and under nutrition etc.
Midwife: where no trained midwife is available conducts a prenatal clinics, postnatal cares both mother and child etc. family
Planning & Reproductive Health: Encourages families to space their children properly for better health of mother and child,
decides on the number of children to have etc. Health Education: Helps the community to become aware and seek out the
services of available health personnel teach the importance of vaccination etc.
PROFESSIONAL UTILIZATION & EDUCATION
The graduate Physician Assistant is used at every levels of the health deliver system of Liberian and in countries with
physician or medical assistant program. The physician Assistant can earn a diploma, Esc, MA, and can specialized in
Emergency medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Geriatrics, Internal Medicine, etc.
The physician Assistant is the leader of the community health team. The Physician Assistant School has graduated
hundreds of Liberian who are contributing immensely to the Health Care Delivery System of Liberia.
SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING & MIDWIFERY
OBJECTIVES:
It was established to:
a. Train Nursing and Midwifery Students.
b. Provide basis knowledge and skill for student, and its products; carry out basic health services to the Liberia people,
society.
c. Provide services in healing and prevention.
d. Provide health services to both Urban Rural communities; with emphasis on rural communities.
THE PROGRAMS
A. Professional Nursing program
• Accept both male and female students.
• The program runs for three consecutive years.
• No pregnancy is allowed.
• The program offered diploma at the moment.
• Students are to do both Theoretical and Clinical practice at all level.
• The Freshman students are placed on probationary period during the 1st semester.
• Students are assessed at the end of the 1st three months and those failing in two or more courses are dropped from
the program.
• All Senior students are to go for Rural Affiliation before graduation.
• At the end of the 1st semester, students failing in one major, two or more courses will be dropped from the program.
• All Senior students are to go of rural Affiliation before graduation.
MIDWIFERY PROGRAM
This program is similar to that of professional Nursing program but has few exceptions.
1. Runs on for two years
2. Admits only female students at the moment
3. Certain number of deliveries has to be done before graduation
4. It provides Diploma
5. Rural affiliation must be carried out before graduation.
About The School (TNIMA)
| The Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts (TNIMA) Association Inc. |
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