I warmly welcome you to the Central University School of Medical Sciences (CU-SMS). The philosophy of CU-SMS is to produce devout, well-grounded and well-rounded health professionals who can meet the challenges of our time, serve in marginalized communities and positively influence society through selfless service. SMS was thus, born out of the need to train leaders who will be practically and professionally informed and at the same time, spiritually and morally tuned to the total health needs of society.
The School is committed to advancing medical knowledge, improving patient outcomes, and shaping the future of healthcare through excellence in education, clinical practice and research whilst upholding faith and integrity.
The SMS currently offers courses in Physician Assistantship and Public Health.
Plans are far advanced towards the establishment of a Medical Programme. (The MBCHB degree programme). Accreditation processes with the Regulatory Authorities have commenced and we are hopeful of starting this programme very soon. So, keep looking out for news leading to the birth of a new Medical School at Central University.
I invite you to make Central University, School of Medical Sciences (CU-SMS) your preferred choice as you consider embarking on a career in Public Health or Medicine.
Prof. Jennifer Welbeck
Dean
ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
The school was established in 2023. It evolved from the then School of Medicine and Health Sciences, which had been in existence since 2018, originally housing the Physician Assistantship programme, the Public Health programme and the Nursing programme. In 2023, the nursing programme was expanded to become a stand-alone Nursing and Midwifery school, with the renaming of our new school as the School of Medical Sciences.
The school’s Physician Assistantship (PA) degree programme, established in 2009, was recognised as the first of its kind to be offered by any tertiary institution in Ghana. We are at the crossroads now as this programme is being phased out.
The Public Health programme was established in 2019 as a unit initially offering an undergraduate (Bachelor of Public Health – BPH) degree programme. In 2022, a postgraduate (Master of Public Health – MPH) degree programme came into being, offering specialization in Epidemiology and Disease Control, Health informatics, Nutrition, Health Promotion or Environmental and Occupational Health at Level 300.
The school’s vision is to aspire to be a centre of excellence in healthcare training, research and innovation whilst raising virtuous, transformational leaders
Our mission is to train a cadre of God-fearing, competent health professionals who will deliver high-quality health care and health services relevant to the developmental needs of Ghana, Africa and the world.
The school is committed to the core values espoused by the University: Faith in the One and Living God, Integrity evidenced by high ethical standards and Excellence in all aspects of our activities. Our school promotes
- student-centred learning
- excellence in learning and self-discovery, and
- trust and respect
The curriculum emphasizes clinical skills, critical thinking, and compassionate patient care. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations and practical field training, preparing them to excel in various healthcare settings.
Programmes Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistantship (BSc PA)-being phased out now
- Bachelor of Public Health (BPH)
- Master’s in Public Health (MPH)
New Programme to be Offered soon
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (Medicine) MBCHB.
Facilities and labs- practical training spaces and research infrastructure
The school collaborates with other academic units in the sharing of lecture and laboratory spaces provided for multidisciplinary use by the University.
The students at the school have access to multi-purposed, well ventilated, and fully furnished lecture rooms fitted with audio-visual equipment. There are also medium-sized tutorial rooms available for small group teaching. We share in the use of the skills and simulation laboratory of the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Additionally, two modern biomedical laboratory facilities for the practical needs of the basic sciences are available off-campus with affiliate institutions.
For practical clinical training, the school collaborates with a number of Ghana Health Service (GHS) hospitals. There are currently in place valid Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with all the clinical sites. These hospitals have specialists with the requisite qualifications accredited by MDC to offer clinical training for our students during the clinical phase of their training.
Additionally, the District and Municipal Health Directorates within the University’s vicinity, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and other Healthcare, Industry and Regulatory bodies provide training for both the undergraduate and postgraduate Public Health students in experiential learning and Practicums.
The other related sister schools of the university also assist with adjunct lecturers when required.
Two dedicated buses are available for transporting the students to and from the practical sites, and accommodation is sought at the venues as required.
Online e-library resources are available all year round through the University’s Science Library, and students have access to internet on campus.
Partnerships- Industry and international collaborations
- University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS)
- Ghana Medical and Dental Council (MDC)
- Health Directorate of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese of the Catholic Church
- Ghana Health Service/Ministry of Health (GHS/MOH)
- Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC)
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- Pan African College of Education (PANCOED)
Management Team
The School’s Management Team is made up of the Dean (Prof. Jennifer E. Welbeck) assisted by the Vice-Dean (Dr. Saviour Adjenti) and the School Officer (Ms. Ruby Mensah)
Contact Information
Dean’s Office
SMS Secretariat
Central Plaza-East Wing,
Mitsio Campus