Located at the Gammara Hotel, Makassar, the Diploma in Radiology of Poltekkesmu Makassar held the Oath Taking Procession of the new professional radiographers. The procession continued with a warm gathering of 125 graduates consisting of 96 women and 29 men. They all were declared competent and entitled to obtain a Registration Certificate (STR) because they had passed the Competency Test (UKOM). The oath-taking ceremony was led by the Chairman of the Indonesian Radiographers Association (PARI) in the South Sulawesi Board, Sultan Hamjar, Amd.Rad, SKM, M.Adm.Kes., witnessed by a religious figure and all invited guests.

In her report, the Chairwomen of the Diploma in Radiology Study Program, Indah Musdalifa, Amd.Rad, S.Si, M.Si mentioned that to get the STR, the students should have a diploma degree and a certificate of competence. Meanwhile, the diploma degree and competency certificates were given to students after being declared to have passed an exam and competency test. “Alhamdulillah, thus the graduates can find employment,” she reported. She also mentioned the demand for radiographers is high. “Alhamdulillah, many of our alumni have spread in Indonesia and are already working. It is possible because we are the only radiology department in Eastern Indonesia. While according to the trend of new student admissions, the Radiology study program is always in great demand by applicants,” Indah added in her speech.

On the other hand, the chairman of the Daily Advisory Board (BPH) Poltekkes Muhammadiyah Makassar, Dr. KH. Mustari Bosra, MA explained that the Vocational education program will continue to be developed. In the future, 20% of the education system in Indonesia will develop Vocational programs, as in the United States, Vocational programs are in great demand. Therefore, Poltekkesmu Makassar will develop to be a Polytechnic in General Technology, so it will no longer focus on health. Dr. KH.Mustari Bosra, MA, who is also the Deputy Chairperson of the MUI South Sulawesi, hoped that graduates who were already competent would find jobs that match their capacities and competencies. He also motivated the graduates to pursue study until the Doctoral program. “Be grateful that you can study and become Poltekesmu Makassar alumni. During your oath-taking procession and graduation, your parents are proud of you. Congratulations and I hope you succeed in pursuing the future,” he concluded.

In his remarks, the Director of Poltekkesmu Makassar, Dr. H. Effendy Rasiyanto, M.Kes, congratulated the graduates. He also mentioned the alumni of the Radiology study program are now working in healthcare services, including hospitals, companies, and other health facilities. “You hold the tool now, please use it for your future. I hope you can apply the knowledge you have learned to improve Indonesia’s state of health ”, he said. (Public Relations of Poltekessmu Makassar, IM & DAR)