Medical Data Processing Technician Programme Introduction

      2026–2027 • First Enrolment Year

      Medical Data Processing Technician Programme

      Giresun University Vocational School of Health Services

      2-Year Full-Time Programme
      Language of Instruction: Turkish
      3+1 Work-Based Learning Model
      Purpose & Scope

      The Medical Data Processing Technician Programme, offered within the Department of Statistics of Giresun University Vocational School of Health Services, was established in line with the outcomes of the "Digitalisation in Health Workshop" conducted in cooperation between the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the Ministry of Health, in order to meet the need for qualified professionals in the growing fields of healthcare digitalisation, electronic health records, data analytics and health informatics. The programme welcomed its first students in the 2026–2027 academic year.

      The programme aims to equip students with knowledge and skills in the collection, organisation, standardisation, processing and analysis of health data; clinical coding and classification systems, health information systems, health statistics and reporting, data visualisation, open-source software, artificial intelligence and machine learning in health, and blockchain technologies. Students are also trained to be conscious and responsible individuals regarding data security, protection of personal data, patient privacy, ethical principles and relevant legal regulations.

      Mission

      To contribute to the digitalisation of healthcare and to data-driven decision-making processes by training health technicians who can collect, process, analyse and report health data accurately, securely and in compliance with relevant standards; who use current information technologies effectively, are committed to ethical values, think analytically and are oriented toward teamwork.

      Vision

      To be a leading and respected education programme that is preferred at the national level, offering quality education in health data management and health informatics; grounded in data security, protection of personal data and patient privacy; and whose graduates follow innovative technologies and adapt to changing sectoral needs.

      Programme Structure & Duration
      2-Year Full-Time Education
      The language of instruction is Turkish. The programme consists of a total of 4 semesters.
      3+1 Work-Based Learning Model
      Students take theoretical and applied coursework at the school for three semesters and complete one semester of full-time on-site training at healthcare institutions. The on-site training semester is either the 3rd or the 4th semester (fall or spring).
      Practical Experience
      Students gain experience in working with health data through the Professional Practice and Medical Data Processing Applications courses, and complete their on-site training in the information systems and statistics units of healthcare institutions.
      Programme Values
      Data Privacy & Ethics
      Prioritising confidentiality, security and ethical principles in health data.
      Accuracy & Data Quality
      Ensuring that data is processed accurately, completely and in compliance with standards.
      Digitalisation & Innovation
      Adapting to the digital transformation of healthcare and following next-generation technologies.
      Scientific & Continuous Growth
      Fostering a lifelong learning mindset among students.
      Teamwork & Communication
      Training graduates who can take effective roles in interdisciplinary health and informatics teams.
      Social Benefit
      Contributing to the quality of healthcare services by supporting data-driven decision-making processes.
      Featured Courses
      Introduction to Health Data and Informatics
      Management of Information Systems in Health
      Data Collection and Standardisation
      Clinical Coding and Classification System
      Statistics and Reporting in Health
      Data Visualisation
      Open-Source Software and Its Use
      Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Health
      Blockchain and Health Data
      Project Management Methodology and Applications
      Medical Data Processing Applications I–II
      Workplace Training and Workplace Practice
      Programme Objectives
      1
      To train technicians with the skills to collect, classify, analyse and report health data.
      2
      To graduate professionals who can perform effective data entry and data management in electronic health records and health information systems.
      3
      To train graduates who are well-informed about confidentiality, security, ethical principles and legal regulations in health data.
      4
      To build a workforce capable of applying current technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data visualisation and open-source software in the field of health.
      5
      To enable students to gain real-world experience through the 3+1 Work-Based Learning Model.
      6
      To provide practice-oriented education through collaboration with healthcare institutions and health informatics companies.
      Programme Outcomes
      KNOWLEDGE
      PO1
      Has basic, up-to-date and applied knowledge related to the profession.
      PO2
      Has sufficient knowledge of occupational health and safety, patient rights, environmental awareness, quality processes and medical ethics.
      SKILLS
      PO3
      Explains the operation and management of health data systems; performs effective data entry in systems such as electronic health records (EHR) and hospital information systems (HIS).
      PO4
      Follows and effectively uses theoretical field knowledge, current developments and practices for the profession.
      PO5
      Effectively uses information technologies related to the professional field and tools, equipment and techniques appropriate to current technology.
      PO6
      Has the ability to independently evaluate professional problems and issues with an analytical and critical approach and to propose solutions.
      PO7
      Collects, classifies and analyses health data; interprets and reports health indicators.
      COMPETENCE: WORKING INDEPENDENTLY AND TAKING RESPONSIBILITY
      PO8
      Takes responsibility as a team member to solve complex and unforeseen problems encountered in practices related to the field.
      LEARNING COMPETENCE
      PO9
      Updates knowledge, skills and competences related to the field with an awareness of lifelong learning, and participates in the programmes, in-service training activities and other studies required for personal and professional development.
      COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL COMPETENCE
      PO10
      Follows information in the field using a foreign language and communicates with colleagues at a basic level.
      PO11
      Conveys thoughts and proposed solutions to problems on issues related to the professional field, at the level of basic knowledge and skills, through written and oral communication in the language of instruction.
      FIELD-SPECIFIC COMPETENCE
      PO12
      Uses next-generation technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in the processing and analysis of health data.
      PO13
      Acts in accordance with ethical principles in the stages of collecting and applying data related to the field and announcing the results, observes patient rights, and respects social, scientific and cultural values.
      Employment Opportunities
      •
      Information technology and health information systems units of public, university and private hospitals
      •
      Statistics, reporting and quality units of healthcare institutions
      •
      Provincial health directorates and institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Health
      •
      Health informatics and hospital information management system (HIMS) software companies
      •
      Private health insurance companies and other institutions and organisations that process health data
      Programme Information
      EstablishmentThe Medical Data Processing Technician Programme was opened within Giresun University Vocational School of Health Services in the 2026-2027 academic year.
      Qualification AwardedWithin the scope of the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework (TYYÇ), graduates of the programme hold the Basic Field Qualifications coded 72 (health) under the related fields of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) and are awarded the title of "health technician".
      Level of QualificationGraduates hold an ASSOCIATE DEGREE at SHORT CYCLE level according to the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA) and at LEVEL 5 according to the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF-LLL).
      Admission and Registration RequirementsStudents are admitted to the Medical Data Processing Technician Programme through central placement by ÖSYM according to the results of the "TYT" score type.
      Recognition of Prior LearningThe recognition of prior formal learning in higher education institutions, and vertical, lateral and intra-university transfers, are carried out in accordance with the Regulation on the Principles of Transfer Between Associate and Undergraduate Degree Programmes, Double Major, Minor and Inter-Institutional Credit Transfer in Higher Education Institutions published in the Official Gazette dated 24/4/2010 and numbered 27561, and the related Implementation Principles Directive of Giresun University. The adaptation of these students to the education programmes is carried out by the relevant unit executive boards.
      Qualification Requirements and RegulationsIn order to graduate from the programme, students must successfully complete theoretical and applied courses for 3 semesters and workplace vocational training courses for 1 semester. Successfully completing all courses in the programme (equivalent to a total of 120 ECTS) and having a weighted grade point average of at least 2.00 out of 4.00 is the qualification requirement for graduation.
      Access to Further StudiesGraduates who successfully complete their associate degree may transfer to the undergraduate programmes determined by ÖSYM through the Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS).
      Examinations, Assessment and EvaluationExaminations, assessment and evaluation are carried out in accordance with the Giresun University Associate and Undergraduate Education and Examination Regulation and the Giresun University Vocational Schools Coordinatorship 3+1 Vocational Education Model Implementation Directive.
      Graduation RequirementsGraduation requirements include the conditions explained under the heading "Qualification Requirements and Regulations".
      Mode of StudyFull-Time
      Department FacilitiesThe programme uses the classrooms of the Vocational School of Health Services for theoretical courses and practices. Students consolidate their professional experience through applied courses at healthcare institutions in Giresun province and, within the scope of workplace vocational training, at healthcare institutions in all provinces.
      Contact
      Acting Head of DepartmentProf. Dr. Gökhan ALPASLAN
      AddressGiresun University Vocational School of Health Services, Güre Campus, GİRESUN
      Phone+90 454 310 1375
      E-mailgokhan.alpaslan@giresun.edu.tr