MUSCAT, OMAN, Feb. 11, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Minister of Health, His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) Executive President H. E. Dr. Abdullah Al Fustaisi and senior Prometric executives today announced the opening of a new, state-of-the-art test center in Oman and the availability of up to 70 OMSB and international exams. The computer-based exams help to ensure OMSB medical standards are met by candidates seeking to practice medicine and deliver healthcare services in Oman and ensure that healthcare quality is aligned with the Sultanate's national Health System 2020 policy as developed by the Ministry. The facility is the first Prometric testing center in Oman.
"Prometric Center facilitates for Residents to take their medical and international exams without the need to travel abroad. And I urge OMSB to do the needful for those who wish to study abroad so they can take their exam here in the Sultanate. I congratulate all those who contributed in establishing this Center and best of luck for them," H. E. Dr. Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Saidi said.
After completion of training in specialty programs and passing all required examinations, OMSB Residents obtain the Oman Specialty Board Certificate, the equivalent of a Ph.D. in medical specializations.
The Prometric Center includes three main rooms. The first room is the examination room which is equipped to accommodate the examinees and to provide the best environment for them to take the exam. The second room is attached to the examination room and it is set for observation. This room is separated from the examination room by a transparent glass in order for the exam administrator to monitor the process of the exam. The identity of the examinee is verified by digital fingerprint.
"'Prometric Center offers an admission for 22 medical specialty exams via Internet at the moment, which include Obstetrics & Gynecology, General Surgery, Anesthesia, Cosmetic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine, Ophthalmology and many others. In addition, other related examinations could be taken at this center, such as: American Board Exam, PMP, TOEFL, and other exams. OMSB is also seeking to add more examinations for the other medical specialties, so it will add up to 70 exams," H. E. Dr. Abdullah Al Fustaisi said.
The Prometric testing center allows for candidates to take computer-based OMSB exams. Providing OMSB testing, which is also offered at Prometric test centers worldwide, is in alignment with the Ministry's goals for having highly qualified specialty medical cadres in the Sultanate's hospitals and health centers.
"It is a prestigious task we have been trusted to deliver," said Prometric's Chief Operating Officer Charles Kernan of the computer-based testing services Prometric is providing for Oman. "We look forward to working to ensure every OMSB candidate has a fair, secure and reliable testing experience every test."
The OMSB was established by the Royal Decree No. 31/2006, issued April 2, 2006. The OMSB is an independent body tasked with formulating proper standards and criteria for practicing and developing the health professions. The Board aims at upgrading professional performance, developing skills that enrich scientific literature and properly apply knowledge in the various fields of health specialties. Its mission is to set high standards for post-graduate medical education of healthcare professionals, which will continuously improve the standards and the quality of healthcare in Oman.
Prometric is a global, trusted provider of technology-enabled testing and assessment. The company operates in 160 countries and delivers more than 10 million exams per year on behalf of 400 clients in the academic, financial, government, healthcare, professional, corporate and information technology markets. The new Oman test center is among a global network of 8,000 test sites.
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