Impact of a Competency Training Course, on the Job Profile of Veterinary Medicine Graduates in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

The present study identified professional training aspects in veterinary medicine at a federal public university in the Northeast of Brazil based on the graduates perception. The outcome of this study is anticipated to facilitate updating of pedagogical project execution of the courses in related areas to improve their curriculum. Hence, the course coordination started monitoring the graduates using an online questionnaire on the course webpage. The form consisted of questions about the graduate's sociodemographic information; academic training; professional performance; evaluation about the humanistic and technical skills; expertise and knowledge areas; job market perception; and curriculum evaluation. This survey was performed following the ethical criteria. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test ( p < .05). Graduates work mainly in the Northeast region of the country, and are employed less than a year after graduation. Moreover, they are working in their training area with a compatible salary. They recognized the generalist profile of their training. They also believed that the course promotes articulation between teaching, and research and extension, as well as consider the discipline contents more theoretical than practical. Upon completing the course, 41% of the graduates felt prepared for the job market, especially in the area of animal health. The results obtained allowed us to understand the socioeconomic, demographic, and professional profiles of the trained professionals. Therefore, monitoring the trajectory of graduates can support decisions about the didactic-pedagogical adjustments aimed at promoting the quality of professional training, thereby meeting the job market demands.