A total of 89 first-year students at the School of Health Sciences at College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q) were officially welcomed at the fourth annual Crest Ceremony. 
They received a crest to display on their white lab coats and personal protective equipment, as a symbol of professionalism and commitment to their chosen field of study.
Sheikh Dr Mohamed Hamad al-Thani, director of public health at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), was the keynote speaker at the ceremony which also celebrated the students’ choice to enter the allied healthcare field. 
Sheikh Dr Mohamed emphasised the importance of hard work for a successful future.
“CNA-Q’s School of Health Sciences has impacted the standard of care, quality and safety here in the State of Qatar, through the high level of education and training offered to students.”
CNA-Q Class of 2008 graduate Fatima Kamel al-Otoum also spoke to the new students, sharing her insight as a practising allied healthcare professional. She is now senior supervisor for health inspection at the MoPH.
“The quality of education at CNA-Q is exceptional. The education here is different. It does not just rely on memorising. The competencies I learned at the College, I apply right now to my work,” she said. “The instructors are also your friends – they guided me, listened to me, encouraged me.”
“This ceremony is about making our students feel welcome – to CNA-Q and to the wonderful world of healthcare. It is a special event that celebrates the beginning of a long and successful career in Qatar’s healthcare sector, which is developing at a rapid pace,” said Irene O’Brien, dean, School of Health Sciences.
CNA-Q offers nine healthcare diploma programmes tailored to the needs of Qatar’s growing healthcare sector: advanced care paramedicine, dental hygiene, environmental health, health education: diabetes, health and wellness promotion, occupational health and safety, medical radiography technology, pharmacy technician and respiratory therapy.