EXPANSION OF THE BIOMEDICINE COURSE IN BRAZIL BETWEEN THE YEARS 1998 AND 2014

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the expansion of Biomedicine course in Brazil during the historical series between 1998 and 2014. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study whose variables of interest were courses and positions, analyzed in light of the legal nature of public and private institutions across Brazi. Secondary data from the Health Undergraduate Courses Database System (Sistema de Indicadores das Graduações em Saúde – SIGRAS) were used for analysis. Results: In the study period, there was an exponential growth of courses and positions in all Brazilian regions, mainly in the Southeast region and in private institutions. There is a need for further studies investigating the distribution of other courses, as well as other variables, supplying the demand of the job market and the social and economic determinants that shape this process. Conclusion: It was observed that the two analyzed variables, courses and positions, presented considerable growth during the analyzed period. It should be noted that the highest prevalence of undergraduate students in Biomedicine was concentrated in private institutions, but with significant evolution of the courses also in public institutions. The most notable region was the Southeast, showing an inequality in the distribution of courses and positions as compared to the other regions of the country. DESCRIPTORS: Health Education. Education Higher. Biologic Science.