Profile of graduate students of a nationwide professional master's degree course in the health field

Abstract: Introduction: This paper reports research about graduates of the Professional Master’s Degree in Family Health (PROFSAÚDE), a nationwide qualification provided by a network composed of 25 institutions from the five regions of Brazil. The course is administered through distance learning,and is aimed at strengthening knowledge related to Primary Health Care, health management and education. Purpose: To characterize the socio-demographic profile and professional performance of the graduates of the first class of the professional master’s degree in Family Health and identify how the course has contributed to professional performance and to strengthening the Unified Health System (SUS). Method: This research is based on a quantitative approach that used a questionnaire with open and closed questions as a research instrument. Results: The results present the profile of the graduates, their motivations for taking the course, the impacts on their daily work and professional career, as well as the repercussion of the final product of the course in the training processes of health care professionals. Conclusion: The potential of training health professionals through distance learning is showcased by the ability to reach different regions of the country equitably, providing the professional/student with tools to examine their daily lives and propose solutions to the challenges of Primary Health Care, as mentioned by graduates in relation to the contribution of the final product of the Master’s degree.