To achieve the professional profile that is expected from technical-level health qualifications, it is necessary to develop learning of distinct natures, denominated herein as belonging to the conceptual, technical, ethical, and political realms. In Brazil, such qualifications have been provided largely by the Single Health System's Technical Schools (SHSTS). Based on the assumption that these qualifications are largely guided by the technical dimension, to the detriment of the other ones, a study was carried out to analyze the curricula developed at the SHSTS aiming at identifying 'emphases' and 'reduction' in these schools' curricula. The study was carried out in the state of São Paulo and was based on the analysis of the schools' political and pedagogical projects and on interviews done with their directors and professors. The initial assumption was not validated, at least in part, since it was noticed that there was the intention to seek qualifications that highlighted ethical and political learning, in addition to a severe criticism of the so-called traditional education model that centers on practical training, replaced by a strong non-directive character in the teaching-learning process. The study also pointed, however, to a major reduction in the conceptual and technical dimensions, something that may be compromising the professional qualification proposal for the Single Health System.
technical qualifications in health; SHS technical schools; curriculum; professional qualification; SHS