Islamabad, 16 May, 2025: New Nursing Curriculum is set to redefine nursing education in Punjab as the University of Health Sciences (UHS) introduces a forward-looking academic framework named COMPASS.
The initiative targets all UHS-affiliated colleges across the province and will be implemented in the new academic year.
The curriculum, approved in a recent meeting chaired by Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore, represents a shift from conventional classroom teaching to a competency-based, modular structure.
READ MORE: KP Launches Paid Internship Program for Nursing Graduates
Developed jointly by the departments of Nursing and Medical Education, the model is rooted in key educational pillars: Competency-based, Outcome-based, Multicultural, Patient-centred, Assessment, Skills, and Safety.
Increased Focus on Clinical Exposure
A major feature of the New Nursing Curriculum is the expansion of clinical training hours from 35 to 54 credits offering students early and consistent hands-on experience.
Beginning in their first year, nursing students will participate in hospital-based clinical rotations three days per week, rotating through shifts to gain deeper understanding of patient care and collaborative healthcare practice.
The enhanced structure aims to develop real-world skills, bridging the gap between academic theory and healthcare delivery.
Cultural Sensitivity and Global Relevance
Professor Rathore emphasized that the new syllabus includes cultural competence a first in Pakistan’s nursing education.
Students will graduate with training in over 200 clinical procedures, alongside a carefully planned set of 72 courses delivered over eight semesters in a gradually intensifying format.
The integration of simulation labs and patient-focused modules further aligns the program with international standards in healthcare education.
Monitoring and Educator Training
To ensure consistency and quality, UHS will carry out unannounced inspections at affiliated institutions. These evaluations will focus on clinical activity records, academic schedules, and student engagement.
READ MORE: Pakistan Set to Send Nursing Staff to Malaysia
Recognising the role of faculty in successful execution, the university will host training workshops from June 1 to 15 to equip instructors for the transition.
By introducing the New Nursing Curriculum, UHS aims to build a generation of healthcare professionals who are both technically proficient and culturally informed.
