The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has abolished the need for Ph.D.-qualified faculty members to establish the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programme in colleges or universities.
The concession was made to address a nursing shortage in the country’s hospitals.
Previously, for the introduction of MS/MPhil/equivalent degree programmes, such schools were needed to have at least two Ph.D. certified faculty members specialising in the appropriate discipline.
However, under the current policy, the HEC has temporarily lifted this requirement in order to address the country’s shortage of competent and certified nurses.
However, under the current policy, the HEC has temporarily lifted this requirement in order to address the country’s shortage of competent and certified nurses.
“Given the scarcity of Ph.D. faculty in the field of nursing, the National Curriculum Review Committee has recommended a minimum requirement of two MSN qualified faculty members with at least five years of professional experience for the launch of MSN programmes,” according to the policy guideline document.
The exemption is valid until December 31, 2026, according to the paper.
The new policy was developed in partnership with the Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC) and the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC).
The aforementioned policy also aided in resolving long-standing equivalency difficulties. Previously, the Commission refused to grant equivalence certificates to BSN and MSN students who did not have midwifery qualifications/diplomas. However, they are now eligible for equivalence since they are required to finish their midwifery course after receiving their BSN and MSN educational degrees.
Because of the regulatory infringement, the HEC previously refused to award equivalencies to such pupils. Before being admitted to BSN or MSN programmes, it was necessary to have a midwifery certificate/diploma, according to the stipulated criteria.
Furthermore, entrance to a four-year BSN programme will need an HSSC/equivalent (12 years of schooling) in a pre-medical group with a minimum of 50% grades.
According to the new policy, students who have completed a three-year nursing diploma and a one-year midwifery/specialization diploma are eligible for equivalent to 14 years of study provided they pass three obligatory topics at the 14-year mark.
“Separate transcripts produced by universities for passing these topics would also be recognised by HEC,” it said.