Pakistan’s First MScN. Programme Promises Greater Roles for Nurses

While nursing in Pakistan, Asia and East Africa has developed gradually over the decades, at AKU School of Nursing (AKUSON) it is fast emerging as a profession requiring expanded roles, ever increasing knowledge and continuous research.

AKUSON has been a trendsetter of nursing education in Pakistan. It was the first to provide the post RN BScN. and four-year BScN. degree programmes. Today, the School is continuing its leadership role by initiating Pakistan's first Master of Science in Nursing (MScN.) programme in October 2001.

Dr. Rozina Karmaliani, Assistant Professor, AKUSON, with students of MScN. prgorammes, which is designed to equip nurses with the skills to meet the challenges in health care management in the country and the region.

In the MScN. programme, a high level of leadership and  decision-making skills in the areas of clinical practice, education, administration, and research will be emphasised. The courses will also reflect the cultural concepts relevant to the region, which is often missing when nurses go to the West to pursue higher education in nursing. Students will have the  opportunity to take elective course work and clinical practice in Pakistan or abroad, depending on their practice speciality.

Five candidates have begun the first MScN. class. Coming from a variety of institutions in the country, government and private, these students will be prepared to face the challenges and complexities of the current health care situation in the country and the region.