Aga Khan University (AKU) in Uganda has launched a new undergraduate programme - Bachelor of Nursing Science – Direct Entry. Accredited by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (UNCHE), the programme is designed to equip the next generation of nurses with the advanced skills and knowledge essential for today's dynamic healthcare environment.
Historically, AKU has been a strong advocate for nursing education not only in Uganda, but also in Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. This new programme stands on these foundations of excellence and expertise.
The comprehensive curriculum places strong emphasis on critical areas vital to modern health care, including patient-centered care, critical thinking, teamwork and interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement. A significant focus will also be placed on the effective integration of informatics and technology to enhance care delivery, leveraging emerging innovations in electronic health records, telemedicine, and data science.
“Our new direct-entry nursing programme is designed to equip Uganda's future nurses with exceptional clinical skills, critical thinking, and leadership abilities," said Professor Eunice Ndirangu, Dean at AKU's School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa (SONAM EA). “By combining world-class teaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong emphasis on compassionate patient care, our graduates will stand out as leaders in transforming the country's healthcare landscape."
The four-year programme will be offered at the newly constructed Aga Khan University campus in Nakawa, Kampala with fifty students admitted per cohort. Upon graduation, students will be fully prepared to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to diverse populations across the lifespan. They will be adept at working in multidisciplinary environments, serving as vital links between patients and the broader health care system in a variety of settings.
Dr Joseph Mwizerwa, Associate Vice Provost at AKU Uganda said, “The Bachelor of Nursing Science – Direct Entry programme plays a pivotal role in strengthening Uganda's health system by equipping nurses with advanced knowledge and essential skills to lead in clinical care, public health, and health policy—particularly in underserved communities where their contributions are most needed."
Over 1,400 nurses and midwives have graduated from AKU and are pioneers within the profession as hospital head nurses, government officials and leaders of nursing schools and nursing associations. The Bachelor of Nursing Science – Direct Entry will complement AKU's part-time bachelor's programmes for working nurses and midwives.
Admission for the programme is ongoing and will close in August. Applications are welcome from around the East Africa region.
