BACHELOR OF NURSING

Summary of the Bachelor of Nursing Program

Background

The Bachelor of Nursing program at University of Medical Sciences of Havana has a rich history of over a century, reflecting continuous evolution and improvement. Initially, nursing care in Cuba was provided through basic procedural imitation during the colonial era. Formal nursing education began in 1899 with the First Practical School of Nursing at “Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes” Hospital, now the Manuel Fajardo university hospital. The early twentieth century saw the establishment of eight more nursing schools across various provinces.

Following the 1959 revolution, the development of Cuba’s public health sector accelerated, leading to the expansion and enhancement of nursing schools and curricula. In 1976, university-level nursing education began for licensed practical nurses, and in 1987, it was extended to high school graduates, offering a comprehensive five-year study plan that started in Havana and later expanded nationwide.

Today, the nursing curriculum integrates modern educational trends, emphasizing early practical training from the outset. The fifth year focuses on real-world application under experienced nursing tutors’ guidance, ensuring comprehensive professional development.

Cutting-Edge Nursing Education in Cuba

Cuba’s nursing education is designed to produce highly skilled professionals capable of addressing health needs at individual, family, community, and environmental levels. The program adheres to the scientific Nursing Care Process, ensuring holistic care through promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. It also encompasses teaching, administrative, and research skills to maintain and enhance nursing service quality.

Key Highlights

• Rich Historical Legacy: Nursing education in Cuba dates back to 1899, showcasing a longstanding tradition of healthcare training.
• Expansive and Inclusive: Continuous improvement and expansion of nursing programs to meet the growing healthcare demands.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Integrates contemporary trends with an emphasis on practical, hands-on training from the start.
• Holistic Healthcare Approach: Focuses on comprehensive care addressing physical, mental, and social well-being.
• Global Health Commitment: Dedicated to global health, training professionals for diverse healthcare settings.
• Professional Skill Development: Encompasses research, administrative, and teaching skills to produce well-rounded professionals.

Cuba’s nursing education system not only prepares proficient nursing professionals but also exemplifies the nation’s dedication to healthcare education and global health solidarity.

Mandatory Spanish Proficiency Course

Non-Spanish speaking students must take a Spanish proficiency course unless they demonstrate proficiency through an oral and written test (75.00 USD). This course aims to provide deep knowledge of Spanish, especially biomedical vocabulary, and prepares students for the teaching process, including evaluations.

Curriculum Structure

The Bachelor of Nursing curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive education over five years. The program is meticulously designed to produce well-rounded professionals equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various nursing roles. This curriculum integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical training, ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet the diverse challenges of the healthcare sector.

Program Details

• Program Name: Bachelor of Nursing
• Structure: Semester-based, face-to-face training
• Duration: Five years
• Admission Requirements: Senior high school completion or equivalent
• Curricular Units: Various subjects across five years
• Degree: Bachelor of Nursing
• Accreditation: Title of Bachelor of Nursing

Professional Profile

The curriculum aims to develop a professional profile equipped to provide nursing care at all levels of the healthcare system. Graduates will have strong theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ready to address health problems in various settings.

Core Competencies

Graduates will develop competencies in:

• Comprehensive Nursing Care: Providing holistic care across physical, mental, and social domains.
• Education: Engaging in teaching and educational activities.
• Research: Conducting scientific research to advance nursing knowledge.
• Administration: Managing nursing operations and healthcare settings.
• Specialty: Gaining specialized skills for advanced nursing practice.

Curriculum Highlights

• Health Problems and Skills: Focuses on identifying and solving health problems and developing essential nursing skills.
• Active Learning: Emphasizes active learning methods, cognitive independence, and practical experience.
• Independent Study: Encourages significant self-study to foster independence and in-depth learning.
• Extracurricular Activities: Includes scientific activities, knowledge meetings, award exams, and cultural, sports, and recreational activities.
• Graduation Requirements: Passing final state examinations and completing practical rotations.

Curriculum Organization

Students will undergo the following trainings:

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year

Fifth Year: Pre-Professional Practice

Non-Spanish speaking Student:

* Accommodation at the CubaHeal students’ residence, along with transportation to and from school, is included in the Spanish language program.

The Bachelor of Nursing program’s tuition include the following:

• Enrollment
• Right of attendance to all practical and theoretical teaching activities
• Right to all the exams including the final state examination.
• Marks certification.
• Title duly legalized by the University of Medical Sciences where the student has attended studies at the end of the program.
• Use of library services during studies.
• Access to sport and cultural areas of the University of Medical Sciences
• Participation in its various manifestations and scientific advisory for research works.

The Bachelor of Nursing program’s tuition does not include the following:

• Accommodation for year 1^st – 5^th year
• Meals
• Learning materials
• National or international transportation
• Telephone services and/or internet services
• Books
• Printing
• Immigration procedures in Cuba
• Change of migratory status
• Identity document for year 1^st – 5^th year
• Translations and legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or embassies
• Health insurance or medical care

Paperwork and transfer of the deceased in case of death.

Prior to the Student’s Arrival:

1. Arrange airport pickup.

1. Ensure adequate accommodation.
2. Provide transportation to and from school
3. Maintain constant communication with the university’s administration to confirm seat reservation.

Upon the Student’s Arrival:

1. Provide airport pickup.
2. Conduct an orientation session to familiarize the student with:
   • CubaHeal team.
   • Local transportation.
   • Other city facilities and relevant immigration and legal laws in the Republic of Cuba.
3. Assist in establishing a bank account.
4. Serve as a permanent point of reference for the student in case of any needs.
5. Act as a permanent point of contact for the student’s relatives overseas if needed.

• Upon submitting your application, it will be recorded in a database and is only valid for the academic year in which it was requested. Otherwise, if you do not attend in that period, you must make a new formal request.
• All non-Spanish speaking students are required to enroll in a 6-months program intended to deepen students’ knowledge of the Spanish language related to Biomedical Sciences
• CubaHeal will carry an independent tutoring programs in areas related to the medical programs such as biology and medical sciences in order to prepare the students for his first year of Bachelor in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Dear Student,

the program’s duration is 6-years long. For students interested in this program, kindly visit CHMT LA, our sister company by clicking on the link below:

Licenciatura En Enfermería

Estimado estudiante,

La duración del programa es de 6 años. Para los visitantes de habla hispana interesados en este programa, por favor visiten nuestra empresa hermana CHMT LA haciendo clic en el enlace a continuación:

Licenciatura En Enfermería

Prospective students for the Bachelor in Nursing program must complete the ” APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION INTO A CUBAN UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC PROGRAM” form and submit an initial deposit of $200 CAD to secure university admittance.