CHEd explains ban on new nursing schools, programs
A moratorium stands and remains in effect throughout the country putting on hold any and all applications on new Philippine nursing programs and of new Philippine nursing schools here.
The reason? A government team tasked by no less than the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) discovered too many existing Bachelor of Science (BS) Nursing Programs, a decline in the quality of performance of Filipino nursing graduates and the capabilities of nursing market reaching "saturation point."
Ordered back in August 2004, Dr. Rex Casiple of CHEd Western Visayas said the moratorium has yet to be lifted nor amended. Such is the reason, he added, why to date, no new applications were processed here and same reason why the two new proposed nursing schools for Region 6 were filed straight to CHEd central office.
"There is a proliferation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) offering the B.S. Nursing Programs which if allowed to continue unabated could seriously affect the quality of nursing education in the country and consequently, the status of employment of Filipino nurses in the world market," number one reason stated in the moratorium went. Further still, CHEd took note of previous results of Nursing examinations which according to the CHEd "show a gradual decline in the quality of performance of nursing graduates, indicating a marked deterioration in the quality of nursing education…"
And lastly, CHEd stated that nursing market capabilities of the country "has reached saturation point."
"There is dearth of qualified faculty, deans and base hospitals which are considered important, crucial and indispensable factors in the offering of the B.S. Nursing Program," the moratorium as contained in CHEd Memorandum Order No. 27 Series of 2004 went.
As such, only "pipeline" applications received by CHEd Central Office and regional offices on or before May 4, 2004 will be given due course.
Another consideration will be given to applications and appeals received by CHEd national and regional for school year 2004-2005.
In CHEd Regional Office 6 here, Dr. Casiple acknowledged two pending applications, but, he said, until the CHEd En Banc can come up with a corresponding decision granting its application, then no government permit will be issued.
Meantime Dr. Casiple said, prospective nursing students and the general Ilonggo public is advised to ensure that schools and programs applied for in this school year must have government accreditation.