The University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) is focusing its message on the importance and impact of nursing education in Qatar during this “2020 International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife”.

“Our priority is educating nursing leaders in Qatar and for Qatar,” says UCQ Dean Dr. Deborah White. “The World Health Organization says there is a global shortage of nurses and we’re experiencing that for ourselves here in this country. I believe that recognizing the need and importance of nursing education contributes greatly to the success and development of Qatar’s healthcare system.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Year of the Nurse and Midwife is a major global effort to highlight an acute shortage of these crucial health workers. WHO chose 2020 to celebrate the work of nurses because it is the bicentenary of the birth of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.

Dr. Al-Meer, also a member of the University of Calgary in Qatar Board of Trustees, was joined by UCQ officials, alumni, and students at a recent event UCQ hosted for members of the local media.

According to WHO, the world needs 18 million more health workers to achieve and sustain universal health coverage by 2030. Approximately half of that shortfall – 9 million health workers – are nurses and midwives.

“We have over 650 alumni working throughout Qatar’s hospitals, health centres, military, and companies. They are making important contributions to Qatar’s health and wellness.” says Dr. JoAnne MacDonald, Associate Dean (Academic) at UCQ. “We offer an integrated, concept and competency-based curriculum that supports best practice pedagogies and clinical practice experiences. This curriculum is uniquely tailored to meet the health needs of Qatar. Our programs foster students to become theoretical, conceptual, critical, and clinical thinkers.”

Established in 2007, the University of Calgary in Qatar is the only Canadian university in Qatar and the country’s exclusive provider of Bachelor and Master degrees in Nursing. Accredited in Canada and adapted to the local culture, the University’s curriculum provides its nursing students with the knowledge and expertise to become fully-integrated leaders in Qatar’s healthcare sector.

The University of Calgary in Qatar offers two paths to a Bachelor of Nursing degree: a four-year program for qualified high school graduates and a two-year program for nurses holding diplomas in nursing from recognized institutions. The University also offers a Master of Nursing. This is a program designed in collaboration with Qatar’s nursing community to further develop leaders in the profession.

Applications to UCQ’s programs are open to Qatari nationals and residents of Qatar through April 1, 2020. More information about nursing programs, the admission processes, and criteria, is available at www.ucalgary.edu.qa

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar