Graduate Program of Studies in Nursing

The University of Zagreb School of Medicine obtained a permit for the University study of nursing at
the session of the Senate on November 16, 2010 and thus the first time in Croatia nurses, as key agents of providing health care in the health system, were given the possibility of a university study whose completion awards the title “Master of nursing”, and allows them to continue the career at the postgraduate/doctoral studies.

Although the School of Medicine in Zagreb has a long tradition in educating nurses, the incentive to
found the study that allows nurses scientific research and education vertically towards postgraduate and doctoral studies was the process of the Croatian accession to the European Union. Thus, Croatia realized the membership in the European and international umbrella associations of nurses (International Council of Nurses, Federation Chamber of Nurses of EU member states and the European Federation of Nurses Associations), and the Faculty accepted the task of designing a study program, based on the directives of the EU. The proposed and approved program is linked and comparable to the programs of identical studies in the countries of the European Union (Northumbria University, School of Health, Community and Education Studies, UK, University of Maribor and Ljubljana). The study lasts two years and bears a total of 120 ECTS credits.

Since the academic year 2011/2012, 50 students enroll the regular University study of nursing at the
expense of the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports. The right of enrollment is given to candidates who have completed (a) a three‐year university undergraduate nursing study, (b) a two‐year or three‐year expert nursing study with passing the difference in modules, (c) a two‐year or three‐year study of nursing with a bachelor degree of any of university programs without taking distinctive modules, under the conditions in the teaching program of studies. The enrollment is acquired with the successful completion of the entrance examination in which, along with the scoring of previous success, activities and publications, the structured interview carried out by members of the Committee for registration is especially important. All other provisions of study are in conformity with other graduate studies at the Faculty described in the Regulations on undergraduate and graduate studies.

The graduate program in nursing gives the expansion and upgrading of knowledge from undergraduate studies, qualifies students for independent research work and to conduct teaching and research. Depending on the orientation, students acquire specific competencies in three areas: (1) the provision of direct and indirect care of individuals, families, population groups with specific needs, communities and individuals,
(2) health promotion, creation, management and coordination of the care process, and (3) maintenance and improvement of health and work ability in relation to the conditions and mode of work.

The list of compulsory and elective courses of the study is given in Table 2c. The study ends with the
thesis that the student sets up and defends the same way as a medical student. The curriculum by age and case studies, along with a description of learning outcomes, teaching methods, methods of assessment of learning outcomes and teaching reading are published on the website of the Faculty.