by The University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore, is breaking new ground for nursing education in Pakistan. Following the July 3 merger of the College of Nursing at Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC) into UHS, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore recently announced two transformative academic programs: a PhD in Nursing and an Evening Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Why This Matters 🎯
- Elevating Nursing to the Highest Academic Tier
Introducing a PhD program marks a significant stride toward creating nurse-led research that shapes healthcare policy, clinical practice, and education in Pakistan. - Empowering Working Nurses
The evening MSN enables current nurses—who balance demanding daytime shifts—to pursue advanced degrees without interrupting their careers or income stream.
Institutional Growth & Development
- A Model Institution in the Making
Prof. Rathore emphasized that merging AIMC’s College of Nursing is more than administrative—it’s a leap toward global standards. Faculty and students can look forward to access to UHS-level benefits, modern facilities, and a clear pathway for career advancement. - COMPASS Curriculum as the Academic Backbone
The new programs will align with UHS’s recently introduced COMPASS curriculum—a competency, outcome- and patient-centered framework that already governs BS Nursing at UHS. - Ensuring Quality & Accountability
UHS plans to implement rigorous internal quality checks and faculty development workshops to support these new postgraduate pathways—ensuring high standards and accountability remain core components. - UHS to Launch PhD and Evening MSN Programs in Nursing.
Voices from the Frontline
- VC Prof. Rathore:
“This merger is a historic milestone… a giant step toward taking nursing education to international levels. We envision transforming this institution into a model nursing college.” - Faculty Perspective:
AIMC Nursing’s principal celebrated the change, noting the merger as “a major boost for the advancement of nursing education and professional status in the country.”
What’s Next?
- Program Approval & Launch Timeline
UHS and AIMC Nursing are gearing up admissions processes for the PhD and Evening MSN programs—expect details on eligibility, application deadlines, and faculty-led projects soon. - Boosting Research Culture
The introduction of a PhD track will pave the way for nurse-led scholarly work in clinical, educational, and administrative fields—helping Pakistan’s nursing sector gain research visibility nationally and internationally. - Advanced Clinical Training
Evening post-graduate learners can continue working at hospitals while undertaking coursework, combining real-world insight with academic excellence.
Why It’s a Win-Win
| For Nurses | For Healthcare |
|---|---|
| Enhanced professional status through advanced degrees | Stronger health workforce with skilled nurses and researchers |
| More flexibility, via evening classes and local mentorship | Improved patient care, backed by evidence and training |
| Opportunities in academia, leadership & research | Strengthened nursing education aligned with regional/global standards |
Final Thoughts
The launch of the PhD and Evening MSN programs at UHS represents a turning point—not just for nurses at AIMC, but for all nursing education in Pakistan. By aligning advanced academics, professional development, and global best practices, UHS is setting a new benchmark. The vision is clear: a university where nurses lead change, research, and innovation.
