State-owned University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) is in the process of opening a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for marginalized and deserving aspiring nurses in the country. This was revealed during the recent Special Board Meeting of the USTP Board of Regents, chaired by Commissioner Jo Mark Libre, last February 2, 2023.
Accordingly, the proposed Nursing Program will be a 4-year course open to underprivileged individuals who dream of becoming nurses and work in healthcare services.
Students will be entitled to FREE tertiary education pursuant to the provisions of RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and in exchange, the Return Service Agreement (RSA) shall be implemented which requires graduates under the program to serve their localities or other health institutions in the country for an agreed number of years.
The nursing program will support the health workforce and help address the loss of nurses to migration due to unfavorable local labor markets. Encouraging future nurses through access to free and quality education is one step to addressing this issue.
Currently, the BSN program at USTP has completed the initial stages of a feasibility study and will continue to progress in the coming months with the guidance and support of Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and the entire Board of Regents of USTP.
with photos/text by Rufus B Rodriguez FB page
