[WATCH] MCAST, University sign agreement to ease transition of nursing students

MCAST, University sign agreement to ease transition of students

The Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology signed an agreement with the University of Malta today, which promises to make it easier for MCAST students to further their studies in University.

University rector Prof Juanito Camilleri said that the agreement was the culmination of long discussions for better pathways into University.

He stressed the need to avoid duplicate training and ensure that the two institutions worked together in harmony to provide the best opportunities for students rather than competing with each other unhealthily.

“The focus should be on students and their needs. We need to ensure the best pathways for students to be able to improve their situations,” Camilleri said, looking forward to collaborations in other subjects in the future.

The agreement would result in a seamless transition of students by means of a number of consolidation courses when required. 

MCAST president Silvio de Bono said that particular attention had been paid to nursing courses, adding that the two institutions were looking forward to better collaboration in other sectors as well. 

“Students at Level 4 in Health Sciences and social care, will now have the option either to progress at MCAST, or if they opt specifically for nursing, they can go straight to a Nursing Diploma or Bachelor of Sciences at the University of Malta,” de Bono said.

De Bono said that this agreement means that courses at university and MCAST are therefore at par and that students will have more options as a result.

"MCAST will continue offering its Level 6 courses in different fields that ensure no replication of services. The process of synergy is essential in this," he added.

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne says the agreement will lead to some 200 nursing graduates every year

Speaking at the end of the press conference, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne said that the agreement between the two educational institutions was expected to boost numbers of students choosing to study nursing by some 30%.

“Through this agreement, we think we will have some 200 nursing graduates every year,” Fearne said.

“This is greatly contrasting to the current situation where there is a great need for nurses in local health facilities.”

Fearne explained that between the years 2006 and 2011, the University of Malta had a limited number of nurses it could accept, contrary to the needs of the country.

“In 2006, only 30 students were accepted into the course and in 2010, a mere 44 nurses graduated from university,” he added.

He said that given the developments in the services and infrastructure of the local health systems, nurses also had greater opportunities than ever before.

“The developments at Mater Dei, St. Luke’s Hospital, Karen Grech and even the new hospital in Gozo will lead to many more opportunities,” he said adding that even private hospitals were providing increased positions for nurses.

Fearne added that the government was also working hard to present nurses with more career progression and the opportunity for specialisation.

“We are opening eleven new posts for nurse professional development, which will allow nurses to continue developing in the clinical sector.”