The Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences (FTMS) has opened applications for the postgraduate Professional Master’s program in “Family Nursing” for the third consecutive year. This key program prepares nurses specialised in family and community healthcare. Until October 4, this unique program in Albania welcomes applications from all students or nurses who wish to deepen their knowledge and skills in this highly sought-after branch of nursing.
Why is Offering this Master’s Program a Great Opportunity for Albanian Nursing?
The program is designed to meet the growing need for qualified nursing care for home healthcare and for better prevention and management of chronic diseases, as a result of the aging Albanian population and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases.
Family Nursing represents a new model of primary healthcare professionals in Albania, though not in Europe, where the demand for nurses with this specialisation continues to rise. This is because family nurses are expected to play a key role in Primary Healthcare (PHC), acting as the frontline for preventing chronic diseases and rehabilitating patients at home.
Advanced Training and Clinical Practice
The “Family Nursing” master’s program is built on a contemporary and practical curriculum, designed with the support of international experts in technical medical sciences from the University of Basel, Switzerland, and Leuven, Belgium. The curriculum also aligns with the competencies outlined by WHO and EU regarding the role of the family nurse. The program will be full-time, awarding 60 credits, combining theoretical knowledge with intensive practical experience. A simulation lab equipped with modern technology will be available for students to develop their practical skills, while professional internships will be carried out in primary healthcare centers.
A key part of this training is the academic staff, who are entirely trained in nursing (a unique feature of this program) and have been trained by experts from Swiss and Belgian universities, specialising in nursing programs.
This advanced training aims to equip nurses with high-level competencies in managing chronic diseases, counseling, and providing healthcare services to the elderly and those with special needs. Family nurses who complete this program will be well-prepared to face public health challenges and contribute to improving the quality of healthcare in the communities they serve.
Career and employment opportunities
Upon completion of the “Family Nursing” Master’s program, students earn 60 credits and receive the “Family Nurse” diploma, officially recognized by the University of Medicine, Tirana. Graduates of this master’s program also gain 5 additional points on the “Nurses for Albania” platform, significantly boosting their employment prospects. These advantages allow them to be employed not only in primary healthcare centers, where the demand for family nurses is continuously growing but also more broadly.
The program is designed to offer a comprehensive approach to nursing care, focusing on preparing professionals who can work not only in various settings—both at home and in healthcare centers—but also across different levels of care, from counseling and education to performing standard and advanced nursing procedures for the prevention, treatment, and better management of non-communicable diseases. This training not only increases employment opportunities but also prepares nurses for a career with high development potential in the healthcare sector.
Support from the “Health for All” Project
This professional master’s program has been established with the exclusive support of the “Health for All” Project (HAP), funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. HAP has built the clinical practice simulation lab and provides necessary learning materials to students free of charge. Additionally, HAP has engaged international experts from Swiss and Belgian universities to draft the curriculum and train academic staff, supervisors, and nursing teams where students will conduct their professional internships. Moreover, HAP has invested in improving the infrastructure of healthcare centres where the internships will take place, significantly enhancing the quality training of future nurses.
Application Process and Fees
Applications for the “Family Nursing” Master’s program are to be submitted to the Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences’ academic office by October 4, 2024, between 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The total tuition fee is 76,000 ALL, which includes the application and registration fee. Candidates with experience in Primary Healthcare will have priority in selection. The necessary application documents can be found here.
Selection Criteria
This master’s program is offered to students or those employed in primary healthcare who hold a “Bachelor” degree, a second cycle degree, or an old system degree in “General Nursing” or “Midwifery.” Preference will be given to work experience, conferences, or training the student may have attended, and the GPA from completed studies. The full list of criteria can be read here.
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The “Family Nursing” Master’s program represents an essential opportunity for the development of the nursing profession in Albania and for improving the quality of life for patients and their families, significantly contributing to the enhancement of healthcare in Albania.