Launch of University of Malta B.Sc. Nursing (Hons.) Elderly Care

The University of Malta’s Faculty of Health Sciences has launched its B.Sc. Nursing (Hons.) Elderly Care at St Vincent de Paule Residence, in the presence of Dr Michael Falzon, Minister for the Family, Children's Rights and Social Solidarity, Anthony Agius Decelis, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Dr Josianne Cutajar, CEO SVP and Professor Joseph Cacciottolo, pro-rector for Academic Affairs.

An increase in the ageing population requires qualified nurses in health and social care settings to be adequately prepared to provide high quality care for older adults. This programme of studies provides qualified nurses with specific competencies and skills in the care of older adults, as well as with more general competencies that will contribute towards their aca- demic and professional develop- ment. This top-up part-time evening course programme spans across preventive, medical, rehabilitative and palliative aspects of care across a range of settings, including community, hospital and long-term settings. Relevant topics such as dementia, nutrition and pharmacology are addressed.

Graduates of the programme will obtain a degree qualification and a specialisation in elderly care nursing. The programme will prepare candidates to assume roles in the care of older adults, who are living in the community, are in-patients in acute or rehabilitation hospitals or are residing in residential/nursing homes, by caring for their biopsychosocial needs to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life. In terms of career prospects this programme gives graduates the opportunity to further their studies and proceed to a Master’s degree.

This two- or three-year programme commencing in October, is intended for holders of the Higher Diploma in Health Science (Nursing Studies), the Diploma in Health Science (Nursing Studies) or a comparable qualification.

St Vincent de Paule will be sponsoring a considerable number of its employees to take this course in order to encourage and support participation of nurses.

Applications are open until 31 August. For further information and to apply online visit http://bit.ly/2teqWQ1