The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) in the UAE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US-based Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to enhance the quality of nursing education in the country. This partnership aims to align UAE-based Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with global standards and improve nursing education to meet both local and international healthcare needs.
The MoU sets up a collaborative framework for developing quality assurance policies for nursing programs at UAE HEIs. It will help ensure these programs meet international accreditation standards and improve the credibility of the country's nursing education. One of the main goals is to support the UAE's healthcare sector by ensuring that nursing graduates are well-prepared for careers both locally and internationally. Through this partnership, the two organizations will also conduct joint accreditation reviews to help UAE institutions secure global recognition for their nursing programs.
Prof. Amjad Mohd Qandil, Acting Director of the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) at MoHESR, emphasized the importance of this partnership in advancing the quality of nursing education. He highlighted that the agreement aligns nursing programs in the UAE with international standards, strengthening the country's role as a regional hub for medical education. "This partnership reflects the Ministry’s commitment to advancing health professions education, ensuring the development of skilled nursing professionals who can meet local and global healthcare needs", says Prof. Qandil.
The agreement also creates opportunities for the exchange of knowledge about innovations in nursing education and the integration of modern medical practices into curriculums. The partnership will allow nursing programs in the UAE to align with the latest global trends and ensure students are equipped with the most up-to-date skills and knowledge.
In addition to accreditation reviews, the MoU calls for the creation of a joint oversight committee with representatives from both the CAA and ACEN. This committee will monitor the implementation of quality assurance measures and oversee the accreditation processes. The committee will also play a key role in ensuring that nursing programs in the UAE continue to meet global best practices. As part of the agreement, CAA will also actively participate in ACEN-led programmatic reviews of UAE nursing programs.
Dr. Kathy Chappell, Chief Executive Officer of ACEN, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “The ACEN is very pleased to partner with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s Commission for Academic Accreditation in jointly reviewing nursing education programs within the UAE. We share a commitment to elevating the quality of nursing education for all students and appreciate the opportunities that this partnership will offer for our respective organizations”.
Dr. Chappell also mentioned that the resources and expertise of ACEN will be available to students, educators, and institutions within the UAE. She added, "We are excited to provide these resources and look forward to continued dialogue on behalf of the global nursing profession".
This collaboration is seen as a significant step toward achieving the UAE’s vision of building a strong, integrated education system that supports the growing healthcare sector. By aligning nursing education programs with international standards, the UAE will produce qualified nursing professionals who can meet the country’s healthcare needs and address future health challenges.
The partnership will also boost academic quality assurance and foster collaboration between UAE-based HEIs and global counterparts. This collaboration will offer students, educators, and institutions access to the latest curricula, teaching methods, and educational technology, enhancing the overall quality of nursing education in the UAE.
The MoU between MoHESR and ACEN reflects the UAE's continued commitment to advancing higher education, providing opportunities for local and international students, and ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the healthcare sector. As the country continues to expand its national healthcare system, this partnership will help ensure that the nursing profession remains strong and capable of meeting the challenges of the future.
In conclusion, this partnership is an important milestone for the UAE’s educational and healthcare systems. By collaborating with ACEN, MoHESR is positioning UAE nursing programs to meet global standards and produce highly skilled professionals who will play a key role in addressing the country’s healthcare needs for years to come.
