AFTER a lengthy debate, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
decided to junk the controversial Memorandum Order No. 5 that would have raised
the number of units required for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
"The decision was made since (the proposed policy) has been
overtaken by events. The Cabinet has already approved the recommendation of the
Presidential Task Force on Education regarding curricular reforms and these
include the nursing course," CHED acting executive director Julito Vitriolo
said. "Instead of CMO No. 5, we will push for the 10+2+ 3 scheme."
Vitriolo said CMO No. 5 was junked after an en banc meeting
last month and consultation with various education stakeholders.
The 10+2+3 scheme will require students to complete 10 years
of basic education, two years of pre-university and three years in the
specialization program, translating to five years in college. Aside from
nursing, engineering, architecture, accountancy, occupational therapy, physical
therapy and pharmacy will also become five-year courses starting schoolyear
2009-2010.
CHED chairman Emmanuel Angeles said the new scheme would
place nursing graduates at par with their foreign counterparts, particularly in
term of expertise and skills.
After completing the two year pre-university level, the
nursing student can also work as a nursing aide, orderly or caregiver, and will
have acquired computer literacy and communication skills that would be the
groundwork for the remaining three years of specialization.
CHED said the specialization course would involve major
courses, professional ethics and review courses for licensure exams.
Angeles said the new scheme, while allowing allow the country
to conform to international agreements including the Bologna Accord that set the
standards for nursing and related courses, would also spare students from paying
for additional units under CMO No. 5 or for review courses.
The new curriculum would apply to incoming college students who will enroll
in June. – Ashzel Hachero
