Implementing nursing education based on the revision of rules for the designation of public health nurses, midwives, nursing schools, and training schools among nursing universities in Japan

Abstract

In 2020, the number of nursing universities in Japan increased to 274. One out of three universities has a nursing school, and the number of nursing universities continues to increase. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology introduced the "Model Core Curriculum for Nursing Science Education in Japan" (MCCNSE) in 2017. The MCCNSE aims to include indispensable nursing competencies to the undergraduate course, enumerating the learning targets that will be useful for students. The MCCNSE includes seven aspects that aim to develop the qualities and abilities of a nurse for a lifetime. A consists of the basic qualities/abilities required by nursing professionals. B comprises social and nursing science. C consists of the basic knowledge necessary for understanding the objectives of nursing, including pharmacological science. D includes basic knowledge of the specialty underlying nursing practice. E comprises the basic knowledge necessary for nursing practice in various settings. F relates to clinical and regional training practice, and G includes research in nursing science. Nursing universities are required to comply with both the School Education Act and the Act on Public Health Nurses, Midwives, and Nurses. Nursing universities are expected to formulate a more complete and original curriculum based on the revision of Rules for the Designation of Public Health Nurses, Midwives, Nursing Schools, and Training Schools.