THE EDUCATION PATHWAY FOR NURSES IN MONTENEGRO

Abstract

Nursing education in Montenegro has a relatively long tradition. Due to the great need for medical personnel in Montenegro, in 1946, a school for paramedics, caretakers, and nurses was opened in Cetinje, located in the facilities of the former Girls’ Institute. Since the establishment of the first school, there have been several reforms in nursing education. In Montenegro, nursing practice begins after the completion of nine years of general education. At both the secondary and higher education levels, there are two types of nursing education. After completing four years of secondary school, one can obtain the title of health technician. The educational program for the health technician was developed in accordance with occupational standards for pediatric and medical nursing. The development of a modular educational program for Health Technicians is currently underway. The Health Technician curriculum is based on occupational standards for various fields, including Health Technician for hospital work, Health Technician for primary healthcare institutions, Health Technician for preschool institutions, and Health Technician for geriatric and palliative care institutions. A person can acquire the title of nurse by completing a three-year higher education program, consisting of applied basic studies (bachelor’s degree). In addition to the basic studies, there are also one-year postgraduate applied specialist studies in healthcare and two-year Master’s studies in healthcare. In 2017, following the reaccreditation of the Faculty of Medicine in Podgorica, a study model was designed based on the 3+2 principle. This nursing education program, in alignment with European directives, enables the training of qualified personnel to provide healthcare services. Graduates of this program will have degrees recognized outside the borders of Montenegro.