College of Health Sciences

The Evolution of Nursing Education in Enga Province

The history of nursing education in Enga Province is a story of consistent growth and dedication. From a single certificate program to a key part of a new university, this journey highlights a deep commitment to healthcare in the region.

  • 1964: The Foundation is Built
    The Sopas Adventist College of Nursing was established near Wabag, becoming the first professional nursing school in the province. It began by offering a Certificate in Enrolled Nursing, which was later upgraded to a Diploma in General Nursing. This marked the foundation of structured nursing education in Enga
  • 1998: Advancing Practical Education
    The college introduced an innovative Competency-Based Diploma in General Nursing, emphasizing practical, hands-on training. During this phase, the institution continued to enhance its curriculum and academic standards to align with emerging healthcare needs.
Dr. Nina Joseph (PhD)
  • 2014: A New Beginning in Enga
    After a period of transition, nursing education was revitalized with the establishment of the Enga College of Nursing. The college became a central hub for high-quality nurse training through its Diploma in Nursing program, strengthening local capacity for healthcare education.
  • 2020: Progressing to Degree-Level Education
    The college advanced its academic offerings by initiating a Bachelor of Nursing program, creating an accessible pathway for local nurses to pursue higher qualifications and leadership roles in healthcare.
  • 2024: Integration and a Secure Future
    In 2024, the Enga College of Nursing became officially integrated into the newly established Innovative University of Enga (IUE). This integration marked a significant milestone, ensuring the sustainability of nursing education within a modern, locally governed university structure securing the province’s place as a leader in nursing education and professional development.
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Bachelor in General Nursing [BGN]

Overview

The Bachelor in General Nursing (BGN) is a comprehensive four-year degree designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience needed to become competent and compassionate registered nurses. Through a blend of classroom learning and hands-on training, students explore key areas such as anatomy, pharmacology, medical-surgical care, mental health, maternal and child health, and community nursing. The program also emphasizes leadership, ethics, and evidence-based practice—preparing graduates to thrive in today’s dynamic healthcare environment. Upon completion, students are eligible for national registration and can pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, public health, or specialized care. The BSN also lays the foundation for future postgraduate studies and leadership roles in nursing.

Since it is a general nursing, students study broad subject areas in Nursing so they can have the flexibility to work in any areas in nursing. The subject they include Anatomy and Physiology, Medical-Surgical, Pharmacology, Maternal-Neonatal, Pediatrics, Critical care, Perioperative etc.

IUE’s Bachelor in General Nursing (BGN) program is designed to produce competent, confident, and compassionate nurses who provide holistic, person-centered care in diverse health settings. The program aligns closely with PNG Nursing Council competency standards and integrates a Christian perspective of service and ethics.

Graduates are expected to:

  • Practice holistic, person-centred nursing care for individuals, families, and communities.
  • Demonstrate competence across clinical specialties, including maternal & neonatal care, community nursing, critical care, mental health, perioperative, and palliative care.
  • Uphold strong ethical principles, leadership, and evidence-based decision-making.

Duration:

The program spans 4 years full-time, following the structure of a standard BGN degree.

Study Mode:

At the General Nursing Program, you'll find your academic home predominantly at the Innovative University of Enga, College of Health Sciences. All your coursework is managed and delivered under the expert guidance of the Department of Nursing.

To qualify for admission to the BN programme-especially at Enga College of Nursing (ECON):

  • PNG High School Certificate completion
  • Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8
  • General admission across PAU requires completion of Year 12 HSC (pass in 4 subjects including English, with at least upper C level).

Additional information:

  • Applicants must demonstrate good character and alignment with the university’s values (e.g., ethics, abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, etc.).

While a full curriculum isn’t publicly listed, key clinical modules include:

  • Maternal & Neonatal Care
  • Community & Rural Nursing
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Palliative Care Nursing
  • Perioperative Nursing
  • Critical Care Nursing

These indicate a comprehensive exposure across major nursing domains, blending theory and practice. Additional general education and foundational sciences are typical in a BN curriculum but are not explicitly listed online.

Based on available information:

  • Maternal & Neonatal Care B (Practice F)
  • Community Rural Nursing (Practice F)
  • Mental Health Nursing (Practice H)
  • Palliative Care Nursing (Practice G)
  • Perioperative Nursing (Practice G)
  • Critical Care Nursing (Practice H)

PAU does not publish specifics online, but typical BN programmes include:

Written exams (mid-term and finals)

Practical/clinical assessments (e.g. OSCEs, direct observation in hospital settings)

Assignments and case studies

Reflective journals and group projects

Given the programme’s hands-on nature and professional standards, assessments likely follow these lines, though official details would be found in PAU programme handbooks or Moodle.

Graduates are qualified to work as:

  • Hospital or clinic nurses (general, perioperative, critical care)
  • Community or rural health nurses, including village nurse roles
  • Specialised roles in maternal & child health, mental health, and palliative care
  • Outreach workers, aged/personal care workers, family support workers

Many alumni serve in diverse health settings across PNG and the Pacific region.

Specific tuition fees for the BGN program, Contact the Admissions Office or Registrar Office at IUE.

To get current figures:

  • Contact the Admissions Office or Financial Services at IUE.

There’s no specific information online regarding scholarships for nursing at PAU. PAU may offer general scholarships or financial assistance, but details are not specified for the BN programme. Suggestions:

  • Inquire with PAU’s Financial Aid Office for programme-specific or general institutional scholarships
  • Explore national schemes or external bursaries available in PNG for nursing students.

National (PNG) Applicants

  • Complete the official IUE application form (download from website).
  • Submit certified copies of Year 12 certificates, English proficiency evidence, and STAT-P test results (for school leavers).
  • Provide character reference (e.g., from a community leader).
  • Submit your application by the deadline-usually August 31 for Semester 1 intake; Semester 2 deadlines may vary (around April 1).

International Applicants

  • Submit transcripts, passport biodata, birth certificate, police clearance, visa documentation, etc. via email to admissions@iue.ac.pg

 

(Optional but recommended — especially for Science, Medical, and Informatics Faculties)

Facility/Lab NameDescriptionEquipment Available
Medical-SurgicalUsed for demonstrations and student practice & assessment of clinical procedures.Mannequins, BP machines, CPR monitor & mannequin, nebulizer machines,
NutritionHealthy cooking demonstrations and student cooking assessments are done here.4 electric stoves, cooking utensils, cutleries, deep freezer, pulse Oximeters
Maternal-NeonatalUsed for demonstrations and student practice & assessment of clinical procedures.Mannequins, delivery trays, tools etc.
MicrobiologyUsed for looking at bacteria, different tissues/cells under microscope.Microscopes, Microwave, Refrigerator
Anatomy & PhysiologyUsed in laboratory exercisesHuman skeleton stand model, Human system Organ Model, Circulatory model, Heart model, Eye model etc

Our current collaborations are with Enga Provincial Health Authority (EPHA) and Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (SHPHA). Others like Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) and Simbu Provincial Health Authority (SPHA) MoUs are pending renewal.

These collaborations enable us to do practical placements for our nursing students so our Bachelors in General Nursing students can gain clinical experience, do required procedures and hours to meet program and graduation requirements.

 

Are you ready to take the next step toward your future career?