About the study program

 

The undergraduate vocational study program leading to the title of Vocational Nurse is developed in alignment with accredited curricula of higher education institutions in Serbia and the European Higher Education Area.

Program Objective

The primary aim of the program is to provide higher education in the field of healthcare, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for:

• patient care and support during illness,
• promoting patient independence in self-care,
• recognizing basic symptoms and signs of disease,
• ensuring the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of healthcare services.

The curriculum also includes training in the safe use of medical equipment, medications, and instruments; quality control in healthcare; health education for third parties; health promotion; and disease prevention. Additionally, students are encouraged to develop a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates acquire the competencies required to perform the duties of a vocational nurse professionally—either independently or as part of a healthcare team—in both clinical and outpatient settings.

Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded the title Vocational Nurse (Voc. Nurse), in accordance with the official list of titles issued by the National Council for Higher Education of the Republic of Serbia.

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria are defined by the Faculty Statute and the Regulations on Entrance Examinations and Enrollment. Candidates must have completed a four-year secondary medical school and passed the entrance exam in Human Anatomy and Physiology. Admission is based on secondary school academic performance and entrance exam results.

Program Structure

• Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
• Credits: 180 ECTS
• Total hours: 4,620
  • 2,685 hours of active instruction (1,305 theoretical + 1,110 practical)
  • 225 hours of other instructional activities
  • 1,575 hours of professional practice
  • 360 additional hours
  • 90 hours for the final thesis

All courses are one semester long and carry ECTS credits in accordance with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). The annual student workload is 60 ECTS.

Curriculum Overview

• Year 1: Basic sciences (Anatomy and Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry), general medical sciences (Pharmacology, Epidemiology, Microbiology with Immunology, Social Medicine, Hygiene), and general education (Informatics and Management, Medicine and Society, English Language).
• Year 2: Introduction to core clinical subjects (Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Neurology, Infectious Diseases, Radiology, and Oncology).
• Year 3: Advanced subjects (Psychiatry with Medical Psychology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Anesthesiology and Resuscitation), elective courses, and specialization modules.

The program also emphasizes preventive healthcare, offering courses in Health Education, Healthcare Organization, Health Systems in Practice, and communication with patients.

Final Thesis

In the sixth semester, students complete a mandatory final thesis, consisting of:

• Research component (45 hours of active instruction)
• Writing and defense (45 hours)

The thesis is worth 6 ECTS and focuses on a topic related to the healthcare process in the student’s chosen field.

Teaching Methods

Instruction includes:

• Interactive lectures
• Practical exercises
• Seminars
• Extensive professional practice

Students are expected to actively participate in all forms of instruction. Practical sessions help them apply theoretical knowledge and develop skills for independent work. Seminars foster research, critical thinking, and presentation skills.

Professional Practice

Professional practice is a key component of the program and is conducted in reputable teaching institutions (clinics, hospitals, gerontology centers, spas, etc.). It enables students to:

• Apply and refine their knowledge and skills
• Develop a professional attitude and sense of responsibility

Summer internships are held after the first and second years:

• Year 1: Health Care course
• Year 2: One of the core clinical subjects
• Year 3: Within an elective course (must be completed before thesis defense)

Course Book

Each course is detailed in the Course Book, which includes:

• Course title, ECTS credits, status, prerequisites
• Objectives, expected competencies, syllabus
• Student obligations, assessment methods, teaching strategies
• Exam requirements and recommended literature

Academic Calendar

The academic year begins on October 1 and lasts 12 months, comprising:

• 30 weeks of instruction
• 12 weeks for consultations, exam preparation, and exams

It is divided into two semesters, each with 15 weeks of teaching and 6 weeks for exams and consultations.

Quality and Faculty

The curriculum is reviewed annually by the Faculty’s Teaching-Scientific Council. Each course is aligned with ECTS standards, with a total of 60 ECTS per year (approximately 40 hours of student work per week).

The program is delivered by a highly qualified teaching staff with extensive clinical and academic experience, many of whom are also involved in integrated academic programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and doctoral studies—ensuring a modern and comprehensive education for future vocational nurses.