Nursing Schools and Programs in Zimbabwe

Nursing Studies in Zimbabwe

Kadoma Townhall, ZimbabweNursing is a very important part of Zimbabwe’s higher education system, and is offered at most of the country’s major colleges and universities, all of which welcome the presence and participation of international students studying abroad.  A landlocked country located in Southern Africa, the Republic of Zimbabwe, as it is officially called, lies between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers.  The country shares borders with South Africa in the south, Mozambique in the east, Zambia in the northwest and Botswana in the southwest.  After 14 years as an unrecognized state under the conservative white minority government of Rhodesia, which unilaterally declared independence in 1965, Zimbabwe finally achieved sovereignty from the United Kingdom in the spring of 1980.  Zimbabwe has three official languages—English, Shona and Sindebele—and its capital and largest city is Harare.

Nursing Education in Zimbabwe

As it is in most countries, nursing is a very important and valued profession in Zimbabwe, and the educational system that is now in place in the country’s universities aims to train the nurses of tomorrow by offering a comprehensive educational program, one involving courses in both the theory of nursing and its practice.  One of these universities is the University of Zimbabwe, the largest institution of higher learning in the country and home to the country’s largest school of nursing.
 
The Department of Nursing at the University of Zimbabwe was established within the Faculty of Medicine in 1985.  It was established after years of lobbying by the country’s hospitals and medical clinics, largely in response to the national health needs of the country and as a way to meet the professional developmental needs of new and practicing nurses.
 
Students taking part in the various nursing programs throughout Zimbabwe are expected to learn and understand the various community and national dynamics of the country’s health care system and to plan and implement nursing services which respond to the changing health needs of the Zimbabwean society.  Programs are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level, leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and the Master of Science Degree in nursing, respectively.  The skills imparted to nurses during the program help to ensure quality nursing care that is responsive to the health needs of each region of the nation.
 
The Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing typically spans four years in duration, while the Master of Science in Nursing takes an additional 2-3 years to complete.  Following successful completion of their undergraduate degree, nurses are required to take and pass the national nursing exam prior to working professionally in the field.  From there, they are free to pursue a variety of specialty certificates, leading to careers in fields such as pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, and oncologic nursing, among others disciplines.

Why Study Abroad in Zimbabwe

Students who study abroad in Zimbabwe receive an excellent education, one that extends beyond the walls of the classroom.  The country is home to many different cultures, each with their own customs, traditions, belief system, ceremonies, celebrations and noteworthy achievements, exposing students to a whole new world that will help broaden their ethnic, cultural, and linguistic horizons.  One such culture is that of the Shona people, the largest ethnic group in the country.  The Shona people are renowned for their many sculptures and carvings, made using only the finest materials available.
 
There is plenty to see when visiting Zimbabwe, including beautiful natural landscapes, museums and the unique style of architecture that makes up its cities, towns and villages.  One of the most exciting times in the country happens each year on April 18—the date Zimbabweans celebrate their independence from the British.  Celebrations are held at either the National Sports Stadium or Rufaro Stadium, in the capital city of Harare.  During the festivities, doves are released to symbolize peace and fighter jets fly over while the national anthem is sung.  The flame of independence is lit by the president of the country, immediately following the parades featuring the presidential family and the armed forces of Zimbabwe.  The party, which often lasts well into the night, is very special to the people of Zimbabwe, both for what it symbolizes and the pure unbridled enjoyment that is had by all.
 
Studying in Zimbabwe offers many sights, attractions and celebrations, delicious cuisine, the opportunity to learn and embrace different cultures and people, and a chance to witness firsthand the beautiful landscapes that comprise Southern Africa, all while receiving a top-notch nursing education at one of the country’s many universities.