HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The University of Regina Carmeli (then Regina Carmeli College) opened its Bachelor of Nursing Program in June of 1993, along with its two-year Midwifery course. By virtue of CHED permits T-013 s. 1993 and T-004 s. 1993, the college moved progressived towards the growth of these programs.

The second year nursing program was opened in June, 1994 (T-067 s. 1994) then subsequently the third year level (HET 057 s. 1995) followed in June, 1995 (HET 057 s. 1995) granted.

After operating successfully for two years, the midwifery course was formally granted CHED's recognition status in 1994 (R-007 s. 1994) In 1996, it was the turn of the nursing program to be formally recognized (CHED R-038 s. 1996). Concurrently, to reinforce the nursing related programs the University opened its Physical Therapy course (T-106 s. 1995) in 1995. The program developed, and after five years of operation, it received the formal recognition of CHED in 1998 (GR-288 s. 1998).

Thus, from 1993 and up to 1998, the university was able to beef up its nursing courses and was able to manage successfully the intensification of these programs.

In the meantime the graduates started taking their board examinations. The first batch of graduates rated high, 88 % board passing (7 out of 8 takers), 80% for the second batch (4 out of 5 takers). The midwifery graduates likewise performed well registering on average of 85% across three years.

Meanwhile, in 1998 the University became a recipient of an international funding assistance from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency). The funds were for the purpose of training and developing rural health workers, servicing the districts of Malolos City, Calumpit, Hagonoy and Plaridel.

In consonance with the JICA agreement the Plaridel Emergency Hospital, a government -owned clinic but operated and managed by URC was structurally improved, increasing its capacity to serve the poor patients of the community. Through JICA's assistance a number of faculty members were send to Japan under exchange program agreement. In addition, the grant provided research and development assistance for faculty members to engage in community-based researches together with their students. The JICA funding assistance was for three years.

With the increasing global demands for nursing graduates the University pursued the accreditation of the program to ensure its global competitiveness. A PACUCOA Accrediting Team visited the University in February, 2002. The accreditation proved to be successful. The nursing program was awarded Level I Accreditation by PACUCOA in February, 2004. It is due for Level II visit by August, 2005.

As the third millennium sets in, two innovative programs were opened: the Six-month Caregiver Course (NTR 03-097 s. 2003) in June, 2003. Concurrently, it also made available to qualified professionals, the double - degree nursing program. Both programs adopt alternative modes of instructional delivery. At the same time the University expanded the Nursing Laboratory Facilities to include to its current facilities, the construction of a Dialysis Center in collaboration with the Plaridel Emergency Hospital. Moreover, the instructional facilities were improved with classroom renovation incorporating a 50 - 100 students capacity laboratory - demonstration room. In addition, the Nursing Program have access to these facilities, the Plaridel Emergency Hospital, the Mo. Rita PT Rehabilitation Center, the JICA Training Center.

Since its inception in 1993, and after thirteen years (13) of existence the Nursing Program could truly be proud of its development. Across a period of 13 years it was able to successfully evolved four major curricular programs presently integrated under one department. The Medical Allied Department. This department has contributed globally and locally - successful health professionals in the fields of nursing, midwifery, physical therapy, and care-giving.

In the context of a Christocentric - Augustinian education, the Medical Allied Sciences Department serves as the University's arm for providing quality health services to the poor through training, instruction, medical mission and community- based research.