The Education Department of An Bord Altranais was established to provide support and advice to An Bord on matters relating to nursing, nurse education and training.
In 1994 nurse training changed from a certificate/ apprenticeship programme to a 3-year Registration/Diploma Programme. The 4-year Registration/Degree Programmes were introduced in 2002.
The Education Department is committed to ensuring that An Bord Altranais continues a guidance role while providing for a Registration/Degree programme in Nursing.
The Board has embraced and welcomed the concept of third-level education for pre-registration nursing and midwifery students. The Board is vital to the success of this new development in ensuring that requirements and standards and thus a quality framework for nurse and midwifery education are met. In this context the Education Department conducts Site Visits to the Third level institutions and linked healthcare institutions providing the Registration/Degree Programmes in Nursing.
On site visits are required as a component of determining the suitability of third level institutions and health care institutions in respect of educational programmes leading to registration, as outlined in Requirements and Standards for Nurse Registration Education Programmes, February 2005.
The Education Department is committed to ensuring that An Bord Altranais continues a guidance role while providing for a Registration/Degree programme in Nursing.