Top 12 Nursing Schools in the Philippines

Nursing has become popular among Filipinos for the past years probably because of its high demand (and thus impressive pay) in other countries wherein the need for health care services is quite big. In the United States alone, the demand for nurses is estimated to be around 600,000. Other countries like Japan, Canada, and UK are also looking for nurses. My own uncle who lives in Seattle told me that despite the recession in USA, the health care sector is the only work force that has not laid off.

Below is the rank and passing rates of the 12 top performing nursing schools:

1 UP-Manila 100%
2 St. Paul College-Iloilo 99.57%
3 Silliman University - Dumaguete City 98.39
4 West Visayas State University 97.06%
5 University of Santo Tomas Manila 96.67%
6 Saint Louis University - Baguio City 95.05
7 Mindanao State University Marawi City 95.0%
8 St. Paul College-Dumaguete City 93.38
9 Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila 92.53%
10 SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY - Bayombong 91.02%
11 St. Paul College-Manila 90.81%
12 University of the East-Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Center 90.57%

Actually, there is another truth behind this list. As of 2007, out of the 175 nursing schools in the Philippines, only these 12 have a passing rate of more than 90%.

Yes ladies and gentlemen. Our Commission on Higher Education actually gives permit even to schools which are not that competent enough to teach this course. A bad omen for most of us considering that we are supposed to be the number one 'exporter' of qualified nurses abroad.

Yes, I know. This is the era of capitalism. Supply creates demand. But really, do we not have more scruples than that? Certainly, at least we should hold fast to that one Filipino trademark of producing 'highly qualified' nurses. Despite our notorious reputation in other aspects, we can still have this asset of ours to our advantage - that is, if CHED puts a stop to overflowing nursing schools.

Why don't we give credit to where it is due? Those who are able to pass the standard of higher nursing education will be granted permits, while those who fail to do so, will not be allowed to teach BSN. This way, we can keep control of the quality of nurses that we launch every year.

Taking advantage of the nursing frenzy is a short-term solution, if CHED must know. Sooner or later, we won't be able to keep that edge of ours from other nations, and Filipino nurses won't be in-demand anymore. Filipinos will move on to another 'in' course and, yes as you've guessed it, inferior nursing schools will cease to exist.

But yeah, come to think of it, the idea does have some merits to it. If the demand for nursing will decrement, then only those who are really interested in it will take up this course. Without the external factors taken into consideration (pay, opportunities, etc.), and with only the desire to serve as a nurse as the main motivation, then more or less, Philippines will have its best nurses serving IN the country.

What do you think?