Punjab has officially approved its first-ever PhD Nurse program, opening the door for nursing professionals to earn the highest academic qualification in their field.
The doctoral program will be introduced under the University of Health Sciences (UHS) after receiving formal approval from the university’s Specialty Advisory Committee. The initiative is being viewed as a landmark development for Nurse education in the province and is expected to strengthen the healthcare sector through advanced research and training.
Only 20 seats have been allocated for the first batch, making admission highly competitive. Candidates will be required to obtain at least 75 percent marks in the entrance examination to qualify for enrollment.
University officials are expected to release the admission advertisement during the first week of July. The announcement is likely to attract significant interest from Nurse professionals seeking higher education and research opportunities.
Vice Chancellor Professor Ahsan Waheed said the program is designed to develop highly qualified Nurse experts who can contribute to healthcare research, education, and policymaking. He added that the initiative would also help address the shortage of experienced nursing faculty across Pakistan.
Healthcare specialists believe the introduction of a PhD Nurse program will improve the quality of nursing education, encourage research, and create new opportunities for career advancement. They also see it as a major step toward strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
The Nurse profession in Pakistan has undergone significant changes in recent years. Educational standards have improved, career prospects have expanded, and global demand for healthcare workers has increased. Despite this progress, Pakistan continues to face a shortage of qualified Nurse professionals, particularly in public hospitals and rural healthcare facilities.
Pakistan’s nursing and midwifery workforce now includes more than 190,000 professionals, with around 120,000 registered Nurse practitioners. The sector also consists of midwives, lady health visitors, nursing assistants, community midwives, and family welfare workers who play a vital role in healthcare delivery nationwide.
The shift from diploma-based training to degree-focused education has been another major development. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) has become the standard qualification for entering the profession, aligning Pakistan’s Nurse education system with international standards.
Employment opportunities for Nurse graduates continue to grow in both public and private healthcare institutions. Many Pakistani Nurse professionals are also finding opportunities abroad, particularly in Gulf countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, where demand for skilled healthcare workers remains hig
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