Vanuatu has officially reopened its national nursing college after three years, with 75 students enrolled in the newly upgraded Advanced Diploma in Nursing program at the Vanuatu College of Nursing Education (VNCE) in Port Vila.

The intake, made up of 58 women and 17 men, marks a significant milestone in rebuilding the country’s health workforce. This is the highest intake since the college was first established after Independence, according to information received by VBTC News.

While the institution was registered under the Vanuatu Nursing Council with diploma of nursing-level 5, VNCE was de-registered in 2021 by the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority (VQA) due to not meeting requirements of an accredited course and other non-compliance matter.

Now, three years later, a new generation of students is preparing to begin the three-year advanced diploma of nursing-level 6, aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery across the islands.

Veteran nurse Adel Tamata said the curriculum has been improved and is now officially recognized by VQA.

“We’ve integrated new components into the program, including GEDSI (Gender, Equality, Disability & Social Inclusion) which was not introduced our curriculum. We also include academic skills development, and enhanced clinical requirements,” she explained.

Mrs. Tamata added that practical training has also been strengthened, with students now required to complete 400 clinical hours — significantly more than in past programs.

“We’ve added more clinical procedures and more hours, so students gain safe solid experience before working directly with patients.”

She added that this program aligns with nursing qualification framework regionally.  

The Ministry of Health, in a statement, described the reopening and new intake as part of its long-term commitment to building a skilled nursing workforce to provide quality health services to every island in Vanuatu.

Two students, Kelly Norwo and Lulu Toa, shared their personal motivations for choosing a nursing career.

Kelly Norwo: “What motivated me was seeing the struggle of my family back home on Erromango, where there’s only one health centre and a shortage of nurses. Health services can’t always reach remote areas.”

Lulu Toa: “When I was young, I watched my grandparents go to the clinic. Some nurses came to care for my grandmother, but they passed away. From that moment, I decided I wanted to help people and give them a better chance at life.”

While formal classes begin next week, this week is dedicated to orientation activities, allowing students to settle in and become familiar with the structure of the program, supported by tutors from the college.

This major milestone is a partnership between the Vanuatu and Australian Government through its Vanuatu and Australia Health Partnership (VAHP) program.