University of Balamand | Nursing Program

NURSING AT UOB

The Nursing Program at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), University of Balamand (UOB) offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in English & French, and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in English in two tracks: Adult Care, and Neonatal and Child Care.

The BSN program is competency based and student-centered. It is recognized at the national and international levels. It embraces an evidence-based health care education underpinned by research and ethics. In addition to the generic curriculum designed to foster students’ critical thinking and clinical reasoning, the Program offers a TS-BSN ladder program that bridges between technical and university education.

The curriculum is continuously updated to meet the ever-changing health education and healthcare needs. Offering the Program in two languages and in three campuses: Al Kurah (North), Dekouaneh (Beirut), and Souk El Ghareb (Aley) makes it more accessible to the public. The Program offers scholarships and significant financial aid that can reach 100%.

Vision
The Nursing Program at the University of Balamand aspires to be a regional leader in nursing education, scholarship, and innovation, recognized for preparing competent, compassionate, and socially accountable nurse leaders who advance health, transform healthcare, and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession through excellence and internationally recognized standards.

Mission
The Nursing Program at the University of Balamand is a community-based and population-focused program committed to excellence in nursing education, scholarship, and practice. Guided by ethical principles, innovation, and evidence-based practice, the program prepares competent, compassionate, socially accountable, and practice-ready nurses who respond to the evolving health needs of individuals, families, communities, and populations in Lebanon and beyond.

The program fosters an inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes critical thinking, clinical judgment, leadership, technological competence, lifelong learning, interprofessional collaboration, and community engagement, empowering graduates to advance health, improve healthcare delivery, and contribute meaningfully to the nursing profession.

Philosophy
The Nursing Program believes that nursing is both a scientific discipline and a caring profession grounded in evidence, ethical principles, and humanistic values. Nursing integrates knowledge, critical thinking, clinical judgment, leadership, and compassionate care to promote health, prevent illness, alleviate suffering, and support individuals, families, communities, and populations across the lifespan.
The Program recognizes health as a fundamental human right and is committed to preparing nurses who advocate for equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare. Through education, scholarship, innovation, and service, graduates are empowered to promote the well-being of society and advance nursing and healthcare.

Goals
Goal 1: Advance Nursing Education Provide high-quality, competency-based nursing education that prepares graduates to address the evolving health needs of individuals, families, communities, and populations.

Goal 2: Promote Scholarship and Evidence-Based Practice
Foster scholarship, research, critical inquiry, and the application of evidence-based practice to advance nursing knowledge and improve health outcomes.

Goal 3: Enhance Community Health and Social Accountability
Engage with communities and healthcare partners to promote health, prevent disease, and address societal health priorities.

Goal 4: Prepare the Future Nursing Workforce
Develop competent, ethical, and compassionate nursing professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes required for effective practice, leadership, interprofessional collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Core Values
Excellence
We strive for the highest standards in nursing education, practice, scholarship, and service, fostering a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. Student-Centered Learning
We promote an inclusive and supportive learning environment that values students as active partners in the educational process and nurtures their intellectual, professional, and personal growth.

Integrity
We uphold ethical principles, honesty, accountability, professionalism, and respect in all academic, clinical, scholarly, and professional activities.

Compassion
We provide care with empathy, respect, dignity, and sensitivity to the needs, values, and experiences of individuals, families, and communities.

Innovation
We embrace creativity, critical inquiry, evidence-based practice, and technological advancements to enhance nursing education, healthcare delivery, and health outcomes.

Leadership
We cultivate leadership, advocacy, and professional responsibility, empowering graduates to influence positive change in healthcare and society.

Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
We are committed to serving communities, promoting health equity, addressing population health needs, and contributing to the well-being of society through partnership and service.

Lifelong Learning
We foster intellectual curiosity, reflective practice, scholarship, and continuous professional development in response to evolving healthcare needs.

Global Readiness
We prepare graduates to practice effectively in diverse and interconnected healthcare environments while respecting cultural diversity and global health priorities.

WHY NURSING?

It is a reputable Program that is recognized at the national and international levels.
It fosters students’ critical thinking and clinical reasoning. The competency-based curriculum is updated based on evidence, to meet the changing healthcare needs.
It has been utilizing various platforms over the years to facilitate blended learning and online education.
It has advanced laboratories that enhance experiential learning, and stat -of- the art and advanced library resources/databases for health and nursing.
It has qualified and capable academic faculty and human resources, with friendly and supportive environment, and individual tutoring of students in classes and clinical settings.
It has developed partnerships with leading hospitals/training sites.
It offers scholarships and significant financial aid in addition to student work opportunities.
It facilitates the students’ active involvement in community-based projects to bridge academic and community-oriented work.
Its graduates have an excellent reputation in the market, which allows them to maintain good positions within different settings.

WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?

The Nursing Program focuses on enhancing the critical thinking and analytical skills of its students. Students acquire a broad knowledge base, ranging from humanities to the social sciences, and biological sciences, including human physiology, anatomy, microbiology, and natural and nursing sciences. The experiential learning and professional internship allow students to have real-time experience within different healthcare settings and to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Students are involved in decision-making and administrative processes, where they can develop their clinical judgement, decision-making, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

The curriculum is composed of 100 credits, which could be acquired over a minimum of 3 years. Students also have paid internships and acquire first aid certification.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Professional nurses are in great demand in Lebanon and abroad

Abundant work opportunities are available in several settings:

Nathalie Mounayar, RN

Current MSN student: Adult Care Nursing

I joined the Nursing Program at UOB in 2010 as an undergraduate student. I was active and engaged in faculty student life as Club President of the Nursing Society in 2013. I excelled academically and was also highly dedicated to my profession in order to enhance the image of our profession. In this regard, I was awarded by the Beirut Lions Club the “Distinguished Student Nurse" award in 2014. After graduating, I joined Saint George Hospital University Medical Center as a medical surgical Registered Nurse and became one of the preceptors for Balamand Nursing Students. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I was one of the frontliners who worked with passion beside the patients to deliver the highest quality of care and give them the highest support. I’m currently pursuing a higher degree in nursing, the MSN in Adult Care Nursing, also at Balamand, as I believe that my educational goals are in line with this University’s goals.
Carina Boghossian

Current Nursing Student

It has been a long hard walk. Nursing had prepared me, built my confidence, and showed me that I can handle more than I thought I ever could. It taught me how to hold back my tears during the toughest situations. This journey of mine has been overwhelming and filled with endless study nights, tiring clinical rotations but I am forever grateful, for it showed me how to adapt and continue to give my all. I want to thank my beloved University of Balamand and my insightful instructors for their sacrifice, patience, and their continuous support, because thanks to them, I have become the best version of myself, and will forever pour everything in me to witness a patient's smile.
Karim El Ferkh, RN

Nursing Program Graduate (Graduated Spring 2011);
PhD – University of Edinburgh

I would describe the University of Balamand as exciting and dynamic, but I was initially attracted by the Nursing Program’s reputation – and the knowledge that I would gain, which would strongly support my career goals. Not only is the major first-class, but as a student, I was given many opportunities to volunteer for community outreach such as running general health check-ups at schools in underprivileged areas. This gave me leadership and teamwork skills. UOB also helped me build a strong nursing foundation and prepared me well for the challenges of my post-grad pathways. I encourage new students to seize every opportunity that comes their way and use the support structures that are in place to their full advantage. The staff, teachers, and supervisors will offer wonderful support and encouragement throughout the challenging journey of nursing school.
Pamela Zeinoun, RN

Nursing Program Graduate
(Graduated Spring 2015)

You all should be proud of yourselves for being part of the University of Balamand. We have been granted the basis of everything we know from the most prestigious and most welcoming university. This basis that was worked on by many instructors and professors is what makes us as good today. For nursing students specifically, you are doing the right thing and do not let anyone convince you otherwise. There will come a day when you experience that there is nothing more noble than what you are doing. I can promise you that you will be fully equipped with the knowledge, the know-how, and the care needed to start your journey as a Nurse. I was at work in SGHUMC on August 4, 2020 when the blast occurred. The experience was devastating, but I was able to make the right decision. Being in the right place at the “right” time urged me to rescue three premature babies from Port blasts. I personally am forever grateful to the Nursing Program at the University of Balamand.

BSN Nursing Outcomes

MSN Nursing Program Outcomes

The Baccalaureate Nursing Program at the University of Balamand, Al Kurah Campus, Dekouaneh Campus, and Souk El Gharb, Aley Campus is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Baccalaureate Nursing Program is the initial accreditation.

The Master Nursing Program at the University of Balamand, Dekouaneh Campus is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Master Nursing Program is the initial accreditation.

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CHAIRPERSON’S MESSAGE

Mathilde Azar, Midwife, PhD, DEA, MSN
mathilde.azar@balamand.edu.lb

Welcome to the Nursing Program at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand.
Since its establishment in 1995, the Nursing Program has been committed to advancing the nursing profession and contributing to the improvement of healthcare services in Lebanon and beyond. Guided by excellence, innovation, and a strong sense of social responsibility, we prepare through our undergraduate and graduate programs, highly qualified nurses who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and leadership competencies needed to respond to the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

At the University of Balamand, we believe that outstanding nursing education is the foundation of high-quality healthcare. Our undergraduate and graduate programs approach combines rigorous theoretical instruction with experiential learning opportunities in diverse healthcare settings. Guided by a multidisciplinary team of dedicated faculty members and clinical experts, students develop critical thinking, clinical judgment, professionalism, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice competencies that are essential for delivering safe, high-quality, and patient-centered care.

A distinctive strength of our program is its strong partnership with leading accredited healthcare institutions, which provide rich clinical learning experiences and enable students to effectively translate theory into practice. In addition, our state-of-the-art Simulation and Nursing Skills Centers offer innovative learning opportunities where students can practice clinical skills, enhance decision-making abilities, and build confidence in a safe and supportive environment before engaging in direct patient care.

Research, innovation, ethics, and quality improvement are embedded throughout our curricula. We encourage students to engage in scholarly activities, embrace lifelong learning, and contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge and healthcare outcomes. Our commitment to excellence is further reflected in our pursuit of international standards through accreditation with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which supports continuous quality improvement and strengthens the recognition and mobility of our graduates.

In alignment with the priorities of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the World Health Organization (WHO), our program emphasizes leadership, interprofessional collaboration, digital health, patient safety, population health, and evidence-informed practice. These competencies are increasingly important as healthcare systems worldwide face growing complexity, rising chronic diseases, aging populations, and unprecedented workforce challenges.

Today, the global shortage of nurses highlights the critical importance of investing in nursing education. Nurses represent the largest group of healthcare professionals worldwide. They are the cornerstone of healthcare systems and play a vital role in promoting health, preventing illness, coordinating care, supporting recovery, improving patients’ outcomes and satisfaction, and supporting communities. We are proud that our graduates are highly sought after by healthcare institutions in Lebanon, the region, and internationally, reflecting the quality of their preparation and their readiness to lead and innovate in practice.

At the University of Balamand, we remain committed to preparing compassionate, competent, and future-ready nurses who will contribute to the advancement of the profession and the delivery of excellent healthcare for all.

We invite you to join us in shaping the future of nursing and advancing health.

Mathilde Azar, Midwife, MSN, DEA, PhD
Director, Nursing Program
Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Balamand
mathilde.azar@balamand.edu.lb
T: +961 1 495 833 Ext: 5128

PROGRAMS

Why Choose the Nursing Program at the University of Balamand?

The Nursing Program at the University of Balamand offers the following advantages:

Variety of programs:
- - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- - TS-BSN ladder program
- - Pre-med track
- - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in two tracks: Adult Care; and Neonatal and Child Care.

- Internationally Recognized Excellence: Unconditional ACEN accreditation for both BSN and MSN Programs which enhances employability, mobility & graduate study opportunities abroad.

- Competency-Based, Future-Ready Curriculum: We nurture critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Our curriculum is continuously updated with the latest evidence to prepare you for the ever-evolving healthcare environment.

- Flexible Learning: we provide innovative learning methods that fit today’s dynamic educational needs.

- Cutting-Edge Resources & Simulation Labs: Experience hands-on training in advanced laboratories designed to replicate real-world clinical settings, supported by state-of-the-art library resources and global nursing databases.

- Expert Faculty & Personalized Support: Learn from highly qualified faculty who are committed to your growth. Small class sizes, individualized advising, close clinical preceptorship, and a supportive environment.

- Strong Clinical Partnerships: Gain practical exposure through collaborations with top hospitals and healthcare institutions across Lebanon.

- Accessible Education Through Scholarships (up to 100%): We believe in investing in your future. Generous scholarships, financial aid packages, and student work opportunities make your nursing education more affordable.

- Community Engagement & Leadership: Join initiatives that connect classroom knowledge with meaningful community projects, fostering your role as a socially responsible healthcare professional.

- Graduates in High Demand: Our alumni are recognized leaders in healthcare, securing respected positions in hospitals, clinics, and global health organizations. Employers seek them for their competence, professionalism, and compassion.

- Supportive Environment : Friendly and dynamic learning community.

- Flexible Career Pathways :

- Pre-medical track available
- Opportunities in hospitals, research, education, community nursing & healthcare management
- Pathway to diplomas, Master’s & PhD

FACILITIES

The skills and Simulation Nursing Laboratories at the Main Campus (Koura), Dekouaneh Campus (Beirut), and Souk El Gharb Campus (Aley) provide students with a safe, innovative, and highly interactive learning environment. Through simulation-based education, students develop the knowledge, clinical skills, and confidence required for professional nursing practice before entering real healthcare settings.

Experiential learning in both the simulation laboratories and clinical environments is an integral component of the undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula. The laboratories are specifically designed to support the learning objectives of a wide range of nursing courses, including Introduction to Nursing Practice, Health Assessment, Nursing Care of Adults, Maternal and Child Nursing Care, Critical Care Nursing, and other specialty areas.

Equipped with state-of-the-art low-, medium-, and high-fidelity manikins, as well as advanced simulation technologies, the laboratories enable students to practice and refine both fundamental and complex nursing procedures in a realistic and supportive setting. Designed to closely replicate contemporary healthcare environments, the simulation laboratories foster clinical reasoning, decision-making, teamwork, and patient-centered care, ensuring students are well prepared for clinical practice and future professional roles in a safe and non-stressful environment.