History
In June 1947, the permit to open the first year of the four-year course of the College of Nursing, was granted by the Bureau of Private Schools. Classes were held in the school building at Zurbaran St., Manila and the students’ clinical experiences were undertaken at the Manila General Hospital. The College of offered a pioneer program in nursing, the 4-year baccalaureate program which conferred upon its graduates the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The existing nursing program in the country then, was the hospital-based School of Nursing, which conferred upon the graduates the title of Graduate in Nursing (G.N).
In 1948, the then Manila Central Colleges became a University - the Manila Central University. At this time, the Colleges in existence are; Pharmacy, Dentistry, Business Administration and the Master of Public Administration degrees, Medicine, the Elementary and High school Department.
In 1949, while the University was under the helm of the late President Filemon D. Tanchoco , Sr., the Novitiate of San Jose Caloocan was acquired. This is now the site of the 7-hectare lot campus.
In 1951, the students’ clinical training were undertaken at the newly constructed 120-bed capacity MCU Hospital. Classes were held in the renovated novitiate of San Jose situated in the same lot. A Newly constructed 2-storey spacious dormitory within the campus served as second home of the nursing students.
To keep pace with changes in the local and international scene that had impact on people’s health, on health care delivery, nursing and nursing education, changes in the curriculum were appropriately made. In accordance with the guidelines issued by the government agency concerned (DECS/CHED), and within the framework of the university philosophy and goals, the nursing of the college underwent appropriate revisions. Presently, it is implementing the competency-based, community- oriented curriculum.
The progress of the College of Nursing is attributed to the able and dynamic leadership of the Deans and understandably with the support of the Administrative officials of the University. Each Dean played a significant role in steering the College through five decades of societal changes. The Deans are:
* 1950-51 - Mrs. Socorro Diaz
* 1951-53 - Ms. Socorron Serilan (deceased)
* 1953-57 - Ms. Purita Asperilla
* - Ms. Lucila Paradela (vice Ms. Asperilla during her leave of absence)
* 1957-59 - Mrs. Tomasa Riñones
* 1959-64 - Ms. Adela B. Campos
* 1964-66 - Ms. Paula Llanes (briefly as Acting Dean)
* 1966-67 - Ms. Teofila De Jesus
* 1979-83 - Ms. Paria P. Paderna (deceased)
* 1983-92 - Dr. Paz L. Magallanes
* 1992 to present - Mrs. Lina A. Salarda
The student’s learning experiences and co-curricular activities continue to develop the student as a whole person. Selective admission and retention of students is implemented.
Presently, the student’s clinical experiences are enriched by expanding the clinical, areas to more affiliating agencies-government and private institutions such as Phil. Hearth Center, National Center for Mental Health, Philippine Orthopedic Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Golden Acres, Quezon City General Hospital, Research and Study Center for Children, etc. The University-adopted community in Malabon served as a training ground for community service aside from the communities of Caloocan City.
The passing rate in the local licensure exams is always way above the National passing rate, with topnotchers. The graduates are successful practitioners in the nursing field. They are presently employed in the Philippines and in many foreign countries.
As of July 2003, the College has earned Level 11- 1st re-accreditation status, as conferred by PACU-COA.
With greater commitment to quality nursing education, the College of Nursing continues to meet the challenges of the coming third millennium.
