The twentieth anniversary of College of Applied Health Sciences in Cuprija

When it comes to the profession of nurses, physiotherapists and midwives it is clear that it is primarily about the need for developing practical knowledge and adopting standardized procedures that arise from the process of nursing and care for direct application in patient care. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a real need for opening postsecondary education institutions that educate this kind of staff. These circumstances resulted in the opening of several postsecondary education centers in our country, including the College of Applied Health Sciences in Cuprija. This year, College of Applied Health Sciences in Cuprija celebrates its twentieth anniversary. The opening of the College was preceded by a long period of work, investment and capacity development in which Cuprija proved itself as the main health center of the region. The College of Applied Health Sciences was established on 14th of July 2005 by resolution of the Government of the Republic of Serbia. The school premises had been located in the building of the Primary Music School until 2005, when the school got a new building. The school initially enrolled students in three study programs: vocational nurse-technician, vocational physiotherapist and vocational radiologist. The Bologna Declaration brought additional challenges to the College of Applied Health Sciences, which could be seen through the accreditation process. Accreditation required detailed planning of the staff and resources of our institution, in order to respond to the requirements set by our society, but also the needs of students to acquire an adequate level of necessary knowledge and skills. The first courses accredited in 2007 were Vocational Therapist and Vocational Cosmetician- Esthetician. In 2008 the following study programs were accredited, Vocational Nurse, Vocational Midwife and Vocational Pharmaceutical Technician. In 2014, the Vocational Radiologist program was accredited. In the course of twenty years, the College of Applied Health Sciences has achieved international cooperation with numerous foreign schools. In the framework of the cooperation, our students have the opportunity to participate in international students' exchange. The plan is to improve the existing and introduce new study programs, as well as to open Master's Degree Programs for vocational Nurses and Midwives as well as Vocational Nurse study program in a unit without the status of a legal entity outside the headquarters of the institution.