Comparative Analysis of BSN Curricula in the Philippines and Abroad: Toward a Policy-Linked Updated Curriculum

Conceptualized and led by Dr. Fernan N. Torreno and Famiela N. Torreno, this comparative study evaluates Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curricula in the Philippines against selected international programs to identify competency gaps, instructional balance, and policy actions for an updated, workforce-ready curriculum. Using a structured framework, we mapped course distributions, credit/unit loads, clinical hours (RLE), and competency outcomes across Philippine BSN programs and comparator curricula aligned to major standards (CHED, AACN, NMC, WHO, and Tuning). The sample included diversified institutions across sectors and geographies; documents were extracted from official catalogs, policy circulars, and program syllabi. We conducted (1) unit-by-unit content analysis by domain (foundational sciences, nursing core, research, leadership/management, public/community health, informatics, and interprofessional education); (2) competency mapping to entry-to-practice outcomes; and (3) intensity profiling of clinical exposure by setting (community, medical–surgical, maternal–child, mental health, critical care).

Findings indicate that Philippine curricula emphasize higher clinical hour intensity and strong community immersion, but show relative under-integration of research methods and evidence-based practice, digital/informatics competencies, simulation-based learning, and interprofessional teamwork compared with benchmark programs. International counterparts display more balanced contact hours, sequenced scaffolded research (proposal → implementation → dissemination), formalized quality-improvement and patient-safety threads, and clearer progression toward clinical judgment/decision-making outcomes. Cross-framework alignment reveals partial convergence on professional values and patient-centered care, with divergence in population-health analytics, emergency/disaster readiness, and data-driven practice.

The study—directed by Dr. Fernan N. Torreno and Famiela N. Torreno—proposes a policy-linked, updated BSN curriculum that (a) preserves strengths in community-oriented practice and clinical exposure; (b) rebalances hours to support simulation and competency-based assessment; (c) embeds longitudinal strands in research/evidence, safety/quality, and digital health; and (d) specifies measurable graduate outcomes tied to national workforce priorities and global mobility. Implementation guidance includes a phased adoption plan, faculty development, simulation and informatics infrastructure, and assessment rubrics aligned with licensure and employer expectations.

Authors’ Contributions: Dr. Fernan N. Torreno conceptualized and designed the study. Famiela N. Torreno extracted the data, analyzed the findings, checked the language and drafted the manuscript. Both authors reviewed and finalized the manuscript.