The new “General Nursing” degree program of the Faculty of Medical Sciences aims to respond to the profound changes in the medical system and to prepare the next generation of health professionals.
The nursing profession is going through one of the most important transformations in recent decades. The aging of the population, the increase in the number of patients with chronic conditions, the development of technology and the expansion of professional responsibilities require new training standards and new educational models.
Starting from these realities, The Romanian-American University and the Order of General Medical Assistants, Midwives and Medical Assistants from Romania (OAMGMAMR) organized the debate “The nurse of the future: skills, professional autonomy, leadership and innovation in medical care”, an event that brought together leaders of the medical community, representatives of patient associations and academic experts.
During the debate, the Romanian-American University presented its new strategic direction in the field of health: the establishment Faculty of Medical Sciences and the launch of the undergraduate program “General Medical Assistance“, with a duration of 4 years.
The new program is aimed both at high school graduates who want a career in the health field and at nurses who have completed post-secondary school and aim to complete their university training, in accordance with European standards and the new requirements of the profession.
The curriculum, built according to ARACIS norms and adapted through consultation with specialists in the system, combines theoretical training with consistent clinical internships and includes subjects such as artificial intelligence applied in medicine, e-health and telemedicine solutions, medical informatics, advanced prevention techniques and legal elements regarding the risks of malpractice.
At the same time, the Romanian-American University offers 20% of the total places free of charge, and admission for this summer’s session is exclusively online.
The debates were moderated by Mariana Zazu, Head of the Research and Innovation Department within OAMGMAMRwhich guided the dialogue around the main challenges facing the profession: the transformation of the role of the nurse, the increasing complexity of the act of care and the impact of technology on the healthcare system.
Mircea Timofte, president of OAMGMAMRhighlighted that European healthcare systems are already placing increasing importance on the advanced skills and independent practice of nurses.
“The European healthcare system today puts a huge emphasis on the advanced skills and independent practice of nurses, aspects already transposed into national legislation. The population is aging and chronic diseases can be effectively managed at home. The establishment of this faculty within the Romanian-American University is an extraordinary approach, able to balance the deficiencies in the area of post-secondary training“, he declared.
The discussions started from the conclusions of the national study PERFORM (2026), presented by Dr. Teodor Cristian Blidaru. The data show that 86.6% of the nurses in Romania come from the post-secondary system, while the European trend is the full integration of the profession in higher education.
The analysis also highlights a major challenge regarding the retention of medical staff. In the year 2025, over half of the people who left the profession were under 40 years old, which indicates the need for policies oriented towards the younger generations and towards the development of sustainable professional paths.
In this context, almost 79% of the nurses participating in the research consider it necessary to develop new or updated specialization programs, and the priority areas identified include, among others, emergency nursing.
Rector of the Romanian-American University, Prof. univ. dr. habil. Costel Negriceaexplained that the new faculty represents a concrete response to these transformations. “The Faculty of Medical Sciences represents an important stage in the development of the Romanian-American University and reflects our commitment to respond to the real needs of society through relevant and future-oriented study programs. We aim to train competent, responsible professionals who are able to contribute to the development of the health system in Romania.”
Another major topic of the debate was the need to train a new generation of teaching staff from among medical assistants, able to prepare future professionals through specialized university and post-graduate programs.
The participants also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the university environment and medical institutions. In this sense, the Romanian-American University develops partnerships with important operators from the private health system, such as Memorial Hospital Romania and The Monza Groupwhich will provide students with access to modern medical infrastructure and clinical mentorship.
“As the founder of Monza Hospitals in Romania, I have always believed that excellence in medicine is built through people. Through Monza Ares, we proudly assume the role of partners of the Romanian-American University in this visionary endeavor“, he declared Luca Militello, Monza Ares Development Director.
In turn, Dr. Cristina Berteanu, Medical Director Memorial Hospitalemphasized that future students will have the opportunity to learn directly in the wards of partner hospitals and develop in a stable professional environment.
The need for a solid university training is also confirmed by public hospital managers. Elena Ștefan, Director of Care at the “Nicolae Malaxa” Clinical Hospitaldrew attention to the difficulties encountered in recruitment and the importance of raising professional standards.
The increasing complexity of the medical act was also highlighted by Daniela Gheorghe, Director of Care at the Colentina Clinical Hospitalwho emphasized that nurses must be prepared to manage difficult situations and make quick decisions in emergency contexts.
The legal dimension of the profession was addressed by Constanța Tăiatu, advisor within ANMCSwhich highlighted the direct link between the level of competence and professional responsibility, emphasizing the role of the university in certifying competences adapted to the realities of the medical system.
From the patients’ perspective, Radu Gănescu, president of COPAC, emphasized the importance of communication and empathy in the relationship between medical personnel and beneficiaries of health services.
In order to ensure the sustainable development of the new faculty and a permanent connection with the needs of the health system, the Romanian-American University and OAMGMAMR launched the invitation to collaborate within an Advisory Council dedicated to the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
Registration for this summer’s admission session is exclusively online, and complete information about the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the “General Nursing” study program is available on the website of the Romanian-American University.
URA admission platform: admitere.rau.ro Faculty of Medical Sciences: www.rau.ro/facultatea-de-stiinte-medicale
