The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has approved the launch of Punjab’s first-ever PhD Nursing program, marking a major milestone in nursing education and healthcare research in Pakistan.
The decision was formally approved by the university’s Specialty Advisory Committee, which finalized the curriculum for the doctoral program.
First Batch to Have 20 Seats
According to university sources:
🎓 Total Seats: 20
The PhD Nursing program will admit its inaugural batch under strict merit criteria.
Candidates seeking admission must secure:
📊 At least 75 percent marks in the mandatory entry test
to qualify for admission.
Program Aims to Produce Nursing Researchers and Educators
UHS Vice Chancellor:
👤 Ahsan Waheed Rathore
said the initiative aims to produce highly qualified:
- Nursing researchers
- Academic leaders
- Specialized nursing educators
- Healthcare experts
He noted that the program is expected to strengthen nursing education and improve healthcare research in Pakistan.
Addressing Faculty Shortages
Officials said one of the primary objectives of the PhD Nursing program is to address the country’s shortage of specialized nursing faculty.
The university believes that producing doctoral-level nursing professionals will help:
✅ Strengthen nursing education
✅ Improve healthcare research capacity
✅ Enhance evidence-based medical practices
✅ Develop future nursing educators and leaders
Admissions Advertisement Expected in July
According to university officials, the:
📅 Official admission advertisement is expected during the first week of July 2026.
Applicants have been advised to monitor official announcements regarding eligibility criteria, admission procedures, and entry test schedules.
A Major Step for Nursing Education in Pakistan
Experts have described the launch of Punjab’s first PhD Nursing program as a significant development for the country’s healthcare sector.
They believe doctoral-level nursing education can:
- Improve clinical standards
- Encourage evidence-based practices
- Strengthen hospital management and patient care systems
- Enhance the quality of nursing education and research nationwide
Important Clarification
Although the new PhD Nursing program allows nurses to pursue the highest level of academic qualification in their field, it does not convert nurses into medical doctors (MBBS physicians). Instead, it enables nursing professionals to become advanced researchers, educators, and leaders within the nursing and healthcare sectors.
