Site Visits by the Review Team for the Accreditation of the Two First Target Nursing Colleges

Under this project, two nursing colleges, College of Nursing, Sher-E-Bangla Nagar (CONSBN) in Dhaka Division and Mymensingh Nursing College (MNC) in Mymensingh Division, have been selected as first target nursing colleges for intensive support to enhance the quality of nursing education. The Bangladesh Nursing and Midwifery Council (BNMC) grants accreditation status to nursing colleges and institutions that meet its standards. The CBNS-II Project has provided continuous support to both CONSBN and MNC for their accreditation since its inception.

The accreditation process involves nursing education institutions conducting a self-assessment based on BNMC’s accreditation standards and submitting both the self-assessment report and an accreditation application. Upon receiving these documents, BNMC forms a review team comprising trained nursing experts. The team first analyzes the self-assessment report and then visits the institution to verify its contents, a process known as the site visit. During the visit, the team conducts interviews with principals, faculty, students, and clinical nurse teachers (CNTs); reviews required supporting documents; observes classroom teaching, lab practices, and clinical practices; and inspects the facilities. Based on these activities, the team prepares a report and submits it to BNMC.

In response to the accreditation applications submitted by CONSBN and MNC, the CBNS-II project supported both the preparation for and the implementation of the site visits. A single review team was formed to assess both nursing colleges, comprising the Principal of Noorbanu Ismail BIHS Nursing and Midwifery Institute (former Principal of CONSBN and Team Leader), a faculty member from Dhaka Nursing College, and a staff member from the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM). After thoroughly reviewing the self-assessment reports and identifying areas requiring clarification, the team conducted site visits at MNC on March 4-5 and at CONSBN on April 29 and May 4. The CBNS-II project accompanied and supported the team throughout the visits.

Accreditation represents a significant milestone for any nursing college, serving as an external and internal recognition of quality. More importantly, the process itself, where faculty members critically assess whether the education meets each accreditation criterion, compile the required supporting documents, and reflect objectively through interactions with the review team, makes a significant contribution to improving the quality of education. With this perspective, the CBNS-II project has provided sustained, hands-on support in preparing for accreditation. Although the burden on faculty members, who must manage this process alongside their regular duties, was considerable and sometimes led to frustration with the project’s detailed demands, the review team acknowledged the thorough preparation by both MNC and CONSBN during their site visits. Despite long days that often extended beyond 6 p.m., faculty members actively engaged with the review team, and their expressions during the final debriefings reflected a strong sense of fulfillment.

The review team has since completed the site visit reports for both MNC and CONSBN, and the final versions, including attachments, will soon be submitted to BNMC. Based on discussions within BNMC’s decision-making committee, each nursing college will be granted an accreditation status ranging from one star (valid for one year) to five stars (valid for five years). Although the final outcome remains to be seen, we are confident that the preparation process has been a meaningful experience for both nursing colleges and that the results will be positive.