UCalgary Qatar signs agreement with Community College of Qatar

The University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) carved out a new path to the nursing profession for Qataris this week by signing an agreement with the Community College of Qatar (CCQ). The agreement focuses on long-term co-operation and was signed between UCQ, Qatar’s only school of nursing, and CCQ at a ceremony that took place on May 15 at CCQ’s campus. The letter of agreement is aimed at establishing a joint academic education program between the two parties, to be known as the 1+3 collaborative program.

The partnership between the two institutions will allow students to gain a foundation year at CCQ before continuing their education at UCQ. The 1+3 program will begin with students in their first year of study (Phase 1) at CCQ, during which they will complete such classes as Anatomy, Physiology, Bioethics and other elective courses as required by the program. These classes have been selected and agreed upon by both institutions and will be awarded full credit at UCQ once students have matriculated. CCQ’s language of instruction is English, which will help students succeed at UCQ.

Dr. Kim Critchley, dean and CEO of UCQ, remarked: “UCQ is pleased to be collaborating with CCQ. This joint effort is part of our objective to promote the nursing field and improve access to a world-class education for everyone — and this agreement highlights the possibilities for innovative collaborations between the two institutions.”

Acceptance into the second year of the study (Phase 2) is based on students’ cumulative GPAs, which are calculated from the 29 credit hours earned while at CCQ, which includes the relevant prerequisites from UCQ. Those students who meet the admissions requirements and receive an acceptance letter will automatically be enrolled as undergraduate students in UCQ’s Bachelor of Nursing Program.

Professor Ibrahim Al-Naimi, CCQ president commented: “This strategic agreement came about as a result of both institutions' (CCQ and UCQ) desire to provide continued value to students, by providing them with additional support once they have finished their first year of education. It was only a natural partnership for the two educational establishments in Qatar — it is a winning trade-off for both institutions and of course, the students.”