Comparative Study of the Master's Degree Program in Geriatric Nursing in Iran and the University of Oslo, Norway

Introduction: In light of the increasing elderly population worldwide, the need for specialized and skilled nurses is felt more than ever. The Master's program in Geriatric Nursing is a novel field in Iran, where program evaluation stands out as one of the most essential strategies for its improvement. The present study was conducted with the aim of performing a comparative analysis of the Master's program in Geriatric Nursing offered by medical universities in Iran and the University of Oslo,Norway. Methods: In this descriptive-comparative study, data related to the Master's Degree Program in Geriatric Nursing were collected in ۲۰۲۳ using keywords such as comparative study, curriculum, master's degree, geriatric nursing, Iran, and the University of Oslo. The information was analyzed using Bereday's model in four stages: description, interpretation, juxtaposition, and comparison. Results: The findings showed that in Iran and Norway, geriatric nursing is presented in a similar manner with a combination of both types of care in one program. Unlike most universities in Iran, the University of Oslo employs specialized professors in the field of geriatrics for teaching and has centers for direct student engagement with healthy and sick elderly individuals. Student admission at the University of Oslo includes having two years of clinical work experience and obtaining a minimum grade of C in the undergraduate degree, while in Iran, the entrance exam is the only criterion for admission. Occupational positions in the University of Oslo are specific to the field of specialization, whereas graduates in Iran do not have specific job positions. Conclusions: The use of multiple criteria and having clinical experience for student admission, having an appropriate clinical environment, utilizing specialized geriatrics professors, paying attention to cultural aspects, emphasizing English language proficiency to enhance students' research skills, and defining suitable job positions are suggested to improve the Master's Degree Program in Geriatric Nursing in Iran.

Keywords:

Nursing curriculum , Geriatric nursing , Comparative study , Iran , Norway , برنامه آموزشی پرستاری , پرستاری سالمندی , مطالعه تطبیقی , ایران , نروژ