UH-Victoria is partnering with the University of Economics and Finance in Vietnam to help improve the level of Vietnamese health care.
The University of Economics and Finance, located in Ho Chi Minh City, is expanding its international programs to achieve this objective.
“Our goal would be for Vietnamese students to go back to their country and be able to better the health care of the Vietnamese population,” UH-V School of Nursing dean Kathryn Tart said.
The Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a program that trains students in nursing in only three semesters.
“Universities allow for exploration of knowledge,” Tart said. “I am excited that UH-V and the UH system are forging this new relationship outside of the U.S.because we all benefit from that.”
The partnership is seeking students who have a bachelor’s degree in any major.
Vietnamese students would adhere to the same guidelines as American students.
“We are not just giving them a spot in our classes,” Tart said. “Students have to compete right at the same level for a spot.”
The collaboration started in the spring semester with the help of Vi Ho and Thuba To, both former nursing students at UH-V Tart said it was her students who helped her decide to participate in this alliance.
“Vietnamese students can get international nursing ideas and bring the knowledge to Vietnam,” To said.
Tart went to Vietnam for one week during the summer as a guest of the University of Economics and Finance. During her trip, she learned about Vietnamese health care when she visited the local hospitals. She met with potential students and their parents, and explained the process of applying and the requirements that international students have to complete.
During her visit Tart witnessed a patient-to-nurse ratio of 12-to-1, while in the U.S., the ratio is a maximum of six patients per nurse.
Tart said it is important for people to learn about health care in other countries, because it enlightens us to different ways of doing things.
Assistant professor and coordinator of the Second Degree Program Linda S. Dune is also looking forward to the exchange.
“It’s nice to be able to combine western and eastern medicine in any way that we can, ” Dune said.
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