A Comparative Study of the Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum in Iran and at the University of Washington, USA

Background: The education and training of the next generation of nurses necessitate that undergraduate nursing programs keep pace with the ever-increasing global changes and emerging knowledge. Comparing educational systems, it is possible to enhance the academic credibility of educational programs, expand the horizons of nursing, and improve the quality of nursing care. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the undergraduate nursing education programs in Iran and at the University of Washington, USA. Methods: This descriptive comparative study was conducted in four stages (description, interpretation, juxtaposition, and comparison) using the Brady model in 2022-2023. The necessary information for the undergraduate nursing program in Iran and Washington was obtained from the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education website and the University of Washington website, respectively. Results: There were differences between the universities of Iran and Washington in terms of the elements of the undergraduate nursing curriculum, including philosophy, mission, vision, objectives, roles of graduates, conditions and methods of student admission, course characteristics and structure, educational program implementation strategies, and program evaluation methods. The most significant differences were in the duration of the program and the number and titles of the courses. Conclusion: Given the crucial role of nurses in providing health and medical services, it is recommended that revisions be made to the philosophy, mission, objectives, admission methods, and course units of this program. Additionally, clear guidelines regarding the evaluation of the program and student assessments should be provided to strengthen the strengths and address the weaknesses of the undergraduate nursing curriculum, thereby improving the quality of education for students in this field and, consequently, the quality of nursing care.