SINGAPORE NURSING BOARD
ACCREDITATION SELF-STUDY REPORT- POST-REGISTRATION NURSING DEGREE
(For applicant to demonstrate & provide evidence in the curriculum & annex documents of how the nursing
Programme has met SNB’s Standards of Nursing Education and accreditation requirements)
Title of Program:
Name of Institution:
NB:
The Self-Study Report is to be submitted together with Curriculum & Annex Documents.
Applicant will be required to present the Report & necessary documents during SNB On-site Evaluation Visit (when documents submitted are
complete)
STANDARD ONE: THE INSTITUTION – ORGANISATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The institution that provides education for nurses shall ensure policies and practices meet the Standards for Nursing Education of the Singapore Nursing Board
(SNB).
No.
1.1
1.2
Criterion
The institution seeking accreditation of the
nursing programme(s) shall be registered with
the Ministry of Education (MOE)/ Council for
Private Education as a recognised education
provider.
Evidence (make references in curriculum)
The institution’s mission, philosophy and
purpose support in professional development of
the learners.
Indicators (additional indicators can be included)
 Letter of Approval
from Ministry of Education/ Council for
Private Education
 Institution’s mission and philosophy
 Purpose/ objectives/ competencies of
course
 Need for the course
1.3
The organisation chart delineates authority,
responsibility, accountability and communication
at all levels in the institution.
 Organisation chart
1.4
Authority for oversight of the programme is
delegated to a Registered Nurse qualified to
serve as Head of the School/ Department
offering the nursing programme(s).
 Curriculum vitae
The Head shall be responsible for maintaining
organizational standards and regulatory
requirements in all aspects of the programme as
stipulated by SNB.
 Written Policy
1.5
Accreditation/Re-accreditation of Formal Program Self-Study Report_Post Registration Nursing Degree
 Practising Certificate issued by SNB
Revised 18 February 2016
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STANDARD ONE: THE INSTITUTION – ORGANISATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The institution that provides education for nurses shall ensure policies and practices meet the Standards for Nursing Education of the Singapore Nursing Board
(SNB).
Criterion
There is evidence that current written policies
and procedures guide the programme
administration, management and evaluation.
1.7
A record of the learner’s education in the
programme maintained for shall include:
 academic results; and
 credit hours in the classroom, laboratory &
clinical placement.
 Transcript
 Academic results during the preceding
accreditation period – trends and analysis
1.8
There is a policy to guide the process when the
institution collaborates with other educational
institutions and where there is transfer of
educational credits.
 Written policies and agreement
1.9
The institution shall submit the detailed
curriculum of a new programme for approval by
SNB at least six (6) months before
implementation of the programme.
 Proposed date of commencement
1.10
Evidence (make references in curriculum)
Indicators (additional indicators can be included)
 Written policies &
procedures regarding administration,
management & evaluation of the course
No.
1.6
 Advertisement materials
(e.g. course brochure)
The institution seeking re-accreditation of the
programme shall submit the revised curriculum
to SNB six (6) months prior to end of the
accreditation period.
Accreditation/Re-accreditation of Formal Program Self-Study Report_Post Registration Nursing Degree
Revised 18 February 2016
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STANDARD TWO: CURRICULUM - PROGRAMME DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
The curriculum design ensures outcomes of the programme are consistent with the mission and philosophy of the institution. The curriculum provides correlated
theory and practice to prepare graduates with a level of competence required for safe effective nursing care at the level relevant to the programme offered.
No.
2.1
2.2
2.3
Criterion
The programme shall specify the:
(i) selection of learners with appropriate
educational qualifications;
(ii) requirements for learners to be certified
medically and physically fit to pursue the
programme and
(iii) eligibility of the learners to meet the
requirements for registration by the SNB
(where applicable).
The curriculum is written in consultation with
Nurse Educators & Nurses in practice. The
Curriculum Development Committee should
have at least two (2) members who have prior
training and/ or experience in curriculum
development.
Curriculum provides evidence of:
(i) a conceptual framework
Evidence (make references in curriculum)
Indicator (additional indicators can be included)
 Entry requirements stated in brochure/
website etc
 Evidence of students selection and
admission
 Students’ Medical fitness records
 List of members and their corresponding
area/s expertise who developed the
curriculum
.
(ii) focus on the nursing response to healthcare
needs of community in accordance with
healthcare policies;
 Complete curriculum which includes:
- Conceptual framework
- Allocation of theoretical hours & list of
units/ modules
 List of teaching & learning strategies
(iii) nursing as the primary focus of the
programme;
(iv) integration of theory with practice; and
 List of summative learning outcomes and
competencies to be achieved
(v) teaching and learning strategies that enable
the development of clinical reasoning,
problem-solving and critical thinking to
achieve the expected outcomes of the
programme.
Accreditation/Re-accreditation of Formal Program Self-Study Report_Post Registration Nursing Degree
Revised 18 February 2016
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STANDARD TWO: CURRICULUM - PROGRAMME DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
The curriculum design ensures outcomes of the programme are consistent with the mission and philosophy of the institution. The curriculum provides correlated
theory and practice to prepare graduates with a level of competence required for safe effective nursing care at the level relevant to the programme offered.
No.
2.4
Criterion
There is evidence of:
(i)
an implementation plan for the
programme;
(ii) a logical sequence of learning
experiences;
(iii) learning outcomes and competencies for
acquisition of knowledge, skills and
attitudes;
(iv) clinical practice placements to facilitate
interaction between learners and clients to
achieve the stated learning outcomes; and
(v) appropriate methods of assessment to
reflect achievement of expected outcomes
specific to the programme.
Evidence (make references in curriculum)
Indicators (additional indicators can be included)
 Implementation plan of the course
 Compliance to criteria stated in Standards
2.5
There is written evidence of commitment from
the health care industry to accept learners for
clinical placements.
 MOU/ Approval letters from Clinical
practice placement providers for clinical
education
2.6
There is sufficient and appropriate clinical
experience for learners to achieve the stated
learning outcomes.
 Summary of classroom, laboratory,
simulation and clinical practice placement
hours and credits
2.7
The clinical placement allows for purposeful/
focused learning where the learner is guided/
supervised in the application and integration of
knowledge and skills, and acquisition of
professional attitudes.
 Clinical Logs
 Learning Contract/ Agreement etc
 Interviews with students & CIs/ Preceptors
Accreditation/Re-accreditation of Formal Program Self-Study Report_Post Registration Nursing Degree
Revised 18 February 2016
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STANDARD TWO: CURRICULUM - PROGRAMME DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
The curriculum design ensures outcomes of the programme are consistent with the mission and philosophy of the institution. The curriculum provides
correlated theory and practice to prepare graduates with a level of competence required for safe effective nursing care at the level relevant to the
programme offered.
No.
Criterion
2.8 The programme’s learning outcomes and
competencies shall cover the following areas:
Evidence (make references in curriculum)
(i)
2.9
safe competent professional and ethical
practice;
(ii)
holistic approach to integration of
knowledge, organisation and
management of care;
(iii) effective interpersonal relationships and
communication;
(iv) personal leadership and professional
development
There is evidence of representation from the
institution and nurses in practice to review/
revise the course/ programme. The validity of
the accreditation per course/ programme is 3-5
years as tabled below:
Course/
Programme
Duration
Less than 2 years
2 years – less
than 3 years
3 years and above
2.10
Indicators (additional indicators can be included)
 Learning Outcomes
 Competencies/Skills outcomes and
achievement
 Summative Assessments
 Terms of reference, minutes of meeting of
curriculum development/review committee
Accreditation
Periods
3 years
4 years
5 years
There is systematic and continuous evaluation
of all curriculum components to ensure an
ongoing development, maintenance and
enhancement of the curriculum.
Accreditation/Re-accreditation of Formal Program Self-Study Report_Post Registration Nursing Degree
 Evaluation Framework: plan &
implementation as in SNB’s Programme
Evaluation Framework Template
 Students & Employers’ feedback &
trending data
 Submission of Annual Reports to SNB
 Improvements initiatives/projects/ studies
Revised 18 February 2016
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STANDARD THREE: ASSESSMENT
The assessment and evaluation of learning is a continuous process of providing feedback on the learners’ progress and learning outcomes.
Evidence (make references in curriculum)
Indicator (additional indicators can be included)
 Assessment tools/ forms
No.
3.1
Criterion
The assessment of learning:
(i) is based on a variety of strategies that are
aligned with the subject area, stage of the
educational programme and expected
learning outcomes;
(ii) measures the integration and application of
knowledge, skills and attitude to patient
care throughout the programme; and
(iii) has explicit grading criteria for each
module/ unit.
3.2
The institution shall establish an Examination
Committee with clearly defined functions,
including a grading system based on modular
credit system for academic programmes.
 Minutes/ Notes of Meeting
3.3
There is evidence of formative and summative
assessment.
 Samples of students’ assessment
 Summary of Assessment Methods
3.4
The faculty responsible for assessment shall
have professional preparation in assessment
and evaluation.
The assessors shall have experience/ expertise
in the subject area.
 Curriculum vitae of assessors
3.5
Evaluation outcomes are used for development,
improvement and planning future learning
opportunities for learners.
 Submission of summary of evaluation
and plans for integration into curriculumas in SNB’s Programme Evaluation
Framework Template
Accreditation/Re-accreditation of Formal Program Self-Study Report_Post Registration Nursing Degree
Revised 18 February 2016
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STANDARD FOUR: TEACHING FACULTY
The institution has sufficient and qualified faculty to provide leadership, teach and guide learners to attain the goals and outcomes of the nursing programme.
Evidence (make references in curriculum)
Indicator (additional indicators can be included)
 Curriculum vitae of teaching staff
(use SNB’s CV template)
No.
4.1
Criterion
Teaching faculty have minimum relevant
academic/ professional qualifications in advance
of the award offered by the programme (refer to
SNB Standards for Nursing Education)
4.2
Only Registered Nurses with valid Practising
Certificate issued by SNB can teach the nursing
content in the programme.
 Practising Certificates
4.3
Nursing faculty teaching in:
(i) pre-enrolment/
pre-registration programme shall have a
minimum of three (3) years full-time postregistration clinical nursing experience
(ii) specialty nursing programmes shall have
relevant specialist qualification(s) & a
minimum of two (2) years full-time postspecialty qualification clinical nursing
experience relevant to the discipline.
 Relevant qualifications/ certifications
4.4
Teaching faculty (full-time and part-time) shall
show evidence of undertaking/ completion of a
preparation course in teaching and learning.
 Teaching qualifications/ teaching course
by faculty and CIs
4.5
Faculty teaching non-nursing subjects shall
posses appropriate professional qualifications &
experience relevant to the areas of their
expertise & responsibilities.
 Qualifications/ CVs of non-nursing faculty
4.6
Clinical teachers providing clinical supervision
shall be competent and current Registered
Nurses with a minimum of three (3) years fulltime post-registration clinical nursing
experience, and possess valid Practising
Certificate issued by SNB.
 CVs of CIs and current practicing
certificates
Accreditation/Re-accreditation of Formal Program Self-Study Report_Post Registration Nursing Degree
Revised 18 February 2016
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STANDARD FOUR: TEACHING FACULTY
The institution has sufficient and qualified faculty to provide leadership, teach and guide learners to attain the goals and outcomes of the nursing programme.
Evidence (make references in curriculum)
Indicator (additional indicators can be included)
No.
4.7
Criterion
For optimal student learning and safe patient
care, the clinical teacher to learner ratio in the
clinical settings shall not exceed 1:12.
4.8
There shall be evidence of currency of nursing
competencies and continuing education for
academic faculty and clinical teachers.
 Record of nursing competencies
maintenance/ assessment
 Record of continuing education
4.9
The performance of teaching faculty (including
local tutors) is evaluated periodically to assure
ongoing competence & development.
 Performance Review-Key Performance
Indicators
 Learning Needs Assessment & Plan
4.10
There shall be a minimum of 60% full-time
academic staff teaching the programme.
 List of full-time & part-time faculty
Accreditation/Re-accreditation of Formal Program Self-Study Report_Post Registration Nursing Degree
Revised 18 February 2016
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STANDARD FIVE: EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
The educational institution has adequate appropriate facilities and resources to support the programme objectives and outcomes.
No.
5.1
Criterion
The institution:
(i) has evidence stating the allocation of
human and fiscal resources to support the
development and implementation of the
programme;
(ii) has comprehensive physical resources (e.g.
classrooms, laboratories, equipment, library
resources, instructional technology facilities,
offices) that are current & accessible to
faculty& learners to enable the achievement
of programme outcomes and to meet the
needs of faculty and learners;
(iii) provides and maintains a conducive
learning environment.
5.2
There is evidence of:
(i) availability of adequate and current
collection of literature on nursing and
related subjects, including on-line facilities
for sourcing such materials for students and
academic staff;
(ii) adequate and current audio-visual aids for
effective teaching-learning activities.
Evidence (make references in curriculum)
Accreditation/Re-accreditation of Formal Program Self-Study Report_Post Registration Nursing Degree
Indicator (additional indicators can be included)
 List of resources to support the course
 List of book, journals and literature
available for faculty & students
 List of teaching/ learning aids
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SINGAPORE NURSING BOARD - CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION OF NURSING PROGRAMME
Type of
Programme
Duration
Undergraduate
Degree in
Nursing (PostRegistration)
Full-Time
(1 year)
Part-Time
(2 years)
Clinical Component
Theory shall be sufficient to meet the
objectives of the curriculum (including
clinical application).
Educational Setting
Minimum Qualifications+ of Nursing
Faculty
Tertiary Academic
Institution minimum
University status at local
campus or in
collaboration with local
provider
i) Master Degree in Nursing (preferred),
or a minimum of Degree in Nursing &
Master Degree in related field, and
ii) Relevant teaching experience/
qualification
Note: +Any variations to the requirement will be subject to SNB’s approval.
Accreditation/Re-accreditation of Formal Program Self-Study Report_Post Registration Nursing Degree
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CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR OF NURSING (POST-REGISTRATION)
No.
1.
Criterion
CURRICULUM HOURS
The Bachelor of Nursing (Post-Registration) requires a minimum of 400 curriculum
hours of which at least 50% comprises core modules, and the remaining hours for
elective modules.
2.
ENTRY REQUIREMENT
Registered Nurses with valid practising certificate (full and conditional registration
only) from the Singapore Nursing Board.
3.
TEACHING STRATEGIES
 A variety of teaching and learning methods can be used including: lectures,
tutorials, video conferencing, classroom discussions, role-play, simulation-based
learning, etc.
 Direct face-to-face lectures and tutorials shall be at least 160 hours (40% of
curriculum hours).
CORE CONTENT
The curriculum shall focus on the Singapore healthcare context to include:
 Research methods, appraisal & statistics
 Healthcare ethics and law
 Teaching & learning
 Health & physical assessment
OTHER INFORMATION
 Subject description.
 Learning outcomes.
 Content.
 Teaching schedule: to include the weekly timetable of content/ topics to be taught.
 Teaching methods: specify contact hours for each teaching strategy.
 Assessment: specify methods and weighting for each type of assessment.
 Readings and references.
TABLES
Table (1) Programme Schedule
Table (2) Summary of Teaching Hours
Table (3) Summary of Assessment Methods
4.
5.
6.
Accreditation/Re-accreditation of Formal Program Self-Study Report_Post Registration Nursing Degree
Evidence (make references in curriculum)
Revised 18 February 2016
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