Skip to main content

MScN at Aga Khan University: Frequently Asked Questions




The Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery (AKUSONAM) in Pakistan is a pioneer in advanced nursing education, being the first to introduce the Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) programme in the country. This prestigious programme is designed to enhance nursing practices with an in-depth curriculum focusing on leadership, research, and clinical expertise, reinforcing AKUSONAM's legacy of excellence and innovation in nursing education. Here are some of the frequently asked questions: 

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the MScN programme at AKU?

A: Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or Post-RN BScN degree, attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, possess a minimum of two years of experience as a Registered Nurse, and maintain a valid registration with the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) or equivalent.

Q: Is the MScN programme at AKU compatible with a full-time job?

A: Yes, the programme is designed with flexibility in mind, offering both full-time (2-year degree) and part-time (3 to 4-year study plan) options to accommodate working professionals.

Q: Are MScN classes offered online?

A: The MScN programme is fully in-person, reflecting AKU's commitment to immersive and interactive nursing education.

Q: Is there any financial aid available for students?

A: AKU provides need-based financial assistance and scholarships. After securing admission, students may apply for this aid, which is distributed on a merit and need basis.

Q: What subjects are included in the MScN curriculum?

A: The programme covers Theoretical Basis of Nursing Practice, Biostatistics in Healthcare, Research Methods, and Leadership and Management in Healthcare, among other core courses and electives for specialized tracks.

Q: What is the admissions process for the MScN programme?

A: Prospective students should submit an application, after which selected candidates will be invited for an admission test and subsequent interviews. The final results are announced prior to the commencement of classes.

Q: How is the admission test structured for the MScN programme?

A: The admission test comprises multiple-choice questions in English Language, Quantitative Reasoning, and Nursing Knowledge. Applicants are advised to prepare by reviewing the sample test available on the AKU website.

For more detailed information about the MScN programme, including the fee structure and to access the sample test paper, prospective students can visit www.aku.edu/MScNPK. Additional queries can be addressed by sending a direct message to www.facebook.com/AKUSONAMPK or via email at admissions.query@aku.edu.

Comments

Most Liked Blog Posts from PKN

PNC Eligibility Criteria for Faculty Appointment in Nursing Colleges in Pakistan

The Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), ( now called the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council or PNMC ) is the regulatory body for nursing education and practice in Pakistan. PN&MC notified the eligibility criteria for the appointment of faculty members in nursing colleges. The PNMC's notification, which was issued in August 2015 (vide letter number F-11-PNC-admin/2015-723), outlines the minimum qualifications, experience, and publications required for nursing lecturers, assistant professors, associate professors, and professors. In this blog post, we will discuss the eligibility criteria in detail and answer some common questions about them.  Q: What are the minimum qualifications required for a Nursing Lecturer position in a college of nursing according to PNMC?  A: The minimum qualifications required for a Nursing Lecturer position in a college of nursing are: Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife with Post RN BSN degree (Two years of post-degree experience, prefe...

Internship Guidelines 2021 by Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council

The Pakistan Nursing Council ( now called the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council or PN&MC ) has introduced internship guidelines 2021 for undergraduate nursing students who have completed four years of college. The internship program must be completed in a PNC recognized hospital, which will offer PNC-specified clinical experiences. During this program, students will have a combination of practical and theoretical experiences that will enable them to acquire competency and experience to perform as an independent nurse. Successful completion of the internship period will result in an internship certificate, and students will be eligible to appear in the licensing examination.  Below are some frequently asked questions and answers from these guidelines. What is the nursing internship program in Pakistan? The nursing internship program is a one-year program for nursing students in Pakistan, which is taken after the successful completion of a four-year undergraduate...

Difference Between Post-RN BScN & Generic BSN (Updated 2023)

Are you confused about the terms BSN, BScN, Generic BSN, Post-RN, BS Nursing, and BSc Nursing? We receive many questions about these terms at PKN. This updated post will clarify these terms, especially in the context of recent changes in Pakistan. In short, the Generic BSN is a degree program for individuals who wish to join the nursing profession after 12 years of schooling, while the Post-RN BScN is a degree program for nurses who already have a three-year diploma in nursing.  Generic BSN The Generic BSN is an ideal option for those who want to enter the nursing profession in Pakistan. Previously, another option to join the nursing profession was the 3-year diploma in general nursing. However, according to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan's policies, the diploma in nursing was phased out across Pakistan in 2018.  The Generic BSN is a 4-year degree program followed by a one-year internship. An internship involves practical nursing practice in a hospital u...

SOPs for Managing Nurses’ Monthly Duty Roster Manually

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Managing Nurses’ Duty Roster Version 3 (January 2019) Developed By: Khalil Ahmed Head Nurse, CCU, IH, PIMS, Islamabad Description: The purpose of developing these SOPs was to create uniformity and clarity in the policies regarding nurses’ duty roster. This document has brought the already practised rule into written form. The first version of the SOPs was introduced in Emergency and Accident Center, PIMS in 2014.  Further improvements have been brought in the subsequent versions. Constructive feedback would be appreciated. A sample duty roster which incorporates some of these rules is attached. SOPs Rationales 1.        Days off available in a month: 1.1.     Weekly off: A nurse will be eligible to avail weekly days off equal to the number of Sundays in a month. Because every Sunday is an official day off, therefore, all nurses are eli...

Confused Between Two Drugs? This Tool Compares Them in Seconds

Heparin or warfarin? Type 1 or type 2 diabetes? Asthma or COPD? Nursing studies are full of "confusing pairs", two things that look similar but differ in exactly the points examiners love to ask. We usually make comparison tables by hand in our notebooks. It works, but it takes time, and we are never sure if we missed something. Porus Matrix does this job for you. It is an AI comparison tool at porus.pingala.io that you can start using free: type any two (or three, or four) medical things, and in seconds you get a complete, organised comparison. What you get for each comparison A clear side-by-side table. Mechanism, onset, monitoring, side effects, nursing considerations,  whatever fits the topic, arranged in columns you can read at a glance. Winning points are even highlighted. Ratings and charts. The tool scores each item on practical dimensions and shows the results as easy visual bars and charts, so differences jump out immediately. Timeline, pros and co...

Join Pak Army Nursing Services (AFNS)

JOIN PAKISTAN ARMY IN ARMED FORCES NURSING SERVICE (AFNS) ENTRY 2019/2020 1.               Eligibility Conditions                Qualification / Age Type of Commission Qualification Age AFNS - BSc Nursing      (Female)   Matric with Science - 60% Marks Minimum F.Sc (Pre-medical)    - 50% Marks Minimum 17-25 years as on 31 December 2019 Trained Nurse as          Lieutenant (Female)   Nursing Diploma and Midwifery. B.Sc Generic Nursing. Post (RN) B.Sc Nursing     18-28 years as on 30 November 2019 Note for BSc Nursing : - Ø     Appearing candidates in FSc Part-II examination ( having 50% marks in 1 st year ) may apply with HOPE certificate duly ...

New PNC Challan Form

1. Download challan form from the downloads section of online.pnc.org.pk . The exact link of challan form is: http://online.pnc.org.pk/RevisedChallan.pdf 2. Submit fee in any  Habib Bank branch and get it stamped from the bank. 3. Scan the challan copy and upload it online Note: you can easily scan challan form using your cellphone which has more than 5 megapixels camera. You can use CamScanner app to scan challan form. link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.intsig.camscanner

New Nursing MCQ App Made for Pakistan's HEC Syllabus - Free Daily Practice (BSN, Post-RN & MSN)

If you are a BSN or Post-RN student in Pakistan, you already know the problem. Our textbooks are thick, past papers are hard to find, and most MCQ books repeat the same old questions. When exams come near, we all wish for one thing: more practice questions with clear explanations . Good news — there is now an app made exactly for us: Pingala Nursing . It runs in your browser, so there is nothing to install, and you can start free . Open app.pingala.io on your phone or laptop and start practising in seconds. What is Pingala Nursing? Pingala is an AI-powered MCQ practice app built around the HEC nursing curriculum used in Pakistan . You choose your program (BSN, Post-RN or MSN), pick your semester and course — for example Adult Health Nursing, Pharmacology or Community Health — and the app gives you fresh, exam-style MCQs for that exact course. It even has a separate section for the older 2011 syllabus , so students of both schemes are covered. Why students like it Fresh q...

Increase in Uniform Allowance, Mess Allowance, and Nursing Allowance

Congratulations to Sindh Nurses. With the efforts of Young Nurses' Association and Provincial Nurses' Association they have achieved their goal. Increase in Uniform Allowance, Mess Allowance and Nursing Allowance Courtesy: Nasir Hussain from Unique School of Nursing, Karachi

Admission Opportunities for Generic BSN Degree Program in Punjab (for females only)

Are you an aspiring nurse in Punjab, looking to take the first step towards a rewarding career in the healthcare sector? The Directorate General of Nursing Services, Punjab, has some exciting news for you! Applications are now open for admissions to the BSN Generic (4-year degree program) in various institutions across Punjab. With a total of 43 colleges offering this program, you have plenty of options to choose from.   Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the BSN Generic (4 Years Degree Program), candidates must meet the following criteria: Qualification: Matric with Science (Physics, Chemistry & Biology as compulsory subjects) F.Sc. (Pre-Medical) with a minimum of 50% marks from any recognized educational board Gender: Only female candidates can apply for admissions. Age: Candidates must be up to 35 years old. Domicile: Candidates must have Punjab Province domicile. Application Process: The application process is quit...