ABOUT VCNE

HISTORY

Nursing Education in Vanuatu has progressively developed over the last few decades. It initially commenced with Hospital –Based course leading from Village Health Worker, Nurse Aids, Certificate in Nursing and finally the Diploma in General Nursing Program. The recent nursing related courses designed, particularly to meet the Vanuatu Qualification Authority Standards and Vanuatu Nursing Council Standards. 

Initially during the condominium (French and British) government, there were two Nursing schools in Vanuatu, operated by each of the government-offering certificate in Nursing. In 1980 after the Independence, the two schools merged to the existence of the Vanuatu College of Nursing Education (VCNE) offering Diploma in General Nursing. Until 1984, it was located in the Ministry of Health premises and moved to Vila Central Hospital (VCH) building in 2005. Funded by the French Government through Agence Française De Developpment (AFD) along with Vanuatu government in 2009, the Nursing College moved to a new facility, which officially opened in October 20, 2009. 

The Vanuatu Qualification Authority (VQA) was established in 2014 by its Act, and required all Post-Secondary Education Training (PSET) Providers to be registered and recognized. VCNE was then registered in 2015, delivering the Diploma of General Nursing. Over the years VCNE expanded its programs and delivered a Graduate Certificate in Midwifery program. 

VCNE's renewal of registration was granted by VQA in 2024, and continues to upgrade its programs to an Advanced Diploma of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing and Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery. 

VCNE Function

The core function of VCNE is to train skilled and competent nurses and midwifes inclusive of people with disabilities to achieve, recognized qualifications to provide quality health services to people living in Vanuatu

Vision

VCNE to be recognized as a national high quality leading PSET provider in delivering quality health care training to its learners.

Mission

To equip VCNE Management and staff with relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes for effective quality training delivery to its learners to deliver quality services in the community by providing safe and effective healthcare of the highest quality and value.