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Shortcomings of Master's Degree Nursing Education Programs in Iran and Strategies for Improvement: A Systematic Review
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Effat Sheikhbahaeddinzadeh   |
| , esheikhbahaee@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (55 Views) |
Introduction: Rapid changes in health systems and the complexity of nursing care necessitate continuous revision of educational programs. Nursing curricula play a vital role in training competent professionals; however, evidence shows that Master’s programs in nursing in Iran are not fully aligned with community needs and international standards. Identifying deficiencies affecting program effectiveness and proposing improvement strategies can enhance educational quality and graduates’ professional competence. This study systematically reviewed comparative research on Master’s nursing curricula in Iran and top international universities to identify current challenges.
Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Keywords including “nursing,” “comparative study,” “curriculum,” “educational program,” “Master’s in nursing,” and “curriculum design” were searched using Boolean operators (OR, AND) in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, SID, ISC, Magiran, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases (2011–2026). Of 17,572 retrieved articles, 42 met inclusion and exclusion criteria for final analysis. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP, 2018) checklist. Data were analyzed through inductive content analysis.
Results: Two main categories emerged: (1) “Structural and content deficiencies” with four subcategories (curriculum structure, admission requirements, curriculum content, and professional roles and skills) and (2) “Quality improvement strategies” with four subcategories (evidence-based teaching and research, integration of theoretical and clinical education, development of managerial and leadership skills, and use of innovative teaching technologies.
Conclusion: The current curriculum lacks a defined specialty orientation, alignment with social and cultural needs, and a clear professional role for graduates, leading to limited effectiveness. Revision toward research-oriented approaches, authentic clinical learning, enhancement of decision-making skills, and implementation of modern educational methods can improve its quality and impact. Limitations included restricted access to some databases, potential selection bias, and language constraints.
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| Keywords: Content analysis, Curriculum, Educational program, Nursing education, Master's degree, Comparative study |
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Full-Text [PDF 549 kb]
(10 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/10/31 | Accepted: 2026/01/4 | Published: 2025/10/8
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