Course description

Programme Description

The Professional Accelerated Route in Nursing- Belgium Pathway is a condensed, intensive postgraduate-level programme tailored for internationally trained nurses who aspire to meet the professional, clinical, and linguistic standards required for nursing practice in Belgium. Delivered over six months of rigorous study, the programme integrates theoretical instruction with practical immersion, enabling rapid transition into the Belgian healthcare system while maintaining academic excellence and professional competency.

Programme Structure and Content

The programme consists of six modules (120 Credit), delivered in a highly concentrated format over six months. Modules will include synchronous and asynchronous learning, intensive workshops, and clinical placements, ensuring that all core competencies are achieved within the accelerated timeframe.

Delivery Format:

Week Structure: 40- 50 hours per week, including lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and clinical placement.

Blended Learning: Combination of in-person clinical training and online theoretical instruction to maximise flexibility and efficiency.

Module 1: Language Proficiency and Cultural Adaptation (20 Credit)

Aim: To develop linguistic proficiency and cultural competence to facilitate integration into the Belgian healthcare system.

Core Content:

• Intensive training in French or Dutch (CEFR A1 to B2).

• Medical terminology and professional healthcare communication.

•  Belgian cultural norms and their relevance to patient care.

•  Linguistic and cultural differences across Belgium regions.

Learning Outcomes:

• Achieve CEFR B2 proficiency in French or Dutch, with emphasis on professional communication.

•  Demonstrate cultural awareness in professional and patient interactions.

Delivery: Daily language classes combined with language immersion activities.

Assessment:

• Oral and written language proficiency examinations.

• Interactive simulations and cultural adaptation exercises.

Module 2: The Belgian Healthcare System: Organisation, Policy, and Law (20 Credit)

Aim: To develop a deep understanding of the organisation, policies, and ethical frameworks of the Belgian healthcare system.

Core Content:

•  Structure and governance of the healthcare system.

•  Patient rights, legal responsibilities, and regulatory requirements for nurses.

•  Ethical principles in nursing and their practical applications.

•  Comparative healthcare systems (Belgium and participants’ home countries).

Learning Outcomes:

•  Analyse the structure and policy frameworks of the Belgian healthcare system.

•  Integrate ethical and legal principles into professional practice.

Delivery: Weekly lectures, policy workshops, and case studies.

Assessment:

•  Policy analysis essay.

• Case-based group presentations.

Module 3: Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety (20 Credit)

Aim: To refine advanced clinical skills and foster adherence to patient safety standards within Belgian healthcare settings.

Core Content:

•  Core clinical protocols and procedures.

• Patient safety strategies, including risk assessment and incident reporting.

• Digital tools and technologies used in Belgian healthcare.

•  Managing emergency and complex clinical scenarios.

Learning Outcomes:

•  Perform advanced clinical procedures aligned with Belgian standards.

• Implement effective patient safety measures in practice.

Delivery: Practical workshops and simulated clinical exercises.

Assessment:

•  Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

• Reflective portfolio documenting clinical skill development.

Module 4: Evidence-Based Practice and Research in Nursing (20 Credit)

Aim: To equip students with critical research skills and the ability to implement evidence-based interventions in nursing.

Core Content:

• Research methodologies in healthcare.

•  Critical appraisal of evidence and its application to practice.

•  Designing and evaluating evidence-based interventions.

•  Communicating research findings in a professional context.

Learning Outcomes:

•  Critically evaluate research evidence and integrate it into clinical practice.

• Develop and implement evidence-based projCredit in healthcare.

Delivery: Weekly research seminars and practical assignments.

Assessment:

•  Research proposal on a clinical issue.

•  Critical review of a published study.

Module 5: Advanced Leadership and Professional Development (20 Credit)

Aim: To strengthen leadership skills and foster professional development in line with the demands of the Belgian healthcare system.

Core Content:

•  Leadership theories and their practical application in nursing.

•  Clinical decision-making and management strategies.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration and conflict resolution.

•  Professional development and career planning.

Learning Outcomes:

•  Lead and manage healthcare teams effectively.

• Apply strategic decision-making to complex clinical and managerial scenarios.

Delivery: Leadership workshops and interdisciplinary case studies.

Assessment:

• Leadership project addressing a healthcare quality improvement issue.

•  Written reflective analysis on professional development.

Module 6: Professional Transition and Clinical Placement (20 Credit)

Aim: To provide practical training and facilitate integration into the Belgian healthcare workforce through supervised clinical placements.

Core Content:

•  Supervised clinical placements in Belgian hospitals or healthcare facilities.

•  Professional communication and teamwork in clinical settings.

•  Guidance on licensure and registration processes in Belgium.

•  Reflection on clinical and cultural learning experiences.

Clinical Placement: 400 hours of supervised practice distributed across the six months.

Learning Outcomes:

•  Deliver safe, effective patient care aligned with Belgian standards.

•  Reflect on and adapt professional practices to meet the needs of diverse patients.

Delivery: Placement rotations and mentorship sessions.

Assessment:

•  Clinical placement evaluation by supervising mentors.

•  Reflective journal documenting placement experiences.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will:

1. Demonstrate fluency in French or Dutch (minimum CEFR B2) for professional healthcare communication.

2. Exhibit advanced knowledge of the Belgian healthcare system, including its legal and ethical foundations.

3. Provide safe, evidence-based, and patient-centred care in compliance with Belgian standards.

4. Integrate research evidence into clinical practice and contribute to quality improvement initiatives.

5. Lead interdisciplinary teams effectively and engage in professional development.

6. Transition seamlessly into professional nursing practice and licensure in Belgium.

What will i learn?