The Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Continuing Education, known as the Obninsk Center for Advanced Studies and Retraining of Specialists with Secondary Medical and Pharmaceutical Education of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, has been a prominent player in the realm of additional professional education for individuals holding secondary medical and pharmaceutical education for over three decades.
Established on December 25, 1984, the Obninsk Center for Advanced Studies caters to individuals with secondary medical and pharmaceutical education, offering a 2-year retraining program in Nursing.
In our pursuit of understanding the program, the Institute of Foreign Credential Services (IFCS) sought clarification from the issuing institution and the Ministry of Education and Science. The focus was on how this program aligns with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and whether holders of the retraining diploma are eligible for admission to a Master’s degree program in Nursing based solely on this qualification.
According to the Obninsk Center for Advanced Studies, the retraining diploma in Nursing is considered equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree and provides access to a Master’s program in Nursing. However, the Ministry of Education and Science conveyed a different perspective. They clarified that the retraining diploma in Nursing doesn’t hold the status of an academic degree, and its requirements do not align with the standards set by approved degree-granting institutions in Russia.
Bachelor programs in Nursing, approved by the Federal Agency, mandate 240 z.u., whereas retraining diplomas in Nursing only require 3,500 hours or 97 z.u. (1 cu = 36 hours). Furthermore, due to non-compliance with the Federal State Educational Standards, holders of retraining diplomas in Nursing are ineligible for admission to Master’s programs. Although accreditation is not mandatory for continuing education programs, this limitation prohibits the transfer of credits to public university study programs. Furthermore, holders of retraining diplomas in Nursing are not eligible for admission to the master’s program in Nursing because of the non-compliance of this program with the Federal State Educational Standards. Since this is a continuing education program, accreditation of such programs is not currently required.
However, this does not allow the transfer of credits for public university (accredited) study programs. This is a terminal diploma, which leads to employment only.
A distinctive feature of the retraining program at the Obninsk Center is its exemption from accreditation requirements, owing to its status as an additional education program. However, this exemption comes at a cost, as the diploma obtained is deemed terminal, restricting its utility to employment purposes only. The absence of accreditation prevents the transfer of credits to public university study programs, particularly those accredited by recognized authorities.
Considering the aforementioned findings, IFCS recommends two years of professional development training in Nursing for individuals holding the diploma from the Obninsk Center. This directive implies a recognition of the program’s limitations in preparing candidates for advanced academic pursuits, urging a supplementary investment in professional development to bridge the identified gaps.
The retraining program in Nursing offered by the Obninsk Center for Advanced Studies occupies a distinctive niche in the landscape of medical education in Russia. However, the evident non-compliance with the Federal State Educational Standard and the lack of accreditation raises critical questions about the program’s academic rigor and its alignment with broader educational objectives.
Author,
Bedrie Matoshi
Director of Evaluation