The Department of Comprehensive Nursing was initially established in 2000 E.C. as part of the College of Health Sciences, Wollega University. In 2002 E.C., the launch of the Midwifery program marked a significant milestone, leading to the department being renamed the Department of Nursing and Midwifery. Over the years, the department experienced substantial growth, adding several specialized programs including Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing, Surgical and Operating Theatre Nursing, Emergency and Critical Care Nursing (ECCN), as well as Psychiatry and Ophthalmic Nursing. In 2009 E.C., this expansion culminated in the transformation of the department into the School of Nursing and Midwifery under the College of Health Sciences at Wollega University. The school now comprises six distinct academic departments:

1. Comprehensive Nursing
2. Midwifery
3. Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing
4. Emergency and Critical Care Nursing
5. Psychiatry Nursing
6. Surgical Nursing

Currently, the department Comprehensive Nursing offers a range of academic programs, including:

• One undergraduate program:
  • BSc in Comprehensive Nursing
  • BSc in Comprehensive Nursing (Post basic)
• Two postgraduate programs:
  • MSc in Maternal and Reproductive Health Nursing (MRHN)
  • MSc in Adult Health Nursing (AHN)
• The department is staffed by a committed and diverse faculty, which includes:
• 1 PhD holder
• 5 Assistant Professors
• 15 Lecturers
• 4 Technical Assistants
• To support practical training and clinical skills development, the department operates two smart skill demonstration laboratories equipped with high- and low-fidelity simulators, ensuring that students receive hands-on, simulation-based education in a controlled learning environment.

DEPARTMENT OF Comprehensive Nursing                                           

               የአጠቃላይ ነርሲንግ ት/ ክፍል

Overview

• The Department of Comprehensive Nursing was initially established in 2000 E.C. as part of the College of Health Sciences, Wollega University. The goal of this department is to provide quality nursing education with theory and practice. Students learn by means of theory classes in the classroom, practice in the hospital and community, and firsthand participation in outreach. This will make our graduates not only effective caregivers but leaders who can solve the emerging challenges in healthcare.
• The Department of Nursing is committed to graduating graduates who deliver effective and safe care, enhance patients' well-being, and uphold the values of compassion and honesty. Our vision is to develop nurses that instill trust, promote health, and contribute to a more robust and healthier society.

Leadership History

• Tesfaye Regasa (10/01/2000-29/12/2001 E.C, the first department head
• Tahir Hasan (19/01/2002-03/06/005 ^E.C),
• Dareje Chala (05/7/ 2005-30/02/2008E.C)
• Biranu Yadecha (05/03/2008-15/10/2009E.C)
• Ashenaf Habte (17/11/2009- 08/02/2011 E.C)
• Tadele Amante (11/02/2011-20/05/2012 E.C)
• Muktar AbbaDigga (10/4/2011-07/07/2013 E.C)
• Tesfaye Abera ( 10/07/2013-28/09/2014 E.C)
• Adugna Olani (25/9/2014-15/08/2015 E.C)
• Dawit Tesfaye (20/09/2015-2016 E.C)
• Aliy Benti (16/7/2016-13/01/2017 E.C)
• Chaltu Shimelis (14/01/2017 till now) is currently leading the department

Vision, Mission and Objectives of the Program

Vision

• To produce knowledgeable and compassionate professional nurses who deliver the highest quality of patient care, truly making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

Mission

• To develop competent and innovative nurses across diverse specialties through practical, lifelong learning; to engage in research, technology transfer, and community service; and to uphold good governance in support of sustainable development.

Aim of the Program

• To produce competent, compassionate, innovative, and ethically grounded nurses equipped with a comprehensive blend of knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attitudes, capable of delivering high-quality, evidence-based care, addressing the diverse health needs of individuals and communities, and fulfilling their vital roles within the broader healthcare system and society.

Objectives of Comprehensive Nursing Program

Prepare competent and motivated Comprehensive nurses who are able to:

• Provide high-quality comprehensive nursing care ethically and professionally.
• Manage common communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• Manage common MCH, RH, emergency, and mental health problems
• Promote and prevent disease.
• Engage in teaching, learning, research, and community outreach activities
• Lead and manage nursing care services.

Program Admission Requirement (Eligibility)

• Applicants must:
  • Have a natural science background
  • Meet the Ministry of Education criteria for entry into degree-level programs.
  • Be physically fit, capable of undertaking essential clinical diagnostic techniques (inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation), and free from hearing impairments.

Preferably, those who choose to enter the profession.

Department of Psychiatric Nursing has been training in two post basic programs in order to achieve its mission in the field of health since 2010, at Wallaga University, Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, in the Western part of Ethiopia. When this department is set up, it is in line with the vision and mission of Wallaga University and to meet the need for mental health professionals to work in the different parts of the country by providing preventive, curative and rehabilitative services to the community.

The program began with two and half year post basic training programs in post basic psychiatry nursing and post basic ophthalmic nursing for three consecutive batches to address some of the demand of mental health professionals and ophthalmic nursing professionals in the country. Currently, after the cessation of the post basic training, our department started training of BSc in psychiatry undergraduate program to fulfil some gaps of middle level of mental health professionals.

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY NURSING                                       

                 ሳይካትሪ  ነርሲንግ ትምህርት ክፍል

Overview

Department of Psychiatric Nursing was established in 2015 as a unit under Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery. The goal of this particular programs is to prepare a competent professional nurse and to provide a foundation for under graduate education programs in Psychiatry. Training of these specialty nurses is found more feasible and effective in solving common mental health problems of the population. Mental health workers describe misconceptions as a challenge in mental health conditions. The future of psychiatric nursing depends on the social, cultural and financial background of each community. Our department maintains a commitment to professionalism through reflective and systematic evaluation of practice and ongoing professional growth.

The PON department previously had two programs under it. This meant that the program was psychiatry nursing and ophthalmic nursing.

These two programs were under school of nursing and midwifery. According to the department, expatriate instructors recruited from abroad were continued to teach until the end of 2024.In the meantime, the department of psychiatry nursing has become independent in 2025 and has started training 40 generic students.

The first department head was Mr. Eba Abdisa (June,30/2018 to June 15/2019) after he becomes school dean.  Mr. Hunduma Gelalcha (June,16/2019- January,26/2021) led the department until he left for his postgraduate study. Thirdly Mr. Mesfin Dabasa was in charge of the department head (January,27/2021 to January,26/2023). Currently, Mr. Workineh Bekele (January, 27/2023 till date) is acting as department head.

Vision, Mission and Objectives of the Program

Vision

• The vision of our program is to produce knowledgeable and compassionate professional Psychiatric and who will provide the highest quality of patient care that truly makes a difference in patients’ lives.

Mission

• To produce competent and innovative psychiatry nurses in various disciplines through practical, lifelong learning; engaging in research, technology transfer and community services and promote good governance to the development endeavors.

Aim of the Program

• To produce competent, compassionate, innovative and committed psychiatry nurses who undertake preventive, curative and rehabilitative mental health services compatible to the needs of the population and that would meet the present and future priority mental health needs of the Ethiopian population and fulfil international professional standards.

Objectives of Psychiatry Nursing Program

Prepare competent and motivated psychiatry nurse who are able to:

• Apply legal and professional ethics
• Communicate, collaborate and work with people
• Apply health informatics and emerging technologies in mental health services
• Promote mental health and prevent mental illness
• Provide mental health rehabilitation service
• Provide mental health curative service
• Participate in community mental health service
• Participate in teaching-learning and research activities and community activities
• Lead and manage health service

Program Rational

Psychiatry nursing department trains psychiatry professionals to meet the high level of need that currently exists in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has been suffering from a wide range of mental health problems. Ethiopia facing the triple burden of diseases such as infectious or communicable, noncommunicable and injuries.   Moreover, the effects of financial instability, lifestyle changes, social isolation, natural disasters, wars, and rapid urban growth and overcrowding all together increases the prevalence of mental disorders resulted in an increased demand for mental health care.

In response to the public’s high demand for mental health care, the government of Ethiopia highly committed to expand mental health service and fulfil the shortage of mental health professionals throughout the country. Mental health is categorized as one of public health importance diseases and one of component of primary health care (PHC). Ethiopia identified it as one of the priorities in its policies and strategies.

The proportion of highly qualified mental health professionals is very low compared to the size of the population served. This situation requires the increased training of appropriately trained psychiatrist some key issues remain: training of psychiatrist takes a long period of time and is too expensive. This situation requires training of psychiatry graduate (BSc Level) in adequate number.  Therefore, training of BSc in psychiatry is found more feasible and cost effective in solving common mental health problems of the population in Ethiopia.

Program Admission Requirement (Eligibility)

• Candidates must be a natural science (biology, chemistry, general sciences) student and fulfill the following criteria;
• Meet the set criteria by the Ministry of Education for degree students to join higher learning institution.
• Be physically fit (at least the candidate should be physically healthy capable of undertaking the four techniques of diagnosis of disease in clinical medicine i.e inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation) and not having hearing problem.
• Female candidates will be encouraged
• Preferably, those who have interest to choose the profession.

The Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing at Wallaga University, Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, has been a pioneer in advancing child and neonatal health education since its establishment in 2010^E.C. The department was founded in alignment with the vision and mission of Wallaga University, with the core aim of addressing the critical shortage of pediatric and neonatal health professionals across Ethiopia. Its mandate is to prepare highly skilled nurses capable of delivering preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services that improve the health and survival of children and newborns nationwide.

Academic Programs

The department offers a comprehensive suite of programs that cater to different levels of professional development:

1. Post-Basic in Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing
2. Post-Basic in Neonatal Health Nursing
3. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing
4. Master of Science (MSc) in Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing

Program Duration

• Post-Basic Programs: Two and a half years
• Undergraduate Generic BSc Program: Four years
• Postgraduate MSc Program: Two years

Achievements

Since its inception, the department has successfully graduated five cohorts of post-basic students and two cohorts of postgraduate (MSc) students. The generic undergraduate program is currently in its second year of training, with growing enrollment and demand.

Through these programs, the department continues to fulfill its mission of producing competent, compassionate, and innovative pediatric and neonatal nurses who are equipped to address Ethiopia’s pressing child and newborn health challenges.

DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS AND NEONATAL NURSING                                                                       

                 ፔዲያትሪክስ እና ኒኦናታል ነርሲንግ ት/ ክፍል

Overview

• The Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing was established in 2010 ^C. as a unit under the Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery at Wallaga University. Since its inception, the department has been dedicated to addressing the critical shortage of professionals in pediatric and neonatal health services by producing competent nurses who can provide preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care to children and newborns.
• Initially, the department launched two-and-a-half-year post-basic training programs in Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing. This initiative was designed to respond to the urgent demand for specialized child health and neonatal nursing professionals across the country. Including the post-basic training programs, the department started training BSc in Pediatrics and child health undergraduates, thereby addressing gaps in the middle level of child and newborn health professionals.
• The department has maintained its commitment to Wallaga University’s vision and mission by producing highly skilled and compassionate nurses capable of serving diverse communities in Ethiopia. Training of these specialty nurses has proven to be both feasible and effective in reducing preventable neonatal and childhood illnesses and mortality.

Leadership History

• Werku Etafa (2010-2011 ^E.C), the first department head.
• Bizuneh Wakuma (2012-2015 ^E.C) led until leaving for postgraduate study.
• Bruck Tesfaye (2015-Present) is currently leading the department.

Vision, Mission, and Objectives of the department

Vision

☞ The vision of our program is to produce knowledgeable and compassionate professionals of  Pediatric and Neonatal Nurses who will deliver the highest quality of care, ensuring healthier lives and brighter futures for children and newborns.

Mission

☞ To produce competent and innovative pediatric and neonatal nurses through practical, lifelong learning; engaging in research, technology transfer, and community services; and promoting good governance in alignment with national development priorities.

Aim of the Program

☞ To produce competent, compassionate, innovative, and committed pediatric and neonatal nurses who undertake preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health services tailored to the needs of Ethiopia’s population, while meeting both present and future national priorities and international professional standards.

Objectives of the department

• Prepare competent and motivated pediatric and neonatal nurses who are able to:
  • Apply legal and professional ethics in clinical practice
  • Communicate, collaborate, and work effectively with patients, families, and communities
  • Apply health informatics and emerging technologies in child and newborn health care
  • Promote child health and prevent neonatal and pediatric illnesses
  • Provide neonatal intensive care and pediatric curative services
  • Deliver rehabilitation services for children with chronic or developmental conditions
  • Participate actively in community-based child and maternal health programs
  • Engage in teaching, learning, research, and community outreach activities
  • Lead and manage child and newborn health services in various health care settings Program Rational
• The government of Ethiopia has identified maternal, neonatal, and child health as a national priority and integrated it into primary health care strategies. However, the proportion of highly qualified pediatric and neonatal professionals remains extremely low compared to the country’s population size. Therefore, the training of BSc-level Pediatric and Neonatal Nurses is a more feasible and cost-effective approach to meeting the urgent needs of the population, reducing child mortality, and advancing Ethiopia’s health system.

Program Admission Requirement (Eligibility)

• Applicants must:
  • Have a natural science background
  • Meet the Ministry of Education criteria for entry into degree-level programs.
  • Be physically fit, capable of undertaking essential clinical diagnostic techniques (inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation), and free from hearing impairments.
  • Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  •  Demonstrate motivation and genuine interest in pursuing a career in Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing

The Department of Midwifery at Wallaga University, Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery was established in 2002 E.C. Its founding purpose was twofold: to support the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) program and to address the critical shortage of midwifery professionals across Ethiopia, aligning with the broader vision of Wallaga University. The department's core mandate is to graduate competent midwives capable of providing preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and primary midwifery and reproductive health services across all levels of the healthcare system.

Academic Programs

The department offers a comprehensive suite of programs that cater to different levels of professional development:

1. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Generic Midwifery
2. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Post Basic Midwifery
3. Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Midwifery

Program Duration

• Post-Basic Programs: Two and a half years
• Generic BSc Program: Four years
• Postgraduate MSc Program: Two and a half years

Achievements

Since its inception, the Department of Midwifery has demonstrated consistent growth and success. We have graduated two cohorts of post-basic students and twelve cohorts of generic (BSc) students. Demand for our training is increasing, with the postgraduate program scheduled to commence this year. Through these robust academic offerings, the department continues to meet its mission: producing competent, compassionate, and innovative midwives equipped to tackle Ethiopia’s critical maternal and reproductive health challenges.

DEPARTMENT OF MIDWIFERY                              

                 ሚድዋይፈሪ ትምህርት ክፍል

Overview

• The Department of Midwifery at Wallaga University began in 2002 E.C. as a program within the College of Health and Medical Sciences, specifically under the Department of Nursing and Midwifery. It gained departmental status in 2009 E.C. within the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
• From its start, the department has been dedicated to overcoming Ethiopia's critical shortage of maternal and reproductive health services by producing competent midwives. These professionals are trained to deliver comprehensive preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care to mothers and newborns.
• The department initially launched a four-year generic undergraduate Midwifery program to meet the national demand for specialists. In addition, in 2013 a post-basic BSc training program has started. Building on this foundation, the department is now launching an MSc in Clinical Midwifery to further address high-level skill gaps. This commitment is to develop highly skilled and compassionate professionals directly supports Wallaga University's mission and has proven effective in reducing preventable maternal and neonatal mortality across Ethiopia's diverse communities.

Leadership History

• Tesfalidet Tekleab (2002-2003 E.C), the first program coordinator
• Awol Kasim (2004-2006 ^E.C), program coordinator
• Hasan Adem (2007-2009 E.C), program coordinator
• Hasan Adem (2009-2011 ^E.C), the first department head.
• Tilahun Bekele (2012-2013 ^E.C)
• Merga Besho (2014-2015 ^E.C) led until leaving for postgraduate study
• Diriba Bayisa (2016-Present) is currently leading the department.

Vision, Mission, and Objectives of the department

Vision

☞ To be the leading producer of competent, compassionate, and innovative midwives in Ethiopia, directly contributing to the reduction of preventable maternal and neonatal mortality through high-quality care and service provision at all levels of the healthcare system.

Mission

☞ To train competent, compassionate, respectful, and caring midwives who can provide holistic sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent and youth health (SRMNCAYH) services at community and health facility levels with focus on health promotion and disease prevention

Aim of the Program

☞ To equip midwives with a complex mix of knowledge, skill, attitudes, and preparing competent graduate midwives to their expected professional roles in the broader society.

Objectives of the department

• Prepare competent and motivated Midwives who are able to:
  • To prepare students with solid knowledge of basic, clinical, behavioral, social and public health sciences for optimal care
  • To enable midwifery students to focus on national SRMNCH priorities
  • To provide midwifery students with public health competencies in order to promote and protect sexual, reproductive and maternal health of women and their families
  • To prepare midwifery students with professional ethics and legal principles and values for quality and acceptable care
  • To prepare midwifery students to become leaders, communicators, educators, researcher and lifelong learner.

Program Admission Requirement (Eligibility)

• Applicants must:
  • Have a natural science background
  • Meet the Ministry of Education criteria for entry into degree-level programs.
  • Be physically fit, capable of undertaking essential clinical diagnostic techniques (inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation), and free from hearing impairments.
  • Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Have graduated from an accredited college/school with diploma in midwifery
  • Have obtained a minimum of 2 or 60% cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in previous diploma program.
  • Have served in midwifery for a minimum of 2 years’ Present letter of sponsorship from employing institution