Comparative Study of the curriculum of the Master's degree program in Pediatric Nursing at Medical science Universities of Iran and Pennsylvania, USA

Since each country has its own laws, culture, needs, philosophies and structures of health and economic conditions. Paying attention to successful educational systems in the world can show the institutionalization of an effective educational system. Comparison of different educational systems promotes educational programs and as a result, medical services, and also makes the design of curricula more flexible and based on the needs of society. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the comparative comparison of the educational program of the Master of Pediatric Nursing course of Iran   and Pennsylvania Universities.

This descriptive and comparative study was carried out in 2019. After searching the network on the master curriculum of   pediatric Nursing in well-known international universities, we selected Pennsylvania University of United states due to the global superiority in this field. Both curriculums were compared using Beredy’s four-stage model: description, interpretation, juxtaposition and comparison.

The program of both universities has values, mission and vision based on the principles of strategic planning. In the philosophy of the Pennsylvania School of Nursing, cultural and ethnic differences have been taken into account, while in Iran, the movement towards excellence in education, research and social responsibility has been introduced and cultural differences have not been mentioned. The roles and responsibilities of both faculties are almost the same and focused on the child and the family, research, education and management.

In Iran, according to the conditions of the society, the needs of the field and the expectations of the graduates, it is necessary to constantly change and review the program; Therefore, based on the experiences of developed countries and the needs of Iranian society, efforts to improve weaknesses and strengthen strengths are recommended.