Betanien Diaconal University College is a small, private academic institution located in Bergen, on the west coast of Norway. Betanien Diaconal University College was founded in 1923. The University College was originally established as a nursing school educating nurses for Hospitalet Betanien, but has over the years evolved to become a university college with Bachelor in Nursing, a two years part time education in Paramedic and Postgraduate Studies in Cancer Nursing and Aging and Care for the Elderly. 

As a diaconal institution, the activities are based on Christian values. BDUC’s nursing profile is based on diacony and ethics, charity to the human being, alleviation of suffering, protecting and encouragement of a holistic view on human life. Betanien Diaconal University College aims to educate and form persons who have a conscious and clear professional self-image, and a deliberate attitude towards other people and the professional situations they will encounter. BDUC is eager to promote equality between humans regardless of their faith, gender, race and cultural differences. One of the aims during the education is to focus on the importance of health workers having multicultural perspectives on health and disease.

BACHELOR PROGRAMME IN NURSING

The bachelor programme in nursing is a full time study for 3 years, giving 180 “studiepoeng”/ ECTS credits. In Norway, 29 universities and university colleges offer a basic training programme in nursing. Amongst them are 5 private religious university colleges. The nursing education programme in Norway is based on a national general plan, but each study programme has its own curriculum guidelines. The general plan defines a standard for nursing education.
Nursing education consists of 50 % clinical placement and 50 % theoretical education.

POSTGRADUATE AND LATER STUDIES

Multidisciplinary Professional Postgraduate Education in Aging and Care for the Elderly is designed as a full time/part time course with a normal workload equivalent of 40/20 hours a week. Intake requirements are 3 years health or social education at a university college level (bachelor) and at least one year of relevant patient/client practical work after education in health or social work. Completed study will give 60 “studiepoeng” /ECTS credits.

Postgraduate study in Cancer Nursing is a study programme designed for nurses only. The study focuses on nursing and care for cancer patients. Intake requirements are public registered nurse and minimum two years relevant clinical practice. The course gives 60 “studiepoeng”/ ECTS credits to successful participants and a specialisation in cancer nursing. The study may be taken fulltime over one year with a workload of the equivalent of 40 hours a week, or part time over two years. The study consists of 30 % clinical placement (full time study periods).

Both these studies are based on national general plans.

Two years part time study in Paramedic
National Paramedic Education is a two years part time further-educational offer for trained ambulance personnel. This study is offered in cooperation with University College of Lillehammer.