A comparative study the gerontological nursing MSc curriculum in Iran and University of Pennsylvania in USA

Objectives: Increasing the number of elderly people in the world is affecting the need for elderly health care providers. Nurses are one of the most important providers of health care to this group. In Iran, the master's degree program in gerontological nursing has been established and trained students during the last decade. Evaluation in the curriculum is one of the most important ways to improve it. Comparative studies are an effective method of identifying strengths and weaknesses. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative study of the master's degree program in gerontological nursing offered at Universities of Medical Sciences in Iran and the University of Pennsylvania. Methods & Materials: In this descriptive-comparative study in 2021, information related to the master of gerontological nursing education program was obtained using the keywords of comparative study, curriculum, master's degree, gerontological nursing, Iran, University of Pennsylvania. The data were analyzed using Bereday's model in four stages of description, interpretation, juxtaposition and comparison. Results: The results showed that the University of Pennsylvania, considering the scope of the elderly care, offers a master's degree in nursing in both acute and primary care programs, But in Iran, two types of care are offered in one program. The University of Pennsylvania, unlike most Iranian institutions, employs specialist instructors in the field of gerontology and has nursing centers for direct student work with the elderly. Students entry to Pennsylvania is assessed by various criteria, but in Iran, the entrance exam is the only admission criterion. Courses offered and resources used in Iran are generally taken from Western countries; Unlike in Pennsylvania, the country's cultural, indigenous, and demographic needs have not been addressed. The job status of graduates in Iran, unlike in Pennsylvania, is clearly stated. Conclusion: The Master of gerontological nursing program in Iran is being successfully presented by institutions. In order to improve the situation by considering issues such as the principles of student enrollment, the presence of a teacher familiar with the field of gerontology, the existence of a suitable clinical environment, attention to cultural, indigenous and demographic issues in the course structure and attracting graduates to appropriate jobs, the provision of services by nurses to the elderly community can be affected.