Overview

Bahir Dar University (BDU) is one of the first-generation university in Ethiopia established in May 2000 by the amalgamation of Bahir Dar Polytechnic Institute (founded in 1963) and Bahir Dar Teachers’ College (also called Academy of Pedagogy) (established in 1972). The university has 5 colleges, 4 faculties, 2 institutes, 2 academies and 2 schools. College of Medicine and Health is one of the Colleges of BDU having 5 schools: School of Medicine, School of Nursing and Midwifery Education and Service, School of Public Health, School of Pharmacy and School of Laboratory. 

School of Nursing and Midwifery Education and Service has 4 departments and Emergency and critical care nursing Education and Service department is one of them inaugurated in 2008 Ethiopian calendar by accepting 22 post basic students for a baccalaureate program in emergency and critical care nursing. During that time, it was functioned as a blended department with surgical nursing. When the college of medicine and health science has designed a new structure in August 2009 E.C, emergency and critical care nursing became an academic unit under department of nursing.  Then again, the department has been established as a separate academic unit under school of health science since December, 2011 E.C. 

Emergency and Critical care nursing is a specialty program in nursing that requires the study of general education courses from natural and social sciences as well as basic courses from the biomedical sciences and moreover general nursing courses in an integrated fashion. Specialty nursing courses provided for the attainment of knowledge and skills and the development of attitudes and values essential to competent critical care nursing practice and beginning professional leadership through extensive lab practice and clinical field experience as well as evidenced based theory. Up on completion of the program, a licensed professional emergency and critical care nurse is responsible for ensuring that acutely and critically ill patients and their families receive optimal care and can be found working in a wide variety of environments and specialties, such as in pre-hospital, emergency departments and /ICU/ intensive care units.

Until now, the department has graduated about 122 students; 73 post basic students in 4 batches and 49 generic students in three batches and currently, there are about 59 active students in the batches (4^th year (20), 3^rd year (19) and 2^nd year (20). Staff wise, there are about 10 staffs. Based on academic ranking, staffs are classified as 3 assistant professors, 6 lecturers and 1 administrative/supportive staff.

Vision

• The vision of ECCN department is to be the leading department for academic, research, clinical and community services excellence in Ethiopia and beyond in 2030.

Mission

• The mission of ECCN department is to optimize the health of the individuals and the population through clinical care excellence, qualified education, advanced research and community service. 

Objectives

• The objective of ECCN department is to prepare professionals who would manage emergency and critically ill patients at various levels of the health care system, teach in undergraduate and graduate training programs, and capable of doing operational research related to their discipline.

Academic Programs

-Undergraduate program in Emergency and Critical Care Nursing

-Postgraduate program in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Nursing---Pending/coming soon. 

Staff Profile

- Academic Staff:-

- Administrative and technical support staff: 1 administrative/supportive staff with qualification of BSc degree.

Research and Innovation

The Department of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing is actively engaged in applied research that addresses key health system priorities in emergency care, critical care nursing, trauma management, prehospital care, and patient outcomes. Faculty and students regularly participate in collaborative research with local hospitals and regional health bureaus to promote evidence-based practice. Areas of focus include emergency response systems, critical illness prevention, and simulation-based training. The department encourages operational research and innovation that contribute to national and global emergency health priorities.

Facilities and Learning Resources

The department benefits from access to modern teaching and learning facilities of college of medicine and Health science Bahir Dar University that support theoretical and practical instruction. These include:

• A well-equipped emergency and critical care skills laboratory with simulation mannequins and equipment.
• Access to the university’s digital library and online research databases.
• Classrooms with multimedia teaching aids.
• Clinical partnerships with Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and other facilities for practical training.
• Will launch collaboration with simulation centers and emergency care training programs.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Now and in the future the department is committed to engage in community service and public health activities including:-

• Organizing emergency care and first aid training for health workers, community volunteers, and university staff.
• Participation in national emergency and disaster response initiatives.
• Collaborative outreach programs with local NGOs and health offices to improve emergency preparedness and awareness in the community.
• Partnership with international organizations and sister universities to enhance faculty development and curriculum advancement.

Achievements and Milestones

-On the initiation, the department launched a unique post-basic baccalaureate program in Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, graduating 73 professionals in four batches.

-Expansion to a generic undergraduate program, graduating 49 students in three batches.

-Development of a competent and stable academic staff, including 3 Assistant Professors.

-All graduated ECCN students achieve 100% pass rate of national exit examination until now ( three graduating batches), for undergraduate program.

-Initiation of a postgraduate program in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Nursing (pending approval).

-Faculty participation in national and international conferences, workshops, and collaborative research/mega project.

-Contributed significantly to strengthening emergency and ICU services in regional hospitals through skilled graduates.

Student Life

Students in the department benefit from a dynamic academic environment that combines classroom learning, simulation-based training, and hands-on clinical practice. Key features include:

• Active student engagement in emergency drills, simulations, and case presentations.
• Participation in health clubs, community outreach, and emergency awareness campaigns.
• Mentorship from experienced faculty members.
• Access to counseling and academic advising services.
• Opportunities for student-led research and conference participation.

Contact Us 

📞 +251-……..

📧 cmhs@bdu.edu.et 
🕘 Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM