Kaohsiung Medical University College of Nursing: A World-Class Model of Nursing Education

Not Just Nurturing Talent for Taiwan: KMU College of Nursing’s World-Class Educational Practice

Nursing is often seen as a “supporting” role within the medical system. The image of nurses moving through hospital wards, carefully tending to patients, has become familiar — yet oversimplified. Few recognize that nursing extends far beyond clinical care, encompassing profound academic depth and a truly global perspective.

In southern Taiwan, a long-standing nursing institution has been redefining the profession. With its unique dual-track training model and strong international mobility, the College of Nursing at Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) is not only making the nursing profession visible but also helping future nursing professionals shine on the global stage.

Bathed in the warm southern sunlight, the corridors of KMU’s College of Nursing lead to classrooms filled with students dedicated to learning about care and compassion. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Department of Nursing and the 26th anniversary of the College itself. Over the past half-century, the College has steadily built its own prestige. For three consecutive years, it has ranked third in Taiwan for Nursing in the QS World University Rankings, standing proudly alongside top international institutions.

These ranking figures reflect the collective effort behind them — the tireless dedication of faculty and students, cross-border partnerships, and alumni scattered like stars across the world. At the core of it all lies a guiding 12-character philosophy: “Rooted locally, practiced across disciplines, internationally grounded.” Like an invisible thread, these words continue to steer the College forward.