Dean Matić Lectured at the International Conference of Nurses and Medical Technicians

On October 23 and 24, 2026, the International Conference of Nurses and Medical Technicians entitled "Nursing in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Path to European Integration – Education, Practice, and Professional Development" was held at the Eko-FIS Congress Center on Mount Vlašić. At the invitation of the organizer, the Association of Nurses and Medical Technicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Asst. Prof. Ivica Matić, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Health Studies at the Catholic University of Croatia, took part in the event as an invited lecturer.

The conference gathered numerous experts, lecturers, and practitioners from five countries with the aim of examining contemporary challenges and the future of the nursing profession within the context of European educational and healthcare standards.
 

As part of the plenary program, Asst. Prof. Ivica Matić, PhD, delivered a presentation titled "From Schools for Assistant Nurses to European Standards." Through a historical overview of the development of nursing education—ranging from initial training courses and auxiliary nursing schools to modern higher education study programs aligned with European directives—Asst. Prof. Matić addressed key questions regarding the achievements, current standing, and strategic development guidelines of nursing.
 

In addition to the invited lecture, Dean Matić participated in an expert panel discussion dedicated to educational models in nursing, alongside representatives of higher education institutions and healthcare facilities from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. The focus of the discussion centered on curriculum alignment, clear definitions of learning outcomes and competencies for bachelors and masters of nursing, and systemic challenges facing the profession during professional development and integration into the common European area.

Participation in the conference is part of the ongoing efforts of the Faculty of Health Studies to strengthen international cooperation and contribute to the exchange of expertise in educating healthcare professionals.