The College of Nursing denounces the dissemination of misleading advertising that promises a degree in 12 months

The Official College of Nursing in Málaga has publicly warned this Monday about the proliferation on social networks of advertisements that promote the possibility of "studying Nursing in 12 months," information that is "false and misleading."

Nursing is a regulated health profession, whose practice requires mandatory possession of a university degree in Nursing (240 ECTS credits, four years of duration) and corresponding professional registration, the College states in a press release, adding, "no one-year course qualifies one to practice as a nurse in Spain."

What some advertising campaigns present as "Nursing in 12 months" actually corresponds to the title of Technician in Auxiliary Nursing Care (TCAE), "a different vocational training that does not qualify for the practice of the nursing profession."

Essential but Different Roles

The College emphasizes that "both roles are necessary in the health system, but they are not equivalent or interchangeable, and their training, competencies, and responsibilities are completely different."

The president of the Official College of Nursing of Málaga, José Miguel Carrasco, has been clear on the matter: "We will not allow the trivialization of a health profession that requires four years of university training, regulated clinical practices, and high-level scientific and technical training. To promise that one can become a nurse in 12 months is to misinform."

"We are talking about young people who might make academic and professional decisions based on confusing messages," says the dean of the Official College, José Miguel Carrasco

Carrasco also warns of the harm this type of advertising can cause. "We are talking about young people who might make academic and professional decisions based on confusing messages. It is our duty to protect both the public and those wishing to join the profession," he stated.

Nursing is a titled and registered profession, the College reminds, to emphasize that, to practice, it is mandatory "to hold a university degree in Nursing, be registered with the corresponding Official College, comply with the Ethical and Deontological Code, and have civil liability insurance." "Any other route that does not meet these requirements does not qualify for professional practice," the institution asserts in a note.

The Official College of Nursing of Málaga will continue to be vigilant against any attempt to trivialize or distort access to the nursing profession: "Nursing is a scientific, university, and regulated discipline, reducing it to a 12-month course is not only false but also a disrespect towards a profession essential for public health."