By Beau Bennett L. Malinis
Since its establishment in 1976, the Capitol University College of Nursing (CUCN) has grown from a single program under the College of Health Sciences into one of the most respected nursing institutions in Mindanao. What started as a modest school has transformed into a dynamic force for nursing education—now integrated with the Medical Technology program and proudly carrying decades of accreditation, partnerships, and performance built on excellence and commitment. Today, CUCN stands tall not only for its history, but also for its extraordinary outcomes. In the November 2025 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination, the college ranked Top 7 nationwide, with 197 out of 198 examinees passing, continuing its remarkable 100% passing rate for first-time takers. This consistency reflects not just academic rigor, but a culture of dedication deeply ingrained in the institution.
In an interview with Dean Dr. Fe Bernales Ansale, she traced the college’s impressive journey and its current position as a premier nursing school. Central to this achievement is its commitment to continuous improvement. CUCN proudly holds a Level IV PACUCOA accreditation, the highest academic quality distinction, and has successfully passed CHED evaluations throughout the years. Dean Ansale emphasized that these accomplishments were made possible through ongoing faculty capability development and the strengthening of the college’s instructional standards.
One of CUCN’s strengths lies in its extensive network of training partners. The college maintains strong collaborations with major hospitals in Cagayan de Oro City, including Cagayan de Oro Medical Center, JR Borja Hospital, Northern Mindanao Medical Center, and the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center. These institutions provide students with diverse clinical environments that broaden their skills and deepen their understanding of patient care. But the college’s greatest advantage is its own base hospital—the Capitol University Medical Center (CUMC). This allows CU nursing students to integrate theory and practice seamlessly. “Our students are trained both in theory and practice because we have our own base hospital,” Dean Ansale explained. This close connection between the college and the hospital ensures that students are immersed early in authentic clinical experiences, fostering confidence and competence.
CUCN also maintains an active international presence through its partnership with Soka University College of Nursing in Tokyo, Japan. Faculty members from CU are invited to teach and collaborate with Soka’s students, who receive hospital exposure only in their later years. This exchange not only strengthens CU’s academic reputation but also deepens its global engagement. Additionally, the college participates in research collaborations through DOST’s Northern Mindanao Consortium for Health Research and Development (NorMinCoHRD), providing opportunities for both faculty and students to enhance their research capabilities. As part of the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing (ADPCN)—where Dean Ansale serves as a board director—CUCN is consistently involved in shaping national nursing education standards.
When asked about her message to aspiring nurses, Dean Ansale highlighted the college’s philosophy of “enrollment to employment.” With CUMC as the base hospital, CU graduates receive priority in hiring, making the transition from student to professional seamless. She encourages students to commit to hard work and consistency, stressing that dreams are realized through discipline. Their achievements in licensure examinations serve as proof of what dedication can bring.
Looking
ahead to the next five years, Dean Ansale envisions graduates who embody the
university’s mission of developing the total person. Education at CU goes
beyond classroom instruction. She emphasizes exposure to research, extension
work, and an improved curriculum that equips graduates for both local and
global healthcare challenges. The goal is to develop nurses who are not only
competent but also compassionate and socially responsible.
The Capitol University College of Nursing continues to rise, anchored by a legacy of quality and guided by a vision rooted in service. With its exceptional track record, strong partnerships, and unwavering commitment to excellence, CUCN remains a proud leader in Philippine nursing education—shaping nurses who serve, lead, and inspire.
About
the Author
Beau
Bennett L. Malinis serves as a technical writer for the FiND Network and is a
Level 2 student-nurse at Liceo de Cagayan University.