Our Mission & Vision
Community Health Nurses’ Training School, Akim Oda
Vision
To be a leading institution in Ghana, renowned for training highly skilled, compassionate, and innovative community health nurses and midwives who drive health equity and improve the well-being of communities through excellence in education, practical training, and community-focused healthcare delivery.
Mission
To provide quality education and hands-on training that equips community health nurses and midwives with the knowledge, skills, and dedication needed to deliver exceptional preventive and clinical care. Through rigorous academic programs, community engagement, and adherence to high ethical standards, we aim to empower our students to enhance public health, particularly in underserved areas, and contribute to Ghana’s healthcare system.
Our History
Community Health Nurses’ Training School, Akim Oda
The Community Health Nurses’ Training School, Akim Oda, was founded in 1962 as part of Ghana’s initiative to address the shortage of public health nurses, particularly in rural areas. Initially established to train assistants for public health nurses, the school began with an annual intake of 20 female students with Middle School Leaving Certificates for a two-year certificate program in Community Health Nursing. This was the second such institution in Ghana, following Tamale’s establishment in 1960, aimed at supporting the nation’s health system by providing skilled professionals for preventive care.
Over the decades, the school evolved significantly. By the 1980s, it gained a reputation for producing disciplined and competent nurses, contributing to public health initiatives like the Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) program. In 2004, the school held its first graduation ceremony, marking a milestone in its growth. By 2015, it had expanded to matriculate 600 students for the 2015/2016 academic year, offering both certificate (423 students) and diploma programs (177 students) in Community Health Nursing and related fields.
In recent years, the school introduced a diploma in midwifery and began accreditation processes for a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Nursing, positioning it as one of Ghana’s leading nursing institutions. The 2023/2024 academic year saw 470 students matriculated, reflecting its growing capacity. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Jones Abekah-Baah, the school continues to prioritize academic excellence, practical training, and community outreach, despite challenges like infrastructure limitations. With modern facilities and a commitment to health equity, Akim Oda CHNTS remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s healthcare education, shaping professionals who serve communities nationwide.
Academic Programs
Community Health Nurses’ Training School, Akim Oda
The Community Health Nurses’ Training School, Akim Oda, offers a range of programs designed to train skilled community health nurses and midwives to serve Ghana’s healthcare needs, particularly in preventive and community-based care. The academic programs include:
1. Certificate in Community Health Nursing
-Duration: 2 years
-Description: This foundational program trains students to deliver preventive healthcare, health education, and basic clinical services in community settings. It emphasizes public health initiatives like the Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) program.
-Eligibility: Candidates with a West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or equivalent, meeting the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana’s requirements.
2. Diploma in Community Health Nursing
- **Duration**: 2-3 years
- **Description**: An advanced program building on the certificate level, focusing on deeper skills in community health assessment, disease prevention, and health promotion. It prepares students for leadership roles in public health settings.
- **Eligibility**: Open to certificate holders or direct entry candidates with stronger academic qualifications, as per the Nursing and Midwifery Council standards.
3. **Diploma in Midwifery (Post NAP/NAC)**
- **Duration**: 2 years (4 semesters)
- **Description**: A specialized program for Nurse Assistant Preventive (NAP) and Nurse Assistant Clinical (NAC) certificate holders, focusing on maternal and newborn care. It includes clinical attachments and covers reproductive health, labor, and postnatal care. Affiliated with institutions like the University of Cape Coast.
- **Eligibility**: Registered NAP/NAC practitioners with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana.
4. **Bachelor of Science in Public Health Nursing (Proposed)**
- **Status**: In development, pending full accreditation.
- **Description**: This upcoming program aims to offer advanced training in public health nursing, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills to address complex health challenges at a higher level.
**Program Features**:
- All programs combine classroom learning with hands-on clinical training to ensure graduates are well-prepared for real-world healthcare challenges.
- The school emphasizes community engagement, equipping students to work in rural and underserved areas through programs like CHPS.
- Academic sessions include rigorous assessments, and students benefit from modern facilities and experienced faculty under the leadership of Principal Dr. Jones Abekah-Baah.
The school continues to expand its offerings, with a focus on maintaining high standards and addressing Ghana’s evolving healthcare needs. For the latest admission details, visit the school’s official channels or contact the administration.
Dedicated Faculty & Staff
Community Health Nurses’ Training School, Akim Oda
The Community Health Nurses’ Training School, Akim Oda, prides itself on its team of highly qualified and dedicated faculty and staff, committed to nurturing skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals. Led by Principal Dr. Jones Abekah-Baah, the team comprises experienced instructors with extensive backgrounds in healthcare and education.
- **Faculty Expertise**: Our instructors are seasoned professionals, many with years of practical experience in community health nursing and midwifery. They deliver a curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on training, ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world challenges.
- **Supportive Environment**: Faculty members are known for their supportive approach, fostering discipline and dedication while mentoring students to excel in programs like the Certificate in Community Health Nursing, Diploma in Midwifery, and the upcoming Bachelor of Science in Public Health Nursing.
- **Staff Commitment**: The administrative and support staff work tirelessly to maintain a conducive learning environment, managing facilities like state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and clinical training centers. Their efforts ensure smooth operations, from admissions to community outreach programs.
- **Student Feedback**: Students consistently praise the faculty for their guidance and expertise, with testimonials highlighting the “excellent teachers” and leadership of Dr. Abekah-Baah as key to their success (Google Reviews, 2023).
The dedication of our faculty and staff drives the school’s mission to produce healthcare professionals who make a meaningful impact in Ghana’s communities, particularly in underserved areas.
Core Values
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Community Health Nurses’ Training School, Akim Oda
The Community Health Nurses’ Training School, Akim Oda, is guided by the following core values that shape its mission, vision, and operations:
- Excellence: Committed to delivering high-quality education and training to produce competent and skilled community health nurses and midwives.
- Compassion: Fostering a caring and empathetic approach to healthcare, ensuring students prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities.
- Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, professionalism, and accountability in all academic and clinical practices.
- Discipline: Promoting a culture of dedication, hard work, and adherence to high standards, as emphasized by Principal Dr. Jones Abekah-Baah.
- Community Focus: Prioritizing health equity and service to underserved populations, particularly through initiatives like the Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) program.
- Innovation: Embracing modern teaching methods, practical training, and continuous improvement to meet evolving healthcare needs.
These values drive the school’s commitment to shaping healthcare professionals who make a lasting impact on Ghana’s public health landscape.
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Respect for all
- Excellence in training and service
Clinical Practice & Internship
Community Health Nurses’ Training School, Akim Oda
The Community Health Nurses’ Training School, Akim Oda, places a strong emphasis on clinical practice and internships to ensure students gain hands-on experience essential for their roles as community health nurses and midwives. These components are integral to all academic programs, including the Certificate in Community Health Nursing, Diploma in Community Health Nursing, and Diploma in Midwifery (Post NAP/NAC).
- Clinical Practice:
- Structure: Students participate in supervised clinical sessions integrated into the curriculum across all programs. These sessions occur in modern, on-campus facilities and affiliated health centers, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
- Focus Areas: Training covers preventive care, health education, maternal and newborn care, disease prevention, and community health assessments. For midwifery students, clinical practice includes labor and delivery, prenatal, and postnatal care.
- Community Engagement: Students engage with local communities through the Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) initiative, conducting outreach programs to promote health equity in rural and underserved areas.
- Internship Program:
- Duration: Internships are typically incorporated during the final semesters, with specific clinical attachments for midwifery students spanning parts of the two-year program.
- Settings: Students are placed in hospitals, clinics, CHPS compounds, and maternity homes across Ghana, including facilities under the Ghana Health Service.
- Objectives: Internships aim to develop practical skills, enhance decision-making, and prepare students for professional licensure with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana.
- Supervision: Experienced faculty and clinical preceptors guide students, ensuring they meet competency standards and gain confidence in delivering care.
- Impact: The school’s focus on practical training has earned praise for producing graduates who are “hard-working” and “ready to make a difference” (student testimonials, 2023). The hands-on approach ensures students are well-equipped to address Ghana’s healthcare challenges, particularly in community-based settings.
The clinical practice and internship programs at Akim Oda CHNTS bridge classroom learning with real-world application, preparing students to excel as compassionate and competent healthcare professionals. For specific details on placements or schedules, contact the school’s administration.
Community Engagement
The Community Health Nurses’ Training School, Akim Oda, is deeply committed to community engagement, aligning with its mission to promote health equity and improve public health in Ghana, particularly in underserved and rural areas. Through various initiatives, the school actively involves students, faculty, and staff in community-focused activities that enhance healthcare delivery and foster lasting impact.
- Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Initiative:
- The school plays a pivotal role in supporting Ghana’s CHPS program, which brings healthcare services directly to communities. Students participate in CHPS activities during clinical practice and internships, working in local compounds to deliver preventive care, health education, and basic clinical services.
- Activities include immunization drives, maternal and child health screenings, and community health assessments to address local needs.
- Health Education and Outreach:
- Students and faculty organize regular outreach programs in Akim Oda and surrounding areas, focusing on health promotion topics such as nutrition, hygiene, disease prevention, and reproductive health.
- These initiatives empower communities with knowledge to adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce preventable health issues.
- Maternal and Newborn Care:
- Through the Diploma in Midwifery program, students engage in community-based maternal health services, offering prenatal and postnatal care, safe delivery practices, and education on newborn care. These efforts contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the region.
- Collaborations with Local Health Facilities:
- The school partners with local clinics, hospitals, and Ghana Health Service facilities to provide hands-on training for students while addressing community healthcare needs. These partnerships ensure sustainable health interventions and strengthen local health systems.
- Impact and Recognition:
- The school’s community engagement efforts have earned praise for producing graduates who are “highly skilled” and dedicated to serving underserved populations (student testimonials, 2023). Programs like CHPS have made measurable impacts, improving access to healthcare in rural Eastern Region communities.
By embedding community engagement in its curriculum and culture, Akim Oda CHNTS ensures that students graduate not only as skilled professionals but also as advocates for community health, ready to make a difference across Ghana. For more details on specific outreach programs, contact the school’s administration.
Meet the Staff
Dr. Jones Abekah-Baah
Principal
Mrs. Priscilla Joyce Asante
Vice Principal, Academics
Mr. Boaz Ahulu
Academic