The course is structured in modules, combining scientific training and basic cultural notions with specific professional skills that are also developed during work experience placements.The aim is to train professional operators who can make a valid contribution to the prevention and resolution of healthcare problems.

Future nurses are taught how to:

• operate professionally taking into consideration the most recent developments arising from both the scientific sector and from evidence-based practice,
• develop and apply problem solving methods, autonomously and in groups,
• take on professional managerial and consulting roles, demonstrating social and individual responsibility,
• conceptualise and act in a global and multidisciplinary manner.
• develop effective communication methods, aimed at and suited to various types of interlocutor.

In view of the limited number of places available, all candidates must sit a competitive examination (which is usually conducted in the month of May).
For admission to the full-time course, applicants must possess one of the following qualifications:

• federal vocational social-healthcare school leaving examination
• specialist healthcare or social school leaving examination
• vocational technical, commercial or artistic school leaving examination
• high school leaving examination or equivalent qualification

Acceptance of applicants without a specific school leaving examination (social-healthcare) is subject to attendance of supplementary modules.
Applicants aged more than 25 and who lack these qualifications may be admitted provided that in the opinion of the Department they have significant training and work experience; applicants belonging to this category must sit a general culture examination.

The role of the nurse in society consists of helping individuals, families and the community to identify and achieve their physical, mental and social potential, in the context of the environment in which they live and work. Nurses ensure that the individual, her/his family and friends, the social group and the community are appropriately involved in all aspects of healthcare, therefore promoting autonomy and self-sufficiency.
Nurses work together with other healthcare operators to identify and implement intervention projects (educational, preventive, therapeutic) for individuals and for groups
. In view of the broad range of potential treatment settings, Nursing graduates can work in various environments, either as direct employees or as independent professional operators.