University Overview
This university was established in 1986 as the School of Nursing and Midwifery, admitting 42 students to the Associate Degree in Nursing under the supervision of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The program was upgraded to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1987.
In 1995, the institution became administratively independent from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and continued its educational, healthcare, and medical service activities as one of the 42 independent universities and schools of medical sciences in the country, directly affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, under the title School of Medical Sciences and Healthcare Services.
Starting from 2005, new disciplines were gradually introduced and the existing programs were expanded. Consequently, in 2008, the Supreme Council for the Expansion of Universities and Higher Education Institutes approved the promotion of the institution to a university and authorized the establishment of three independent faculties: Paramedical Sciences, Public Health, and Nursing and Midwifery. Later in the same year (2008), the Council also granted permission to establish a School of Medicine and to admit medical students.
At present, the university comprises four independent faculties, four research centers, two hospitals with a total of 387 approved beds, 18 comprehensive health service centers, 50 rural health houses, approximately 1,900 students, 127 faculty members, and around 1,900 administrative and healthcare staff members. Furthermore, with 16 urban and highway emergency bases and one air ambulance base, the university ranks first nationwide in terms of emergency coverage relative to population.
It is noteworthy that, due to its favorable geographical location, the university not only officially oversees the Bejestan County Health Network, but also provides healthcare services to an estimated population of about one million people within a 100‑kilometer radius from its central campus.