The Second-Level Master’s Degree in Direction/Coordination of Infectious Risk Services related to healthcare, offered by the Healthcare Masters Program of the University of Parma, is designed to train highly qualified professionals capable of taking on leading roles in the management of infectious risk within public and private healthcare and social care organizations.
The program develops clinical, organizational, managerial, and interpersonal skills necessary to: • Analyze and assess infectious risk in hospitals, community settings, and local healthcare services, identifying critical areas and potential sources of infection; • Design tailored strategic plans for infection prevention and control, adapted to the specific characteristics of healthcare facilities; • Coordinate operational activities for the implementation of preventive measures, involving multiple professional roles; • Monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of adopted strategies; • Promote continuous education and professional development among healthcare workers, fostering best practices in infectious risk management.
The curriculum combines lectures, workshops, seminars, group projects, and applied project work, supported by an internship in affiliated healthcare institutions. Classes are delivered online in synchronous mode, with sessions held on alternating weeks to provide flexibility for professionals already working in healthcare.
The Master’s program lasts 13 months, grants 60 university credits (ECTS), and offers 30 available places.
Applications are now open and can be submitted until January 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. This program represents a valuable educational opportunity for those seeking to specialize in infectious risk management, directly contributing to patient safety and the improvement of quality in healthcare services.
The University of Parma took part in the 4th International Congress of the EEAP: Global Perspectives of Nursing for the Challenges of the Millennium, held in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate the 135th anniversary of the founding of the Alfredo Pinto School of Nursing (EEAP) at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO).
The event, officially endorsed by the University, brought together academics, professionals, and students from various countries, offering an important opportunity for discussion on global perspectives in nursing and on the healthcare challenges of the new millennium. It focused on education, research, and international cooperation as key levers for developing a fairer, more inclusive, and innovative healthcare system.
Representing the University of Parma and its Master’s Programs in Healthcare, Professor Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor of Nursing Sciences and Director of the Master’s Programs in Healthcare, shared experiences and best practices from the Italian context, contributing reflections on the role of nursing leadership in transforming healthcare systems. “Taking part in this event – he said – means not only celebrating the long and prestigious history of the Alfredo Pinto School of Nursing, but also laying new foundations for an international dialogue that is increasingly essential in nursing education and research. Only through exchange and global cooperation can we meet shared challenges and promote a form of nursing capable of innovating, including, and improving the health of our communities”.
The University’s participation further strengthened its relationship with the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro and the Alfredo Pinto School of Nursing, with which collaborative teaching and research projects are already underway on topics such as advanced training, clinical simulation, and digital health.
The presence of the University of Parma at such a significant event reaffirms the international vocation of its Master’s Programs in Healthcare, which have long been committed to promoting the growth of healthcare professionals capable of combining scientific competence, global vision, and ethical responsibility.
The First-Level Master’s Program in Management of Healthcare-Associated Infection Risk is part of the Healthcare Master’s offerings at the University of Parma. It is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to acquire advanced skills in the prevention, management, and surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The program integrates clinical, managerial, organizational, and relational aspects, enabling healthcare workers to operate independently within multidisciplinary teams, with the goal of improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of the healthcare system.
Key topics covered in the program include the adoption of best practices in antimicrobial therapy management, the development and implementation of healthcare and social-health policies at different levels (local, regional, national), supervision of infection risk control processes, effective communication with patients, caregivers, and colleagues, as well as the use of technological tools and scientific evidence to improve clinical and organizational outcomes. Training activities include interactive theoretical lessons, workshops, seminars, project work, and internships in affiliated facilities.
The Master’s Program has a duration of 13 months and awards 60 ECTS credits. Classes are delivered online in synchronous mode, with sessions held two days per week on alternate weeks. The program will start in March 2026. Enrollment is already open and will close on January 30, 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The First-Level Master’s Program in Critical Care Nursing, part of the Healthcare Masters at the University of Parma, is designed to train professionals with advanced skills in managing complex clinical situations, both in hospital and out-of-hospital settings. The program aims to develop specialized abilities to address high-intensity care needs, integrating technological tools, continuous outcome assessment methods, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Among the program’s distinctive objectives are: managing critical care pathways with a transdisciplinary approach, using technologies to support vital functions, advanced monitoring of critically ill patients, managing invasive and non-invasive ventilation, organizing protected intra- and extra-hospital transport, as well as relational aspects such as therapeutic education, effective communication, and care during end-of-life stages. The curriculum also includes project work, workshops, and internships at partner institutions.
The program lasts 13 months, awards 60 ECTS credits, and offers 100 places. Classes are delivered online in synchronous mode, with meetings held two days a week on alternating weeks.
The program will begin in March 2026. Applications are already open and will close on January 30, 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The First-Level Master’s Program in Family and Community Nursing and Integrated Care for Public Health, part of the Healthcare Master’s offer from the Department of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Parma, provides a training pathway dedicated to healthcare professionals who wish to work in modern care settings. The program is designed to respond to emerging needs in the areas of chronic diseases, disabilities, and community support.
This Master’s aims to train nurses with clinical and organizational skills in community-based work, fostering collaboration with general practitioners and multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care and personalized interventions. Core topics include needs assessment across different life stages, health promotion, health education, home care, disabilities, family planning, outcome monitoring, and the integration of healthcare and social services.
Interactive teaching, workshops, seminars, and project work form the core of the program. A practical internship in affiliated hospital, community, or residential facilities is also included, allowing participants to apply the skills acquired. Lessons will be delivered online in synchronous mode, two days per week on alternating weeks, making it easier for working professionals to balance study and employment.
The Master’s Program will begin in March 2026 and will run for 13 months. A total of 60 places are available. Applications will close on January 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
The First-Level Master’s Degree in Palliative Care and Pain Management for Healthcare Professions, part of the Healthcare Master’s programs offered by the University of Parma, is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to acquire advanced skills in caring for people with serious or incurable illnesses. The goal is to train palliative care nurses capable of addressing not only physical suffering but also the emotional and relational needs of patients and their families. Fields of application for the Master’s program include hospices, hospital care, primary care services, and community-based facilities. The course aims to provide theoretical and methodological tools for holistic, person-centered care through interactive lectures, workshops, project work, and internships at affiliated facilities. A key strength is the synchronous online format, which allows participants to balance work and study effectively.
The program lasts 13 months and offers 60 student places. Its structure, with streaming lessons held every other week, is designed to ensure flexibility for those already working in healthcare, without compromising the quality and comprehensiveness of the training. The Master’s program will begin in March 2026. Applications are already open, with the deadline set for January 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
The Master’s program prepares professionals who can:
manage complex clinical-care pathways in hospitals and community settings through an integrated, multidisciplinary approach;
promote continuity of care, patient and family involvement, and coordination among institutional stakeholders;
apply methods and tools for assessment, research, and practice improvement;
communicate effectively within teams and interprofessional processes;
interpret and contribute to the organizational development of healthcare services.
The program combines interactive lectures, workshops, seminars, and project work. The internship can take place in hospitals, community settings, or accredited facilities through formal agreements. The program lasts 13 months, offers 60 places, and will start in March 2026. Teaching will be delivered primarily online, with synchronous streaming classes held every other week, allowing participants to balance study and work.
Applications are already open and will close on January 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM. This Master’s offers a valuable opportunity for those who wish to strengthen their skills, take on coordination roles, and become active players in the processes of organizational innovation in healthcare.
We are pleased to announce that the Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma have established an important partnership with the prestigious Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF), an organization dedicated to the development of nursing leadership, the improvement of care, and the promotion of advanced education at the international level.
Founded in 1934, the FNF is a world-renowned charity whose institutional mission is to pass on to future generations the knowledge and experience developed by Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of nursing science, admired and respected worldwide.
The Foundation pursues this important responsibility through a variety of strategies aimed at developing leadership and research skills among nurses and midwives.
Thanks to this affiliation, the Healthcare Master’s Programs will become part of a global network that promotes leadership, innovation, professional development, and influence on healthcare policy. Through this partnership, students will have access to a wide repository of free online courses and, if selected, the opportunity to take part in the FNF Leadership Programme, as well as to attend the Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service, held every year on May 12th—International Nurses Day—at Westminster Abbey in London.
Through the FNF network, students and faculty will gain access to:
International and leadership development programs;
Training events and policy forums;
Collaborations with leading professionals and institutions.
This collaboration strengthens our commitment to international education, offering new opportunities for growth and cultural exchange:
Enhanced learning: content and methodologies inspired by international standards of excellence.
Networking and global outlook: access to a worldwide community of professionals.
Visibility and prestige: recognition of the international profile of our Master’s Programs.
“Becoming affiliated with a historic institution of such scientific value as the Florence Nightingale Foundation once again highlights our concrete commitment to offering our students and the professionals who contribute to the success of our Master’s Programs valuable opportunities for growth within an international perspective.” — Prof. Antonio Bonacaro, Head of the Healthcare Master’s Programs
The 2024–2025 academic year has concluded with extremely positive results for the Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma. It was a year defined by significant educational achievements, international recognition, scientific exchange opportunities, and a strong focus on pedagogical innovation and internationalization.
The academic year began with an official inauguration ceremony that saw the enthusiastic participation of students, faculty, and healthcare professionals. This symbolic event reaffirmed the mission of the Master’s programs: to train highly qualified professionals capable of responding to the complex challenges of the healthcare system through an interdisciplinary and global approach.
One of the most notable milestones of the year was the first official graduation ceremony for the Healthcare Master’s Programs. More than just a celebration, the event recognized the value of the training journey undertaken by healthcare professionals from across Italy.
Throughout the year, numerous opportunities arose for professional development and international dialogue. Distinguished guests, including Professor Sharon Brownie, Full Professor of Nursing at Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia, and Professor Tais Vernaglia, Director of the “Alfredo Pinto” Nursing School at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (University of São Paulo, Brazil), led high-impact workshops on global health leadership, transformative health education, and patient engagement. Their contributions further strengthened the international profile of the Master’s programs.
A major step forward in advanced training and internationalization was the integration of English-language workshops across all Master’s curricula. These sessions aimed to enhance communication skills in globalized, multicultural clinical environments, further boosting the European and transnational positioning of the programs.
To support continuous improvement in teaching quality, a training course for educational tutors was introduced. This course aims to uphold excellent pedagogical standards and promote innovative teaching methods centered on simulation, empathy, and student-centered learning.
Special attention was also given to theoretical and practical advances in nursing. Events included the presentation of the book on Marisa Cantarelli’s nursing model, organized in collaboration with Rede Unida and the National Association of Brazilian Nurses. This initiative offered an important moment of reflection on a foundational theoretical model for Italian nursing practice, which remains highly relevant today.
Among the year’s most significant initiatives was the launch of the advanced training course for Infection Control Link Nurses (ICLN), developed in response to the growing need to train healthcare professionals with specific expertise in preventing and managing healthcare-associated infections. The course has generated strong interest and promises to be a great success thanks to its large and engaged cohort.
In the scientific arena, students and tutors of the Master’s programs played a key role at the CEU 2025 Congress, contributing original work on topics such as nursing leadership, digital education, and innovation in postgraduate training.
Crowning an already fulfilling year, Professor Antonio Bonacaro, Director of the Healthcare Master’s Programs, was awarded the prestigious title of Fellow of the European Transcultural Nursing Association (ETNA). This recognition acknowledges his longstanding commitment to promoting transcultural care, inter-university collaboration, and the development of international educational projects.
The 2024–2025 academic year was thus a period of substantial growth in reputation, quality, and international engagement for the Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma, solidifying their role as a leading reference point in postgraduate healthcare education.
Professor Antonio Bonacaro, Director of the Healthcare Master’s Programs, stated:
“Looking back, I can only express deep gratitude for the vision and dedication of Professor Leopoldo Sarli and Dr. Giovanna Artioli, whose contributions from the very beginning were instrumental in the creation and development of these Master’s programs. Today, we see a vibrant, international academic community—one that is innovative and responsive to the challenges of the healthcare system. We envision the future as a laboratory of ideas, open to the world, where education becomes a tool for social and professional transformation. It is with this spirit that we prepare to face the challenges of the coming academic year. I take this opportunity to wish a wonderful summer to all faculty, tutors, and students whose ongoing contributions make these Master’s programs a true path of excellence”.
With a clear eye on the future, the Master’s programs are now gearing up to tackle the new academic year with renewed enthusiasm, strategic vision, and a strong spirit of innovation—driven by a dynamic, cohesive, and globally-oriented academic community.
In today’s complex and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the importance of fostering work environments rooted in mutual respect, authentic listening, and psychological safety is becoming increasingly evident.
A strong healthcare organization is not built solely on protocols and performance indicators, but also on the quality of professional relationships and the ability to create spaces where individuals feel confident and safe to express themselves. In particular, psychological safety—understood as the ability to speak openly, ask questions, report errors or raise concerns without fear of retaliation—is now recognized as a key factor in:
Improving care quality and clinical risk management
Supporting continuous learning within multidisciplinary teams
Enhancing workplace wellbeing and reducing the risk of stress and burnout
Strengthening collaboration among professionals and with patients
Promoting respect and active listening within healthcare organizations also means adopting inclusive leadership models, building cohesive teams that value diverse skills and perspectives, fostering interprofessional dialogue, and supporting frontline workers.
The Master’s programs in Healthcare offered by the University of Parma are aligned with this vision. These programs address relational dynamics in a structured way through targeted training activities focused on effective communication, conflict management, collaborative leadership, and the creation of more sustainable work environments.
A more effective and humane healthcare system begins here: by recognizing the value of people, trust, and the quality of professional relationships.
