KUMJ | VOL. 23 | NO. 5 | ISSUE 93 | DECEMBER, 2026

Implementation Experiences of Competency-Based Master’s Level Curriculum of Public Health in Nepal: Perceptions of Graduates and Their Employers
Paudel S, Ghimire S, Agrawal Sagtani R, Bhushal S, GC KB, Nepal S, Arjyal A, Subedi M

Abstract:
Background Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS) is one of the first institutions of Nepal to deliver public health education through competency-based curriculum in an integrated modular framework. Objective To explore the perceptions of public health graduates and their employers regarding relevance and usefulness of curriculum of master of public health at Patan Academy of Health Sciences. Method A cross sectional, qualitative study was conducted among 18 public health graduates of Patan Academy of Health Sciences and eight employers through in-depth interviews. The interview guides were strategically designed based on Patan Academy of Health Sciences core competencies for Master of Public Health graduates and captured information on public health professionalism, workplace traits and interpersonal behavior. Transcriptions of the interviews were done and were translated in English. Thematic analysis was done. The study followed the COREQ guidelines to ensure standard reporting of the results. Result Master of Public Health graduates were found working across academia, health management, national health systems, research and international agencies. Initially, they found the diverse topics and syllabus structure confusing. However, as the program progressed, they appreciated the organized sequence of learning, covering health determinants, community assessment, planning, management, monitoring and evaluation, policy and financing modules, research, and two technical subjects. The module-based learning with different approaches as case-based learning, fostered them with self-directed learning, problem-solving, and adaptability. The managers consistently praised Patan Academy of Health Sciences graduates for their professionalism, creativity, diligence, and ability to meet tight deadlines, considering them indispensable team members. Conclusion The graduates were quite satisfied with their experiences and emphasized the relevance of theoretical and practical knowledge acquired at Patan Academy of Health Sciences. Similarly, the employers also expressed satisfaction with the graduates from Patan Academy of Health Sciences, especially the positive work experiences. Thus, competency-based curriculum in public health is beneficial for graduates by equipping them with practical, job-ready skills, and it provides employers with a workforce that has proven competencies and can effectively address real-world public health challenges.
Keyword : Competency-based curriculum, Master of public health graduates, Modular framework, Patan academy of health sciences, Pedagogical methods