The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has announced the opening of the Special Nursing Review Program (SNRP) for "underboard" nurses (graduates who have not yet passed the nursing licensure exam). The program is free of charge and applications are open until September 5, 2025. This initiative aims to address the country's critical nursing shortage, estimated at 127,000 as of 2023.

The program allows participants to work as "Clinical Care Associates" (CCAs) in DOH hospitals while preparing for the examination, providing them with practical experience and a potential income stream. This initiative is a direct response to the nursing workforce shortage crisis and reflects the government's proactive approach to tackling this persistent problem, with a focus on retaining healthcare professionals domestically.

Market Signals

The program targets a critical nursing shortage in the Philippines, indicating increased employment opportunities for qualified local nurses.
Government intervention in workforce development signals a strategic focus on strengthening the national healthcare system.
The program may indirectly influence private review centers, pushing them to differentiate their offerings or focus on international examinations.

Winners & Losers

Winners: Underboard nurses gain access to free review and employment opportunities; DOH hospitals boost their staffing levels. Potential Losers: Private review centers may face increased competition; overseas recruitment agencies might see a slight decrease in Filipino nurses seeking immediate overseas employment.

Action Timeline

Immediate: Nursing graduates must apply for the SNRP by September 5, 2025. Recruitment agencies should identify potential candidates from this program.
Short-term: Educational institutions should assess the SNRP's impact on demand for private review services and adjust offerings accordingly. Investors should evaluate these government initiatives.
Long-term: Healthcare providers need to develop retention strategies. Policymakers must address the root causes of the nursing shortage.

Risk Assessment

Program effectiveness depends on its quality in preparing underboard nurses for the exam.
The sustainability of the CCA role and their transition into registered nurse positions needs monitoring.
There may be competition for a limited number of CCA slots.
The program does not address broader systemic issues like low salaries and poor working conditions.

Key Indicators

The program signals a supportive environment for investment in the Philippine healthcare sector.
Program success rates and Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE) pass rates will be key indicators.
Improvement in staffing levels at DOH hospitals is a direct indicator of the initiative's success.

Regional Perspective

The unique initiative by the Philippine DOH focuses on boosting nursing licensure rates and providing practical experience, directly addressing the local healthcare workforce shortage and countering the nursing brain drain.