Escola Superior de Saúde Santa Maria

Amidst the vibrant energy of Porto, lies a place where healing and knowledge intertwine. The Escola Superior de Saúde Santa Maria stands as a testament to a rich history of care and education. The Escola Superior de Saúde Santa Maria’s story begins in 1949 within the walls of the Hospital de Santa Maria. Initially, it served as a training ground for Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady, dedicated to providing practical nursing care. This dedication laid the groundwork for a formal institution. In 1952, the congregation received governmental authorization. The Escola de Enfermagem das Irmãs Franciscanas de Calais was born, offering an Auxiliary Nursing course. The Escola Superior de Saúde Santa Maria’s reach extended beyond the sisterhood. It opened its doors to other aspiring nurses, reflecting its commitment to broader healthcare education. As demand grew, a dedicated building was constructed in 1960 near the Hospital de Santa Maria. This marked a pivotal moment for the Escola Superior de Saúde Santa Maria. It gained autonomy, fostering an environment for growth. Expansions followed in 1962-1963 and 1968-1969, further solidifying its presence. Reflecting the changing times, the school’s name evolved. In 1965, it became the Escola de Enfermagem das Franciscanas Missionárias de Nossa Senhora, aligning with the Province’s new designation. Another transformation occurred in 1991. The school became the Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Santa Maria, introducing its first Bachelor’s program in Nursing. The Escola Superior de Saúde Santa Maria continued to expand its offerings. In 2000, it launched a Licentiate degree in Nursing. Later, it added post-graduate programs, further enhancing its academic stature. Today, the Escola Superior de Saúde Santa Maria is a polytechnic higher education institution. It offers a range of programs in Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Gerontology and Long-Term Care. It stands as a beacon of knowledge, accredited by both APCER (Portuguese Certification Association) and A3ES (Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education). The Escola Superior de Saúde Santa Maria has hosted international events. It organized the International Collaborative for Best Care for The Dying Person (ICBCDP) Annual Conference in November 2024. This highlights the Escola Superior de Saúde Santa Maria’s commitment to cutting-edge healthcare discussions and collaboration.