Email: info@saiuniv.org | Call: +599.9.SAI.1000 (724.1000)
Welcome to SAI College of Health Sciences
We are glad that you have selected SAICHS for your journey to become a healthcare professional. At SAICHS our programmes are designed to accept students at multiple entry points: from competitive high school qualifications through to postgraduate degrees.
Programmes
Dual Degree
Programmes
Available
Healthcare Education Built Around You
SAICHS accepts students with a competitive high school degree (preferably with sciences) into our three-year Bachelor programmes. Students who have already completed a Bachelor of Science are eligible to apply directly to one of our Master’s programmes.
All programmes combine academic rigour with clinical exposure, delivered across our campuses in Curaçao, Suriname and Bangalore, India.
Our Programmes
SAICHS offers four distinct programmes across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, each designed to open pathways into specialised healthcare practice.
A rigorous three-year Bachelor of Science grounded in medical sciences and clinical foundations. Qualifies graduates to apply to our four-year MD programme.
High School + Sciences Required Curaçao / Bangalore MD PathwayView Details ↓
An accelerated BSc combined with the full MD programme in one continuous six-year pathway. The most direct route from high school to an MD qualification.
A-Levels / IB / 10+2 / VWO Min. GPA 2.80 US & Europe PathwaysView Details ↓
A two-year RN-to-BSN programme for registered nurses or ADN holders seeking to advance their qualifications. Offered online with a one-month clinical rotation.
RN or ADN Required Online + Clinical Curaçao CampusView Details ↓
An advanced Master’s or Diploma programme in hyperbaric oxygen therapeutics. Provides hands-on patient exposure from the first semester of training.
BSc Sciences Required Masters or Diploma Curaçao CampusView Details ↓
Entry Qualifications
SAICHS accepts students from a wide range of educational backgrounds. Entry requirements depend on the programme level and your country of prior study.
Students with a competitive high school degree (preferably with sciences) are eligible to apply to our three-year BSc programmes. Graduates of the BSc programme are then eligible to apply to the four-year MD programme at SAISOM.
BSc in Medical Science (3 years)
Applicants must have completed a science-focused high school qualification. The BSc provides the foundation required for admission to the MD programme.
BSc/MD Dual Degree (6 years)
Students who have completed a competitive high school degree with sciences are eligible for direct admission to the combined programme. A minimum GPA of 2.80 (on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained throughout the BSc portion for automatic progression to the MD programme.
Students who have already completed a Bachelor of Science degree are eligible to apply to one of our Master’s programmes.
MSc Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
Applicants must hold a Registered Nurse (RN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) qualification. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher is required. Prior coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology is expected.
MSc / Diploma in Hyperbaric Medicine
Applicants must hold a BSc in sciences from an accredited institution. Transfer credit may be awarded to students who have completed relevant courses as part of the SAICHS Pre-Med or SAISOM MD programme.
SAICHS welcomes applications from students across all major education systems. The following qualifications are accepted for entry to BSc and dual degree programmes:
British / European System
Students who have successfully completed three A-levels, of which at least two are sciences, are eligible for the pre-medical and BSc programmes.
Dutch / Netherlands Antilles System
Applicants with a VWO diploma with a science background are eligible. Students with a VWO without sciences, or HAVO with sciences, may also be considered on merit.
Indian System
Students who have completed the Higher Secondary Certificate (10+2) with sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) are eligible to apply.
International Baccalaureate (IB) and Other Systems
Applicants with an IB diploma including science subjects are eligible. Other high school qualifications with a science background will be evaluated on their merits against the IB standard.
Programme Details
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Science is a three-year undergraduate programme that provides a thorough grounding in the medical and biological sciences. It serves as the direct academic pathway into the SAISOM four-year MD programme and is taught at the Curaçao campus and in Bangalore, India.
Core Sciences
- Gross Anatomy and Embryology
- Histology and Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Neuroscience
Clinical Foundations
- Pathology I and II
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Physical Diagnosis
- Introduction to Clinical Medicine
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health
- Medical Ethics and Jurisprudence
- Medical Psychology and Psychiatry
Full Curriculum – 120 Credits over 6 Semesters
| Semester 1 | Credits | Semester 2 | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Biology I * | 4 | Human Biology I | 4 |
| Inorganic Chemistry I * | 3 | Inorganic Chemistry II | 3 |
| Organic Chemistry I * | 3 | Introduction to Medicine | 3 |
| Calculus I * | 4 | Advanced Calculus | 4 |
| English I | 3 | General Education | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | General Education | 3 |
| Semester 1 Total | 20 | Semester 2 Total | 20 |
| Semester 3 | Credits | Semester 4 | Credits |
| Introduction to Medicine II | 3 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| Medical Terminology | 3 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 3 |
| Microbiology I | 4 | Medical Physics | 3 |
| Physics I | 4 | Microbiology II | 4 |
| General Education | 3 | Introduction to Physiology | 3 |
| Informatics | 3 | Medical Statistics | 3 |
| Semester 3 Total | 20 | Semester 4 Total | 20 |
| Semester 5 | Credits | Semester 6 | Credits |
| Human Biology II | 4 | Introduction to Anatomy | 4 |
| English II | 3 | Medical Ethics | 4 |
| Informatics II | 4 | Thesis Course 401 | 6 |
| Introduction to Medicine III | 3 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| World Language I | 3 | World Language II | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | ||
| Semester 5 Total | 20 | Semester 6 Total | 20 |
| Total Programme Credits: 120 | * Transfer credit may be awarded for these courses | |||
The BSc/MD dual degree programme is a six-year combined pathway from high school to an MD qualification. It combines an accelerated BSc degree with the full SAISOM MD programme, offering the most direct route to becoming a Medical Doctor for students entering from secondary education.
Years 1–2: BSc Phase (India or Curaçao)
- Accelerated pre-medical sciences curriculum
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics
- Introduction to Medical Sciences
- Study skills and academic foundations
- Taught at Bangalore, India or Curaçao campus
Years 3–4: MD Basic Sciences (Suriname)
- Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
- Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology
- Neuroscience, Physical Diagnosis
- Taught at Suriname Campus (St. Vincentius Hospital)
- USMLE Step 1 / SAIU PMQ Examination
Years 5–6: Clinical Medicine
- Core clerkships: Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics
- Obstetrics/Gynaecology, Psychiatry, Family Medicine
- 24 weeks of elective rotations
- Suriname, USA or European pathway available
Clinical Pathway Options
- US Route – USMLE examinations (CK + CS)
- Europe Route – SAIU PMQ Exam + Thesis
- Host Hospital Route – St. Vincentius Hospital
- Language requirement for Netherlands pathway
The SAICHS RN-to-BSN programme is a two-year online pathway for registered nurses or associate degree holders seeking to advance their qualifications to Bachelor level. The programme uses existing ADN training as a foundation, allowing nurses to continue working while studying. A one-month practical rotation at a SAICHS-affiliated hospital is required for completion.
Admission Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher (high school or nursing diploma)
- Prior coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology
- Curriculum vitae or résumé
- Personal statement / essay
- Two professional references
Programme Outcomes
- Develop effective spoken and written communication skills
- Build interpersonal, team management and leadership skills
- Conduct effective professional correspondence and reports
- Develop clinical confidence for expanded nursing roles
- Prepare for specialist roles in a dynamic healthcare system
Career Pathways After BSN
- Public Health Nurse
- Paediatric Nurse
- Surgical Nurse
- ICU Nurse
- Nurse Manager
- Health Educator
The SAICHS Hyperbaric Medicine programme covers the therapeutic use of high environmental oxygen pressure, as well as the prevention and treatment of injury due to elevated ambient pressure environments. Students gain hands-on patient exposure from the first semester. The programme is offered as a full Master’s degree (with thesis) or a Diploma (without thesis, otherwise identical).
Core Curriculum Topics
- History of pressure therapy in medicine
- Physics of diving and physiologic effects of pressure
- Mechanical effects: bubble formation, nitrogen re-dissolving
- Physiologic effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2)
- Decompression theory and pathophysiology
- Treatment of decompression illness and AGE
- Tissue oxygen measurements and transcutaneous oximetry
Approved HBO2 Indications Covered
- Air or gas embolism
- Carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning
- Clostridial myonecrosis
- Acute traumatic ischaemia and decompression sickness
- Enhancement of healing in problem wounds
- Necrotising soft tissue infections
- Radiation tissue damage and compromised skin grafts
Practical Training
- Monoplace chamber operation: equipment, patient care, emergencies
- Multiplace chamber operation: equipment, patient care, emergencies
- Hyperbaric Tender Training (8 hours)
- Hyperbaric Driver Training (12 hours)
- Transcutaneous oximetry and ankle brachial index measurement
Programme Components
- Oxygen Therapeutics – 88 hours (Masters & Diploma)
- Seminar in Hyperbaric Medicine – 25 hours
- Thesis (Masters only – Diploma is exempt)
- Transfer credit available for prior SAICHS / SAISOM courses
Full Curriculum – Required Course Hours
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Oxygen Therapeutics | 88 |
| Seminar in Hyperbaric Medicine | 25 |
| Hyperbaric Tender Training | 8 |
| Hyperbaric Driver Training | 12 |
| Anatomy (*) | 256 |
| Physiology (*) | 160 |
| Neuroscience (*) | 160 |
| Biochemistry (*) | 160 |
| (*) Transfer credit may be awarded for courses completed at another accredited institution or as part of the SAICHS Pre-Med or SAISOM MD programme. | |

