SAI College of Health Sciences

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.

3yr
BSc
Programmes
6yr
BSc/MD
Dual Degree
2yr
Master’s
Programmes
4
Programmes
Available
SAICHS students

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.

Curaçao Campus
Suriname Campus
Bangalore, India
Online Learning Available
SAICHS students studying anatomy

Our Programmes

SAICHS offers four distinct programmes across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, each designed to open pathways into specialised healthcare practice.

BSc in Medical Science
3-Year Undergraduate Programme

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 Pathway
View Details ↓
BSc/MD Dual Degree
6-Year Combined Programme

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 Pathways
View Details ↓
MSc – Master of Science in Nursing
2-Year RN-to-BSN Programme

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 Campus
View Details ↓
MSc – Master of Hyperbaric Medicine
2-Year Postgraduate Programme

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 Campus
View 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.

Duration
3 Years
Location
Curaçao or Bangalore, India
Leads to
Eligibility for 4-Year MD Programme
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
Upon successful completion of the BSc in Medical Science and achieving the required GPA, graduates are eligible to apply directly to the four-year MD programme at SAI School of Medicine.
Full Curriculum – 120 Credits over 6 Semesters
Semester 1 Credits Semester 2 Credits
General Biology I *4Human Biology I4
Inorganic Chemistry I *3Inorganic Chemistry II3
Organic Chemistry I *3Introduction to Medicine3
Calculus I *4Advanced Calculus4
English I3General Education3
General Education3General Education3
Semester 1 Total20Semester 2 Total20
Semester 3Credits Semester 4Credits
Introduction to Medicine II3Organic Chemistry II4
Medical Terminology3Introduction to Biochemistry3
Microbiology I4Medical Physics3
Physics I4Microbiology II4
General Education3Introduction to Physiology3
Informatics3Medical Statistics3
Semester 3 Total20Semester 4 Total20
Semester 5Credits Semester 6Credits
Human Biology II4Introduction to Anatomy4
English II3Medical Ethics4
Informatics II4Thesis Course 4016
Introduction to Medicine III3Medical Terminology3
World Language I3World Language II3
General Education3  
Semester 5 Total20Semester 6 Total20
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.

Duration
6 Years Total
Entry
High School with Sciences
GPA Requirement
Min. 2.80 / 4.0 for MD progression
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
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.80 (on a 4.0 scale) throughout the BSc portion for automatic admission to the MD programme. This combined pathway complies with individual state requirements in the US for licensure as a physician.

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.

Duration
2 Years
Location
Online + Curaçao (1-month rotation)
Prerequisite
RN or ADN qualification
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 healthcare system is evolving rapidly. A BSN qualification opens doors to expanded clinical roles, higher pay grades and pathways to specialisation. The SAICHS RN-to-BSN programme can be completed online while you continue working as a nurse.

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).

Duration
2 Years
Location
Curaçao Campus
Tuition
Masters: $8,500  |  Diploma: $7,000
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
Contraindications and safety are covered in depth, including absolute contraindications (untreated pneumothorax, selected medications) and relative contraindications (COPD, seizure disorders, claustrophobia, recent surgery). Side effects including barotrauma, oxygen-induced seizures and pulmonary oxygen toxicity are examined.
Full Curriculum – Required Course Hours
CourseHours
Oxygen Therapeutics88
Seminar in Hyperbaric Medicine25
Hyperbaric Tender Training8
Hyperbaric Driver Training12
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.