Iloilo City, Philippines – In response to growing demands for in-person learning and hands-on training, the University of San Agustin (USA) has officially launched its pilot face-to-face classes for students in the Medical Technology (MedTech) and Nursing programs, marking a significant step towards the full resumption of on-campus learning.

Starting this semester, both programs will conduct limited in-person sessions to provide students with the critical practical experiences that are integral to their professional development. The pilot classes aim to strike a balance between ensuring health and safety protocols while offering students the immersive education that only in-person learning can provide.

A Strategic Step Forward

As one of the country’s leading health sciences institutions, USA recognizes the importance of hands-on training, particularly for students in MedTech and Nursing, whose fields require direct interaction with patients, medical equipment, and laboratory settings. The pilot program focuses on essential subjects like clinical laboratory techniques, nursing simulations, and hospital internships.

“Ensuring the safety of our students and faculty is our top priority,” said Dr. Marissa Fernandez, Vice President for Administration. “By piloting these face-to-face classes, we aim to provide a controlled environment where our MedTech and Nursing students can gain real-world experience while still adhering to the latest health and safety guidelines.”

Health and Safety Measures in Place

To ensure the well-being of students and faculty, the university has implemented a range of safety measures including social distancing, health screenings, mask mandates, and enhanced sanitation protocols across all classrooms and training facilities. The campus has also made provisions for online learning supplements for students who are unable to attend in person due to health concerns.

“By combining the best of both worlds—online and face-to-face learning—we can provide an effective and flexible educational experience,” explained Dean Dr. Eliza Miranda of the College of Health and Allied Medical Professions.

A Bright Future for Health Programs

This pilot phase will be closely monitored, with feedback from students and faculty helping to refine the approach for future semesters. If successful, the initiative may expand to other programs, bringing USA closer to full-scale in-person classes in the near future.

“The opportunity to return to in-person learning is a welcome development for all of us,” said Kristine Mae Rivera, a fourth-year Nursing student. “It’s exciting to finally apply the theories we’ve learned in the classroom to real-life scenarios