The Tun Tan Cheng Lock College of Nursing, also known as Assunta College of Nursing, began in 1961 as the first private nursing institute in the country. Over the years, it has evolved from a single classroom to a modern, well-equipped facility. Notable milestones include being recognised by the Malaysian Nursing Board for outstanding performance in board examinations and receiving the Anugerah Kolej Cemerlang Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan 2012 (Emerald Award) for quality education. The college emphasises a balance between tradition and progress, focusing on both historical foundation and forward momentum. Trusted by private and government hospitals alike, the college’s reputation is bolstered by its long history and commitment to excellence. Awards and accreditations, such as those from the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) and the Five Stars (Excellent) My Quest Certification, further attest to its dedication to providing quality nursing education and training.
To be the centre of excellence for nursing education.
To produce qualified, professional, competent and caring personnel for nursing and healthcare services through the provision of a holistic, quality-driven and value-enriched educational and learning experience.
The college was started by Sister Madonna K. Purcell, F.M.M., on February 1, 1961, with the prime objective of providing career prospects for young girls in the field of nursing. In the second year, the students’ quota was increased to 40 with the approval of the Malaysian Nursing Board.
On 1st February 1961, the School of Nursing became an approved affiliated training school. With this change, the college welcomed another sister tutor, Sister Rosemarie Higgins F.M.M. She initiated the formation of the Student Body-Assunta Students’ Faculty Cooperation Association (ASFCA). With her dynamism, she was instrumental in the birth of the newsletter ‘JOY’. The students had lecturers from sister tutors and also from the doctors. Much of their practical experiences were supplemented by the Ward Sisters (including nuns) and the staff nurses. They were also active in social work for the poor. They brought food and clothing and gave basic nursing care to the needy in the villages. With the passage of time, the number of inpatients grew, as did the student population. This growth saw the need for a plan for a separate school of nursing.
By August 1967, after much hard work and cooperation from public benefactors, the Tun Tan Cheng Lock School of Nursing was officially opened by the ex-Prime Minister, Y.T.M. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Abdul Hamid. The Educational Committee of the Tun Tan Cheng Lock School of Nursing was formed in April 1968. It functions in an advisory capacity to the Board of Assunta Foundation and to the faculty in matters that pertain to the education of the students. All the graduates were automatically absorbed into the hospital’s employment.
Students were accepted on scholarships beginning in 1976, subject to a contract requiring them to work for the hospital. In 1992, the certificate in nursing was upgraded to a diploma in nursing. The Malaysian Ministry of Education promoted the nursing school to college status in 1995. The Tun Tan Cheng Lock College of Nursing received registration from the Higher Education Ministry in 1997 as a private higher education institution. Living in the spirit of education, empowerment and skill enhancement, the college started its short course in clinical teaching in 2009 and its post-basic course in 2011.
Tun Tan Cheng Lock College of Nursing will always strive to bring excellence to nursing education. The college has been producing graduates with high professional standards and caring attributes, which are the hallmark and tradition of the college. Graduates with 100% employability are much sought-after and enjoy successful careers both locally and internationally.
Welcome to the Tun Tan Cheng Lock College of Nursing website, also affectionately known as Assunta College of Nursing.
Our journey began in 1961, initiated by the dedicated Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) nuns within the Assunta Hospital premises. From its modest origins, the school of nursing has blossomed into a fully-fledged college, dedicated to the comprehensive education and training of aspiring student nurses who are poised to evolve into competent professionals.
With immense pride, we continue to pass on the light and wisdom gleaned from our Founding Sisters to the next generation of student nurses. Our emphasis lies in instilling the myriad positive attributes that define exceptional nurses. The hallmark of our institution is the caring and compassionate nature inherent in our nurses, setting them apart and making a profound difference in the field of nursing.
The Tun Tan Cheng Lock College of Nursing specializes in nursing education, offering programs such as the Diploma in Nursing and various post-basic courses tailored to specific specializations. Our students benefit from practical training at our own esteemed Assunta Hospital, and our enduring history and wealth of experience have firmly established our presence in the market. Assunta College of Nursing is the benchmark for many, trusted as the premier training college for nurses.
Our graduates thrive in successful careers both locally and internationally, with some assuming pivotal roles such as Director of Nursing and General Manager in the healthcare industry. The nursing profession, despite its challenges, is consistently regarded favorably, and certification from Assunta College of Nursing continues to unlock numerous opportunities for our graduates.
I encourage you to explore our website further, delving into the details of our College, our esteemed Faculty, and, most importantly, the inspiring journeys of our dear Student Nurses as they embark on their quest for knowledge within the College
Ms Theresa Arul
Principal
Tun Tan Cheng Lock
College of Nursing
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