Rector Emil Ceban: Nicolae Testemitanu University identifies itself with excellence, quality, and achievement, and has become a recognized brand for training competitive specialists in the field of health

Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova celebrates 80 years of excellence in medical education this year! Over time, the higher education institution has constantly evolved, becoming a national leader, thanks to an academic community that places emphasis on research, innovation and progress in the training of specialists in the field of medicine and pharmacy.

The study programs are updated and adjusted to contemporary requirements and the labor market. Students learn under the guidance of erudite and dedicated professionals. Thanks to partnerships with foreign leading universities, the institution offers various opportunities for students and teaching staff: academic mobility, clinical and research internships. International experience enriches their knowledge, stimulates collaboration and helps them become better prepared for professional challenges, bringing home not only new skills, but also a new vision of the medical and pharmaceutical fields.

To better understand the identity and values that define Nicolae Testemitanu University, we invite you to read the interview with the rector Emil Ceban, University Professor, Habilitated Doctor in Medical Sciences, corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova. Here you will discover answers to many questions, which will inspire you to explore the fascinating world of medicine or pharmacy.

– Dear Mr. Rector, what is the success formula that led to the remarkable rise of the University over the eight decades of activity?

Rector Emil Ceban: The rise of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy is due, first, to the commitment of the academic staff to ensuring the quality of education, scientific research and medical care. Combining theoretical studies with medical practice allows the training of competitive specialists for both the national health system and those of other states, as they are in great demand on the labor market.

Another key factor is the internationalization of the University, which favors academic mobility for students and academic staff in renowned institutions in various countries, with the aim of achieving knowledge transfer and taking over best practices in training, research and healthcare. International partnerships have created premises for the development and diversification of educational programs, strengthening research and innovation in the field of health, increasing the quality of medical services, modernizing university infrastructure, etc. These aspects are essential for consolidating the prestige of the University and attracting a growing number of young people eager to build a career in medicine or pharmacy.

We can say that the success of Nicolae Testemitanu University is also due to a strategic vision based on tradition, innovation, international cooperation and the constant commitment to providing quality educational services through academic excellence.

The environment in which future specialists in medicine and pharmacy study, the quality and variety of teaching-learning-evaluation methods, excellence in research, the innovative spirit, collaboration with development partners and foreign universities, the reputation of our professors and researchers at the national and global level, access to a wide range of medical and pharmaceutical information resources, etc. are some of the strengths that position the University among the top ranked higher education institutions in the country.

Currently, the University is present in 7 world rankings, of which it ranks first at the national level in 4: Ranking Web of Universities, SCImago Institutions Rankings, Global Aggregate Ranking and The Three University Missions.

– Nicolae Testemitanu University is the first internationally accredited higher education institution in the country. What are the advantages of obtaining international certifications for students and graduates?

– Recently, our university was internationally re-accredited at the institutional level according to the standards of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). We obtained our first accreditation in 2019, and this process reflects the high appreciation and recognition of the institution's activity and ensures the implementation of study programs, at all levels, in accordance with international standards. At the same time, in 2022, the integrated study programs of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry were also internationally accredited (certificates valid until 2026).

Moreover, due to the accreditation of the Faculty of Dentistry by the Dental Board of California, USA, the University has admitted citizens of this American state to undergraduate and postgraduate studies, the diplomas issued being recognized and the specialists being highly appreciated.

Our efforts are focused on the continuous development of educational offers and services, research and innovation activity, medical and pharmaceutical assistance, postgraduate studies through residency and continuing professional education of health specialists throughout their lives. For this reason, we tend to improve and diversify study programs, modernize institutional processes and develop the University's infrastructure. All these achievements push us to persevere even more, to be competitive and visible internationally, to expand the geographical area of cooperation and student recruitment.

Among the advantages of international accreditations for our students and graduates is the recognition of the degree – essential for obtaining ECFMG certification. The International Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates announced that, starting with 2024, doctors seeking ECFMG certification will have to graduate from a medical institution accredited according to WFME standards. In this context, Nicolae Testemitanu University meets these international requirements.

We are proud of our graduates, who have achieved professional success here, in the Republic of Moldova, and in many countries around the world, who are distinguished by excellent training, professionalism and tenacity, qualities for which they are appreciated and respected.

– What is the University's educational offer for the year 2025-2026?

– The educational offer of Nicolae Testemitanu University is in line with the requirements of the labor market and the national health system, so that our young people can study and work at home, being with their parents and loved ones.

Traditionally, the offer includes the integrated study programs Medicine (6 years), Dentistry (5 years) and Pharmacy (5 years) – accredited at national and international level.

In recent years, the University has launched five undergraduate study programs (3 years) – Optometry, Radiology and Imaging Technologies, Public Health, Physiokinetotherapy and Rehabilitation, and Nursing (4 years).

The university also offers 7 master's programs (2 years): Human Nutrition, Clinical Optometry, Public Mental Health, Advanced Nursing, Early Childhood Intervention, Public Health Management, Molecular Technologies in Health (Master of Science).

I would like to emphasize that all bachelor's, integrated and master's degree programs are accredited by the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research, and the newest ones are authorized.

This year, 500 places are offered with funding from the state budget for undergraduate and integrated studies, including 25 places for candidates from the eastern districts of the republic and, for the first time, 10 places for candidates from the diaspora. Of the total number of budgetary places, 440 places are intended for the Medicine program, 10 spots for each faculty - Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Radiology and Imaging Technologies and Public Health, and 5 places each for Optometry and Physiokinetotherapy and Rehabilitation.

The admission plan also provides for 518 places on a contract basis: Medicine – 250 places, Dentistry – 118, Pharmacy – 60, Public Health – 10, Optometry – 15, Nursing – 15, Radiology and Imaging Technologies – 15, Physiokinetotherapy and Rehabilitation – 40 places.

– What conditions does the University offer to students?

– Nicolae Testemitanu University provides students with excellent conditions for studies and research, including halls and classrooms endowed with modern equipment, scientific centers and high-performance research laboratories. The institution also offers over 2,100 accommodation places in hostels, canteens, two sports complexes, an outdoor sports field and recreation areas.

An important role in the educational process is played by the University Center for Simulation in Medical Training, which implements modern methods of training specialists. Here, starting with the second year of studies, students acquire communication skills and develop medical competencies with the help of standardized patients and high-fidelity simulators.

The Psychological Counseling and Career Guidance Center helps students integrate more easily into university life, offering them counseling and support services.

The University is in a continuous infrastructure development and modernization process, aiming to improve the conditions of studies, research and living. In this context, in recent years, major reconstruction works have been carried out in three of the student hostels, thus offering them very good accommodation conditions, which ensure their comfort during the study period. Also, in February this year, the Morphological Block was reopened, after being overhauled and modernized, equipped with high-performance ventilation and air conditioning systems, state-of-the-art instrumentation and equipment for studying fundamental disciplines, such as human anatomy, histology, etc.

– What academic mobility opportunities do medical professionals have?

– Students benefit from a multitude of opportunities – internships, scholarships, participation in international projects – activities through which they continuously develop their professional and personal skills. Medical professionals who have academic achievements and know international languages well could complete practical internships in medical clinics abroad, enrolling in various programs. Through academic mobility programs, several students have realized their dream of going to a foreign country for an exchange of experience and accumulation of new knowledge. To this end, the University has signed 121 collaboration agreements with universities and medical institutions from 30 countries. Thus, during the years of study, students can benefit from training courses on various topics held by renowned foreign professors, academic mobilities in specialized foreign institutions, international programs with external funding, etc. The advantage is threefold: the convenience of studying at home, of pursuing European quality studies, and of benefiting from practical internships and research abroad for a certain period. The knowledge and practical skills acquired by students and teachers due to academic mobility are applied in the Alma Mater’s activity.

– Where can university graduates get jobs?

– After completing their bachelor's degree, graduates can work in medical institutions or can continue their studies under master's programs, and later – under doctoral programs. After graduating from an integrated higher education program, such as Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy, the second stage of professional training follows - residency. Those who are passionate about research can continue their studies at the Doctoral School in the field of Health Sciences. We encourage all University graduates to work in the country’s medical and health institutions, which are facing a shortage of specialist doctors and nurses. Together we must contribute to improving the quality of medical care and strengthening the national health system for the benefit of the people.

Contemporary society and medicine are developing at a rapid pace, and the knowledge and skills possessed by doctors and pharmacists require lifelong improvement. Currently, the University offers 444 continuing education programs in the field of medicine and pharmacy.

– How will admission to Nicolae Testemitanu University take place this year?

– In general, the admission competition is carried out in accordance with the regulatory acts in force. This year, the first stage of admission to higher education institutions in the Republic of Moldova will also be organized online, on the platform of the Ministry of Education and Research. On July 21, the admission competition for undergraduate, integrated and master's degrees for the 2025-2026 academic year will start for local citizens.

The submission of documents for candidates to higher education, integrated bachelor's, as well as master's studies at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, will take place between July 21-27, on the single platform eadmitere.gov.md, and the novelty is that entrants will have to authenticate themselves in the eAdmitere system exclusively through Mpass (digital/electronic/mobile signature/identity card). Young people have the right to register for the competition simultaneously for a maximum of three study programs per university, at a maximum of three higher education institutions, but they will be enrolled in a single study program within a single university.

Between July 28 - August 3, the files will be checked and validated, and the intermediate results of the competition will be published on August 5 on the University's website (https://usmf.md).

The people who will be on the list are to submit the original documents to the Admissions Committee of Nicolae Testemitanu University between August 6-10. Young people who did not pass the intermediate admission competition, but wish to participate in the final competition, must also submit their documents to our university, within the established deadlines. The final results will be announced on August 12 on the University website. If there are still unfilled places, an additional admission session will be organized between August 13-15.

However, we recommend that young people access the University's website, in the Admitere-2025 section, where all the information regarding the educational offer for the 2025-2026 academic year, the Regulation for organizing and conducting admission to higher education at our university, etc. is placed.

– How do you evaluate the interest of young people in continuing their studies at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy?

– Observing the admission trends in recent years, the interest of young people seems to be quite high. The number of candidates for bachelor's, integrated and master's programs is increasing, which provides a clear picture of graduates’ preferences regarding their future professional career. At the same time, this shows us that the professions of doctor and pharmacist are in demand, young people want to build a career in these fields, thus they demonstrate courage and will to provide support to strengthen the health system.

We are sure that, this year too, determined, intelligent and empathetic young people will opt for the University of Medicine. I would like to point out that here are enrolled the best graduates of high schools and medical colleges, who over the years achieved remarkable results both in studies and research, as well as in various sports competitions, national and international contests. And we are proud of them, because they are the future of medicine. It goes without saying that, to become a good specialist in the field of health, one must have the ability to learn, analyze and make correct and prompt decisions. Medicine is also known for the fact that here you learn a lot and in depth… Therefore, those who choose Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy…, are aware from the start that their professional choice requires a lot of work, diligence, dedication and responsibility.

– What message do you have for high school graduates?

– Dear young people, before choosing a university, think about your interests and dreams, and the impact you want to have on people and society in general. Think not only about your professional achievements, but also about your personal fulfillment and your contribution to the good of those around you.

“Medicine is the art of understanding and the science of treating”, said Hippocrates, reflecting on the essence of the medical profession. This involves combining scientific knowledge with empathy, compassion and care for the patient. Thus, medicine is not just about treatments and techniques, but about understanding human beings in general, both physically and emotionally.

Becoming a doctor or pharmacist means being with people in their most difficult moments, offering them not only solutions, but also hope, trust and support. It is a profession that requires dedication, but which, at the same time, gives you enormous satisfaction when you see the joy in the eyes of cured people. The fact is that medicine has had a fundamental role in society, and the nobility and prestige of the professions of doctor, dentist, pharmacist, public health specialist, nurse, optometrist, radiology technician or physiokinetotherapist can certainly determine you to make the best choice for a successful career and a prosperous future.

Nicolae Testemitanu University is an institution where you can fully utilize your intellectual capacities by opting for one of the study programs. Thus, you will become representatives of a noble profession and an elite intellectual community, you will be the ones who will take care of people's health, relieve pain and directly restore hope for life.

 Your future starts now! We look forward to welcoming you to Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova!