Inception
The College of Nursing was founded by Dr. Ida Scudder, daughter of Dr. John Scudder, a missionary doctor who worked in South India.She recognised her call one night, when three Indian women died in child birth, as the prevailing custom could not accept help from a male doctor. In these tragedies, the young Ida saw God’s call to take up a life of a medical missionary to meet the needs of women and children in this region. On completing her medical degree from the US, she returned to India in 1900 and set up a one-bed clinic in her father’s house. Responding to the growing need for providing medical and nursing care to the people of Vellore town, Dr. Ida Scudder rapidly recognized the need to train Indian women to provide these services. The vision, dedication, and sacrifice of Dr. Ida Scudder laid the foundation for a nursing and medical college which has greatly contributed toward the upliftment of women in the Indian society and care for the suffering. The spirit and vision of Dr. Ida is being handed down to generation of students who pass through the portals of this institution. Back in the early days, parents were hesitant to send their daughters for nursing. The nursing pioneers, along with CMC’s founder Dr. Ida Scudder, used to visit schools throughout South India to persuade girls and their parents to choose a career in nursing. The school of nursing was established in 1909. The BSc. Nursing program was initiated in 1946 which was the first of its kind in the country. This was followed by MSc Nursing program in 1969 and PhD. Nursing in 1994. Today, about 900 students study in the College of Nursing. The programs offered include Diploma, BSc, Post Basic Diploma, Post Basic BSc, and MSc in nursing.
Pioneers
Our College fondly cherishes the pioneers who shaped nursing and strengthened the roots of nursing profession in CMC, Vellore. Their exemplary lives, commitment and vision still beckon us for a higher calling as we continue to blaze the torch passed on to us.
Milestones
The College of Nursing has grown from its early humble beginnings to train various levels of nurses who meet the diverse health needs of people globally, thus significantly contributing to preparation of healthcare personnel who deliver the best possible quality care.