And its trunks became sturdy, branches sprung up to give shelter and fruits. Such is the analogy of the Saint Gabriel School of nursing now Saint Gabriel College-the first paramedical school in Aklan. The Saint Gabriel College is a private, non-sectarian educational establishment founded in 1970 by the couple Dr. Ramon B. It is non-stock, non-profit incorporation. It is committed to provide quality education in response to the changing health care service needs of the community and country. The College was founded in June 1971 as a small school offering Graduate in Nursing Course in the heart of Poblacion Kalibo, Aklan with 55 nursing enrollees, 33 of which garnered a 94% passing in the Nurse Licensure Exams in 1974. Because of the increasing number of enrollees and demand of other paramedical programs the school offered other courses, Graduate in Midwifery (1976), Medical Secretarial Course (1977), Health Aide Course (1977) and Associate in Radiologic Technology (1984). It was in 1979 when the Saint Gabriel School of Nursing was elevated to Saint Gabriel College with the recognition of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. In 1985, the school has graduated its first batch of 60 students in the BSN Program. In 1990, the school offered BSN for Medical Doctors per CHED Memo # 9 with a 100% passing percentage in the Nursing Board. It was also in the 90โs when the school offered Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. In 1998, the school offered a new BSN program integrating the Associate in Health Science Education (AHSE)- A competency based and community oriented program. With the increasing number of student population, in June 2003 the school decided to expand its service property to a 1.5 hectare land holdings in Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan. To offer high quality and academically sound education for high school students, the college offered a Special Science High School Program in 1997 and was granted Government Recognition in 2001. In 2006, the college offered a 6-month course in Medical Transcription and Health Care Services (NC II) certified by TESDA. The Saint Gabriel College is the 1st school that dared to open such short courses. The school has also expanded its affiliating agencies to accommodate the increasing student population. It affiliated with other hospitals and other RHUโs purposely for additional teaching/learning needs of the students in the completion of their DR and OR cases as requirements prior to graduation by the CHED-PRC. In 2013 the school offered Pre-elementary and Elementary Education with the over-all objective of enhancing childrenโs development potential for a smooth transition from the primary, intermediate and high school. At present the school also offers, BS Radiologic Technology, BS Pharmacy, BS Biology, and BS Medical Technology. Over the years the school is able to produce globally competitive and successful individuals in the field of Nursing and other Paramedical Professions. Saint Gabriel College is named after its patron, Saint Gabriel, the messenger of God proclaiming the good news of the Messiah. Thus, Saint Gabriel College continues to educate young men and women to become highly competent and competitive health care providers to best serve the ever changing needs of our community.
