PORTALJABAR, CIAMIS REGENCY - Muhammadiyah Ciamis Health College is ready to transform into Muhammadiyah Ciamis University with the addition of six new study programs. The development initiative was announced during the Professional Oath and Graduation Ceremony for the 2025/2026 Academic Year, attended by 235 graduates at the Ciamis Islamic Center Building on Wednesday (10/14/2026).

This transformation plan is part of the institution's development efforts to expand educational options for the community. The Ciamis Regency Government also hopes that graduates will not only excel academically but also be able to make a real contribution to improving the quality of healthcare services.

The Head of Muhammadiyah Ciamis Health College, Nur Hidayat, S.KM., MM, said that graduation is not just a marker of students' success in completing their education, but also the result of collaborative work between students, lecturers, education staff, and families.

"This graduation ceremony and the taking of the professional oath are not only milestones in the graduates' academic journeys, but also a reflection for all of us. We are not only looking at individual success, but also collective success," said Nur Hidayat in his remarks.

He explained that amidst the dynamics and challenges of higher education, Muhammadiyah Ciamis Health College continues to strive to develop the institution, both in terms of educational programs and improving the quality of academic services.

One of the strategic agendas being prepared is the transformation into Muhammadiyah University of Ciamis with the addition of six study programs, namely Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Management, Bachelor of Digital Business, and Bachelor of Informatics.

"We ask for prayers from all attendees, God willing, in the near future Muhammadiyah Ciamis Health College will transform into Muhammadiyah Ciamis University with the addition of six new study programs," he said.

In addition to developing study programs, Muhammadiyah Ciamis College of Health Sciences (STIKes) is also strengthening educational governance through digital transformation. Since the 2024/2025 academic year, the campus has implemented the digitization of academic documents, including diplomas, transcripts, and Diploma Supplements (SKPI).

The document is stored electronically and is equipped with a verification code in the form of a barcode or QR code so that it can be validated more quickly and accurately.

According to Nur Hidayat, digitalization is implemented as a form of the institution's commitment to transparency, accountability, and improving the quality of academic services, starting from the new student admission process to the issuance of diplomas.

The implementation of this system also supports the concept of a paperless campus, which reduces the use of paper in administrative and archiving activities. This is expected to increase the efficiency of academic service processes and align with the needs of modern higher education governance.

He hopes that the graduates will continue to develop their competencies, uphold Islamic values, and dedicate the knowledge they have acquired to benefit society, particularly in the health sector.

Meanwhile, the Regional Secretary of Ciamis Regency, Andang Firman Triyadi, who was present representing the Regent of Ciamis Herdiat Sunarya, expressed his appreciation to all graduates for their successful completion of their education.

On behalf of the Ciamis Regency Government, Andang emphasized that graduation is not the end of the learning journey, but rather the beginning of professional responsibility to put knowledge into practice and bring real benefits to society.

"Today, you are not only taking home academic degrees or recognition for successfully completing your education. You are also carrying the trust, responsibility, and hopes of the community that will be entrusted to you in your future careers in the health sector," he said.

According to Andang, scientific developments, digital transformation, changing disease patterns, and increasing societal needs require healthcare workers to continue learning and adapting to the times.

He emphasized that healthcare workers' competence is not solely measured by mastery of theory and technical skills. Communication skills, precision in action, collaborative skills, and sensitivity to patient conditions are also crucial aspects of providing quality care.

"Healthcare is essentially about serving humanity. Therefore, healthcare workers must carry out their duties with responsibility, empathy, and integrity," he stressed.

Andang hopes that graduates of Muhammadiyah Ciamis Health College will be able to become professional, ethical health workers who have a high level of concern for the community.

"I hope that the graduates of Muhammadiyah Ciamis Health College will be able to become health workers who are not only superior in competence, but also noble in character, not only competent in carrying out procedures, but also polite in communication," he said.

He also reminded that the professional oath is a moral and ethical commitment that must guide them in carrying out their duties. Graduates are required to always respect human dignity, maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with regulations, work based on competence and professional standards, and prioritize patient safety.

"When facing difficult situations, adhere to ethics. When faced with choices that require responsibility, prioritize patient safety. When working under constraints, maintain quality service," he said.

The 235 participants who took part in the Professional Oath and Graduation Ceremony for the 2025/2026 Academic Year consisted of 30 D-3 Nursing graduates, 10 D-3 Midwifery graduates, 25 D-3 Pharmacy graduates, 29 D-3 Medical Laboratory Technology graduates, 139 S-1 Nursing Program A and B graduates, and 2 Nursing Profession graduates.

This graduation ceremony not only marks the beginning of a dedicated service for the graduates, but also marks the beginning of Muhammadiyah Ciamis College of Health Sciences' (STIKes) development journey in expanding access to education, improving academic quality, and preparing for institutional transformation.

The Ciamis Regency Government hopes that the graduates can play a strategic role in improving the quality of healthcare services and become competent, integrated human resources capable of meeting the needs of the community. (Ciamis Regency Communications and Information Service/rka)