Bougainville College of Nursing
Department of Health
Bougainville College of Nursing (BCON) is a recognized tertiary institution located in Arawa, Central Bougainville, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. Founded with the mission to provide high-quality nursing education, BCON plays a vital role in developing a skilled healthcare workforce that serves both Bougainville and the wider Papua New Guinea region.
Bougainville College of Nursing (BCON), formerly known as Arawa School of Nursing, has a resilient and inspiring history shaped by the challenges of the Bougainville Crisis and the determined efforts to rebuild it after the devastation.
Arawa School of Nursing (Early Years): Founded in Arawa, Central Bougainville, the Arawa School of Nursing was once a key institution in Papua New Guinea, known for producing well-trained nurses who contributed to the healthcare needs of the region.
The Bougainville Crisis (1988-1998): The Bougainville Crisis, a period of intense conflict, had a profound impact on the region. Like many other institutions, Arawa School of Nursing suffered devastating losses during this period. The school was tragically burned to the ground, resulting in the loss of its facilities and legacy.
The Rebirth of the College (2016): In 2016, under the leadership of Celyn Tusalah, the Bougainville College of Nursing was re-established, marking a new chapter in the institution's history. The school was resurrected with a renewed commitment to training skilled nurses who could serve the healthcare needs of Bougainville and PNG.
Bougainville College of Nursing (BCON) was initially accredited in 2016 and achieved full accreditation in 2023 by the Papua New Guinea Nursing Council (PNGNC).
The college maintains high standards of nursing education and training, ensuring that graduates are well prepared to meet the healthcare needs of Papua New Guinea and beyond. All programs are regularly reviewed and aligned with national nursing education standards to ensure quality, relevance, and excellence in professional nursing practice.
BCON remains committed to continuous improvement and strict adherence to accreditation requirements in support of the professional development of its nursing students.
Our vision is to have Bougainville College of Nursing recognized and acknowledged for the quality of its nursing graduates, and the contribution they make to the health of all Bougainvillians.
Our mission is to deliver quality Nursing education so that our graduates can help eliminate avoidable maternal and child deaths in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Our graduates will do all that they can to enable all Bougainvillians to receive health care of the highest standard, to achieve the best quality of life possible, and to promote healthy living.
Bougainville College of Nursing (BCON) is proud to be affiliated with Divine Word University (DWU) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 3rd December 2025 during our 8th Graduation Ceremony in Arawa. The MoU was signed by Professor Fr. Philip Gibbs, President of DWU and Mrs Celyn Tusalah. This partnership provides accreditation for our Diploma in General Nursing program and paves the way for future academic opportunities for our students.
The MoU signifies our commitment to delivering high-quality nursing education while enhancing the professional development of our graduates. Together with DWU, we aim to build a robust healthcare workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
As we continue to grow, this affiliation with DWU ensures our students have access to a wider range of academic programs and resources, furthering our mission to provide top-tier healthcare education and improve the well-being of Bougainville’s communities.
Principal
Deputy Principal
Senior Lecturer (HOD)
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Senior Tutor
Tutor
Clinical Tutor
Clinical Tutor
Registrar
Bursar
Human Resources
IT Specialist
Admin Assistant (Finance)
Admin Assistant
Chef Cook
Cook
Handyman
Senior Driver
Driver
Chairlady
Arawa Health Centre CEO
Deputy Chair Person
Disciplinary Committee Chair Person
CEO Buin Health Centre
Board Member
Deputy Town Mayor of Arawa
Board Member
Chief Secretary - ABG Administration Office
Board Member
Deputy Secretary - ABG Department of Education
Board Member
Secretary - ABG Department of Finance
Board Member
Former Arawa Health Centre CEO
Board Member
Media – Post Courier
Board Member
Our library offers access to digital resources, including nursing and medical books, journals, and academic materials through the E-Library platform. Students can easily browse research, e-books, and journals online.
The e-library features 42 computers with high-speed internet for accessing external resources and databases, supporting learning and research.
We also provide links to important academic websites, including international research repositories, helping students excel in their studies.
Our Girls Dormitory provides comfortable, secure, and convenient living accommodations for female nursing students, ensuring a supportive environment conducive to academic success and personal growth.
The All-in-One Complex is a modern facility located within the Bougainville College of Nursing campus, designed to provide students with a comprehensive learning and administrative experience. The complex houses key areas that support both academic and practical training needs.
The building includes:
This comprehensive complex is strategically designed to create an integrated learning environment that supports both the academic and personal growth of our students, with all essential services and resources located in one central location.