A major milestone in India’s medical education history was achieved in 1946 with the establishment of the first College of Nursing in the country at the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, in Tamil Nadu. The institution was founded with the vision to provide professional training for nurses, at a time when nursing was still emerging as a respected and organized profession in India.
Founded by Dr. Ida Sophia Scudder, a pioneering American medical missionary, CMC Vellore’s College of Nursing has played a transformational role in shaping nursing education across the nation.
- Founded: 1946
- Affiliation: Christian Medical College, Vellore
- Pioneering Visionary: Dr. Ida Scudder
- Programs Offered: BSc Nursing, MSc Nursing, Post Basic BSc Nursing, PhD in Nursing
- Recognition: Ranked among India’s top nursing colleges; recognized by Indian Nursing Council and international bodies
“It was the first institution to offer degree-level nursing education in India, paving the way for generations of professionally trained nurses,” said a senior CMC official.
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | College of Nursing, Christian Medical College |
| Location | Vellore, Tamil Nadu |
| Year Established | 1946 |
| Founder | Dr. Ida S. Scudder |
| Significance | First degree-awarding nursing college in India |
| Affiliation | Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University |
Today, the College of Nursing at CMC Vellore stands as a symbol of compassion, scientific training, and women’s empowerment—nurturing healthcare professionals who serve across India and the world with skill and humanity.
