The foundation of American International University West Africa (AIU) arose from the agreement dated 1998 with Government of Guinea to establish a hospital in Conakry, Republic of Guinea. American Hospital, known as Centre Medical International was established in Gbessia, Conakry and inaugurated by H.E. Lansana Conte, The President of Republic of Guinea on November 16, 1998.

The provision of the 1998 Agreement for setting up an institution of higher medical AIU, whose charter was approved in 2007 by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Republic of Guinea (Decree No: 2007/1224/ME/MESRS/CAB).

Consequent to the approval of the charter of American International University West Africa by Government of The Gambia, in August 2010, AIU established Health Science Center at The Gambia, consisting of five colleges, College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing and College of Health Professionals. The Gambia campus located at 89 Kairaba Avenue, opened for classes on January 31, 2011. Students from 11 countries are enrolled as of December 2011.

AIU has signed an agreement in September 2011 with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Government of The Gambia to utilize all the Government owned health facilities for educational purposes for its students.

In 2012, AIU is planning to start building a new campus to accommodate new students and to provide new learning facilities for its five colleges.

The College of Nursing at AIU Health Science Center, The Gambia's fundamental mission is to prepare clinically excellent baccalaureate and graduate level nurses to deliver health care services to a culturally diverse population within a variety of health care settings. Our graduates practice as professionals, able to utilize critical thinking skills for therapeutic interventions, disease prevention and health promotion. The graduate, undergraduate and continuing education programs provide opportunities for participation in collegial, interdisciplinary learning activities that promote intellectual development and life-long learning. In support of the mission of the university, the College of Nursing, through its graduates, faculty activities, and programs, contributes to the health and well-being of the community.

• AIU Health Science Center at The Gambia, College of Nursing is dedicated to creating an environment of excellence, and prepares all levels of professional nurses and scholars for diverse health care and leadership roles. The College of Nursing is responsive to the nursing shortage, creating curricula and learning opportunities that increase access to higher education. The College of Nursing shall be the leader in technology-assisted learning for nurses from entry into practice through professional development. College of Nursing graduates are leaders in healthcare who anticipate and respond to the ever-changing needs of a global community. Nursing research and healthcare system needs are rapidly incorporated into education programs. Nursing education is provided in partnership with healthcare systems and faculty in active practice.

The aim of the nursing programs at the various levels is to enable nurses:

• To assume responsibilities as professional competent nurses and midwives at basic level and to provide preventive, curative and rehabilitation services.
• To make independent decisions in nursing situations and to protect the rights of and facilitate individuals and groups in pursuit of health.
• To function in the hospital, community nursing services, and conduct research studies in the areas of nursing practice.
• To assume the role of teachers, supervisor & manager in clinical/public health settings.
• To assess health status, identify nursing needs, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care for patients/clients that contribute to the health of individuals, families and communities.
• To demonstrate competency in techniques of nursing based on concepts and principles from selected areas of nursing, physical, biological and behavioral sciences.
• To demonstrate skills in communication and interpersonal relationship.
• To demonstrate leadership qualities and decision - making abilities in various situations.
• To demonstrate skills in teaching to individuals and groups in community health settings.
• To practice ethical values in their personal and professional life.
• To recognize the need for continued learning for their personal and professional development.