In order to clarify central aspects to be considered in undergraduate education both in health sciences and in nursing, regarding contemporary health policies, this article presents a historical appurach with emphasis on municipal health management. The authors point out the characteristic of the Sanitary Reform movement and of the neoliberal project in health, followed by a presentation of the National Health System (SUS). Using as starting point the concept of decentralization (only one command at each level of government) - the authors discuss the elaboration and implementation of public social policies and services at the local level. Which depend on an increase of local decisionmaking capacity, autonomy, control and social participation. The experiences of the cities of Campinas and Ribeirão Preto are described, with emphasis on aspects related to human resources and nursing, and organization of services.
collective health nursing; nursing education; health policies; municipal health management