This study analyzes the evolution of demand for the nursing undergraduate course of Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar), from the first entrance examination in 1977 to 1996. The economic crises and the crises in health social programs affected significantly the demand for this entrance examination which declined abruptly 1980. During 1990, the demand for this nursing program was two candidates per chair, the lowest level since its foundation in 1977. From 1991, the recovery of the Brazilian economy associated with a change in the health care system were responsible for the increasing in the demand of nursing professionals. In 1990 the entrance examination started to be done by another institution (FUVEST, one state foundation responsible for this examination). The FUVEST was already responsible for the entrance examination for two others São Paulo State Universities. Starting in 1990 the candidates could compete simultaneously for the nursing program at the three universities through the same entrance examination. The UFSCar always was the last option for the candidates among those universities. However, the candidate demand for that program at UFSCar, as the first option, increased to six candidates per chair in 1995 with a small decrease in 1996 (4,6 candidates/chair). During 1982 and 1986, respectively three and six chairs, out of 30 offered by UFSCar, were not taken, this number increased to 15 during 1990. This great decrease in the interest for this nursing program, during 1990 could be attributed to three factors: First, the decrease in the candidate numbers that applied for this examination (around 2/1). Second, the degree of difficulty of the examination requirement. Third, the bureaucratic procedures that the candidates had to fultill, after being approved, to get enrolled in the program.
Choose professional; Demand to the nursing courses; First entrance examination
