If you aspire to become a nurse, this question of how many years is nursing in Nigeria? should not be new to you.
You need a comprehensive guide to navigate the complexities of studying nursing. Nigeria offers various educational paths for nursing, including universities, specialized nursing schools, and colleges.
The journey to becoming a nurse typically spans five years if you choose to study at a federal, state, or private university. Alternatively, nursing schools and colleges offer a more condensed, three-year program.
Your presence in classes is non-negotiable, as it is through this hands-on teaching and training that you will acquire the skills and knowledge to become a competent and compassionate nurse. In this article, we delve deeper into the duration and structure of nursing education in Nigeria.
If the question, “What is the duration of a nursing degree in Nigeria?” has been on your mind, here’s your answer: It takes a total of (5) five years to complete a nursing program in Nigerian Universities.
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This five-year curriculum is conducted at a recognized and accredited Nigerian university. As we delve deeper into the article, we will provide more detailed information on the duration of studying nursing in Nigeria.
As a prospective nursing student in Nigeria, gaining a comprehensive understanding of what the course entails is crucial before you embark on this academic journey at a Nigerian university. One of the foremost questions you should be asking is, “What is the duration of a nursing program at a Nigerian university?” Knowing the answer to this question is vital as it helps you mentally gear up for the challenges and stress associated with studying nursing in Nigeria.
This article is written with the aim of assisting all nursing students in Nigeria. So, to reiterate, the duration of a nursing degree in Nigeria is five years. During these five years at a Nigerian university, students will be exposed to a wide array of courses.
An academic year at a Nigerian university consists of two semesters. Therefore, to earn a nursing degree in Nigeria, one must successfully complete a total of 10 semesters, which equates to five years.
Diploma Nursing, also known as Registered Nursing, is typically a three-year program not only in Nigeria but also in other parts of the world. In Nigeria, nursing colleges or schools provide the necessary training for aspiring candidates to become Registered Nurses upon completion of three years of study.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria grants the RN title after three years of both classroom and clinical studies. This certification enables them to secure employment as Staff Nurses in either government or privately-owned hospitals.
Regarding the nursing programs in Nigeria, the curriculum includes the following courses:
- Medical Genetics for Nursing Students
- Practical Training in Nursing Administration & Management
- Foundations of Nursing Part I
- Principles of Psycho-Social Nursing
- Health Economics in the Nursing Field
- Legal Aspects of Medicine
- Medical and Surgical Nursing Part 1
- Fundamentals of Nutrition in Nursing
- Public Relations in the Nursing Profession
- Clinical Training in Community Health Nursing
- Guidance and Counseling in the Nursing Practice
- Study of Old Age, also known as Gerontology or Geriatric Nursing
- Nursing Seminars
Not all Nigerian universities offer nursing studies. A significant number of both private and public universities in Nigeria do not have provisions for nursing studies.
Therefore, it is crucial to verify whether your preferred Nigerian university permits nursing studies before applying.
How long is nursing in Lagos?
Regarding the duration of becoming a nurse in Lagos, it’s worth noting that Lagos is renowned for its quality education. There are numerous schools and colleges in Lagos State that offer top-notch nursing science programs and training. In Lagos, you have the option to pursue either a university degree program or a nursing diploma program.
For a university degree program in Lagos, you will need to pass the JAMB and post-UTME exams. However, nursing schools do not require the JAMB exam. Some nursing schools in Lagos may require students to take the JAMB exam before sitting for the school’s entrance exam.
For quality nursing training in Lagos State, consider the following schools, colleges, and teaching hospitals:
In Lagos, Nigeria, there are several reputable institutions for nursing studies. These include the Department of Nursing Sciences at the University of Lagos, the School of Nursing at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the Lagos State College of Nursing, the Nigerian Army College of Nursing, the School of Nursing Military Hospital, the School of Mental Health Nursing at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, and the West African College of Nursing.
Each of these schools has its own unique admissions process. However, the general requirement across these institutions is that you must have 5 credit passes in your O’level results. These credits must be in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and must be obtained in not more than two sittings.
If you’re already a registered nurse and you’re looking to further your education with a baccalaureate degree, the University of Lagos is a great choice. It offers a program that can be completed in five years.
How long does nursing take in Abuja?
As for nursing in Abuja, the duration is similar to that in Lagos. One of the key lessons you’ll learn during your nursing education is the importance of teamwork.
Becoming a registered nurse requires not just proper training but also passing a professional exam conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). This is a crucial step in ensuring you can provide physical and medical care to patients.
In Nigeria, the path to becoming a nurse involves applying to a university or nursing school, as these institutions provide the necessary platform for achieving this career goal.
There are several nursing programs available in Abuja, including a Nursing Science Degree, Basic Nursing and Midwifery Training, Psychiatric Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Basic Nursing.
If you’re interested in studying nursing in Abuja, consider these institutions: the Department of Nursing at Bingham University, the Department of Nursing at the National Open University of Nigeria, Yagongwo College of Nursing and Midwifery, the Nursing Department at the National Hospital, the School of Nursing in Gwagwalada, and the Post Basic Critical Nursing program at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
To gain provisional admission into a nursing program in Abuja, you must apply through JAMB, write the post-UTME, meet the school’s cut-off mark, and submit your Olevel results.
For basic nursing schools, you need five credit passes in your Olevel results, including Math, English, and your major science subjects. If you’re applying for the post-basic program, you must be a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Other requirements may apply. The duration of nursing studies in Abuja is typically five years.
How long does nursing take in Port Harcourt?
Pursuing a nursing career requires the right education, training, and certification. It demands patience, focus, and hard work, as obtaining a nursing education is not a small feat. However, to stay relevant in the nursing field, continuous learning and effort are necessary.
If you’re looking to apply for a nursing degree in Port Harcourt, you should be at least 16 years old before the next academic session begins, or else your admission could be put on hold.
Registration with JAMB is a prerequisite for gaining provisional admission into any school in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Also, it’s important to choose the correct subject combination for nursing sciences when registering.
For admission into a nursing school or college, you must be at least 16 years old and pass the school’s entrance examination.
Meeting all the admission requirements for the session is also crucial. Nursing in Port Harcourt typically takes about 5 years to complete.
Your O’level results are vital for admission into either universities or nursing schools. You need at least 5 credits in English, Math, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry, obtained in no more than two sittings.
Below is a list of accredited nursing schools that offer nursing training and programs:
- Department of Nursing, University of Port Harcourt: This department is part of the University of Port Harcourt, a renowned institution that offers comprehensive nursing programs.
- Department of Nursing, Rivers State University: This is another department that provides quality nursing education within Rivers State University.
- PAMO University of Medical Sciences: This is a private university specializing in medical sciences, including nursing.
- Rivers College of Health Science and Management Technology: This college offers programs in health science and management technology, including nursing.
How long does nursing take in Kaduna?
In Kaduna, the duration to become a nurse varies based on the specific nursing program. Typically, it can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years.
Nurses are indispensable members of any healthcare team. They play pivotal roles in patient recovery and the overall performance of the health sector. They not only administer treatments and medications to ensure patient well-being, but also monitor patients’ health through physical examinations and vital sign checks.
Moreover, they educate patients on managing their illnesses and improving their health. Securing a quality nursing education is absolutely essential. This requires you to thoroughly research potential schools. During your investigation, identify your area of interest, whether that’s pediatric psychiatric nursing, ophthalmic nursing, perioperative nursing, or another specialty.
Understanding your preferences will guide your research and help you choose the most suitable school. In Kaduna State, several institutions offer nursing programs for Basic, General, and Post Basic training:
- Department of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello University
- Department of Nursing, Kaduna State University
- Kaduna State College of Nursing and Midwifery
- School of Mental Health, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital
- School of Nursing, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
To gain provisional admission for a 5-year nursing science program in Kaduna, you’ll need to pass JAMB and your post-UTME.
However, if you’re aiming for a nursing college or school, JAMB isn’t necessary. Simply obtain an application form from your chosen school, sit for their entrance exam, and fulfill any other requirements.
Remember, the program length for a nursing college or school is typically three years for general nursing and 12 to 18 months for post-basic nursing.
How long does nursing take in Ibadan?
Nurses offer invaluable physical and emotional support to their patients. As a nursing student, it’s crucial to understand the diverse specializations within the nursing field. These include areas like pediatric, adult, psychiatric, and disability nursing, among others.
Gaining a deep understanding of these specializations can guide students in deciding their major in nursing. Regardless of the specialization you choose, there’s a school in Ibadan that provides the right courses for you.
Whether you opt for a university degree or a nursing school, the education and training you receive will be instrumental in shaping you into a proficient nurse.
Consider the following institutions in Ibadan, Oyo State, for your nursing program:
- Department of Nursing, University of Ibadan
- Faculty of Nursing, LAUTECH
- Department of Nursing, Lead City University
- Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery
- School of Nursing, University College Hospital
- School of Nursing, Baptist Medical Center
These schools offer excellent programs that can help you achieve your nursing career goals, and the duration of their programs is similar to that of Lagos and Abuja.
My final thought on How many years is nursing in Nigeria?
The duration of nursing education in Nigeria varies. University programs typically last 5 years, while nursing school courses last around 3 years.
Post-basic nursing takes an additional 12 to 18 months. Regardless of the path chosen, each promises a rewarding career in nursing.
It remains of utmost importance to note that universities in Nigeria offer a Bachelor of nursing science(registered nurse and midwifery certificate), while nursing colleges offer registered nursing(RN) for 3 years. Some colleges of nursing also give room for Midwifery which might take about 2 to 3 additional years to complete.
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