Just as one is required to fulfil certain requirements before he or she can be allowed to study a professional academic course in Nigeria, so it is with the nursing profession. To be allowed to study nursing in Nigeria, there are specific requirements that you must meet and it is highly important you know every detail of what these requirements are before you think about starting your journey to becoming a nurse in Nigeria. Also check list of 7 best schools of Nursing in Nigeria.
To begin with, you must attend an approved school of nursing in Nigeria for the period of three years or any university that offers nursing course to get a degree in nursing after five (5) years of grilling and drilling in the profession. You are to also note that there is a body in Nigeria that regulates the profession of nursing and midwifery, called the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). This body is also in charge of issuance and renewal of nursing and midwifery licenses in Nigeria.
Requirements for becoming a nurse in Nigeria
To become a certified and approved nurse in Nigeria, you must fulfill the following criteria as required by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria:
1. General Nursing Programme
The first step to becoming a nurse in Nigeria is to acquire a certificate from the General Nursing Programme. Once this is done, you will be awarded the Registered Nurse (RN) title over three years. To be admitted into this programme, you must get credit passes in English Language, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in WAEC or NECO.
2. Post Basic Midwifery Programme
After becoming a registered nurse, the next step is to apply to the Post Basic Midwifery Programme to become a Registered Midwife (RM). Once you have the RN and RM in the bag, you will be issued a Practicing License to start your work-study programme which includes 1 year professional on-the-job training in any field of nursing.
3. Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
Those seeking to become nurses can attend a 5-year university course to study nursing science. Here, they are taught core subjects leading to a bachelor of Nursing Sciences degree, plus a study towards a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Registered Midwife (RM) or a Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN). It’s an all-in-one package. You must get credit passes in English Language, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in WAEC or NECO, and must pass your JAMB.
4. Masters or Doctorate Degrees in Nursing
- If you require a higher nursing degree after your bachelor’s degree, you will need to apply for your Master’s and PhD programmes in nursing, in a reputable and accredited university.
Conclusion
With the above information, we believe you now know all it takes to become an approved nurse in Nigeria. Once you meet all the criteria, you will live your dream of becoming a nurse in Nigeria. Going through the required process will any you to practice with no disturbance from the regulatory bodies in Nigeria.