In this article, you will read all you need to know about the Diploma/Higher National Diploma Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing Science duration, entry requirements, career outlook, and how it is different from the Bachelor of Nursing Science program (BNSc).
DIPLOMA/HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA NURSING AND BACHELOR OF NURSING SCIENCE (BNSc)
There are various pathways to becoming a nurse in Nigeria, though this is not novel to many people, the recent adoption of the ND/HND Nursing Program has left lots of questions in it’s trail especially for prospective students.
In this article, you will read all you need to know about the ND/HND Nursing
program, duration, entry requirements, career outlook, and how it is different from the Bachelor Of Nursing Science program (BNSc).
What is the National Diploma and Higher National Diploma (ND/ HND) Nursing Program?
The National Diploma and Higher National Diploma (ND/ HND) Nursing Program is a four years program at the end of which you will be awarded two academic certificates (ND&HND) alongside professional licenses- RN and RM/RPHN.
The program was launched to adapt nursing education into the College of Education system in Nigeria. Likewise to ensure that nursing education advances in line with the National Policy on Education and the present-day education system in the country.
The newly established Colleges of Nursing will operate in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to assist its seamless transition into the existing system of education in the nation.
In addition, the program is implemented for easy and legal issuance of academic certificates to graduates other than just the professional license issued by traditional Schools of Nursing.
About The Program
As previously stated, the program runs for four (4) years, the first two (2) years will be spent on the ND program while the remaining two (2) years is for the HND program. The program is continuous but to proceed for HND Nursing, you will need to have a minimum CGPA of 2.5 (Lower Credit) for ND Nursing.
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You will also have to participate in the Supervised Clinical Work Experience (SCWE) during the program which is divided into two to three parts and for eight weeks each. The first part of SCWE is towards the end of ND I, the second part is towards the end of ND II, and the third part at the end of HND II. Additionally, you will be graded on either pass or fail depending on your performance.
Although you will be paid stipends through Industrial Training Fund (ITF), however, students who failed the SCWE but met other requirements of the program may be allowed to repeat the process for the allocated period which will be funded by them.
You would be eligible to sit for the Nursing and Midwifery Council Nigeria (NMCN) professional qualifying examination for General Nursing (RN) after successful completion of HND I. Moreover, you also have the option of choosing an additional specialization in either Midwifery (RM) or Public Health Nursing (RPHN).
After graduation, you will have to go for one year of compulsory Supervised Clinical Experience (Attachment) in an approved healthcare facility after which you will be mobilized for one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Admission Requirements
To be admitted into the ND Nursing program, you will need to have a minimum of 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in not more than two (2) sittings in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.
You can combine WAEC&WAEC, WAEC&NECO, or NECO&NECO but NABTEB must be one sitting.
You are required to sit for JAMB to enter into the ND nursing program. The only acceptable subject combinations for JAMB are the Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The cut-off marks depend on your chosen institution.
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Shortlisted candidates will be invited for screening/interview by the respective Schools or colleges.
Career Outlook
The ND/HND Nursing program aims to prepare competent, skilled, polyvalent Nurse practitioners, versatile midwives, and professionally knowledgeable public health Nurses who will use problem-solving skills in providing safe, acceptable, effective, and affordable quality health services to meet the health needs of individuals, families, and communities at all levels of care.
To advance professionally, you can proceed directly to Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Nursing. After which you can enroll for your Master’s qualification in any specialty.
Bachelor Of Nursing Science program (B.NSc)
This program runs for five (5) years after which you will be awarded professional certifications, and a Bachelor Degree i.e. Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc) and Registered Nurse (RN). However, additional Registered Midwife (RM), or Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN) qualifications can be awarded if you choose to sit for the licensing examination. In order words, you have the opportunity to earn two to three specialty qualifications in addition to your degree qualification.
For further clarification, this is a breakdown of how you will be awarded the qualifications. In your fourth year of study, you will have to sit for the professional examination for the award of a Certificate in General Nursing (RN) and, in the fifth year, you will sit for another professional examination in Midwifery, and Public Health Nursing, depending on your choice. Hence, the reason you will have an overall qualification of “RN, RM or RPHN, B.NSc” at the end of your five (5) years training period.
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After graduation, you will have to go for a compulsory one-year internship program before you are issued a license to practice, this is to help you gain more clinical experience as well as develop your clinical skills. After your internship, you will be mobilized for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Admission Requirements
You need to have five credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry in not more than two (2) sittings for either WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB to be offered admission into the program.
You can combine WAEC&WAEC, WAEC&NECO, or NECO&NECO but NABTEB must be one sitting.
You will have to sit for UTME (JAMB) and post-UTME. The cut-off marks for these two examinations differ from university to university, so you will have to find out about that.
Career Outlook
Upon successful completion of your program and after you are awarded your degree -RN, RM or RPHN, B.NSc- you will be able to work in various healthcare or hospital settings nationally and internationally.
To specialize, you simply have to enroll for your Master’s Degree in your area of interest (specialty).
Upon completion of your Master’s program, you can go further to earn your Doctoral qualification. This depends on your career goals or prospects, the possibility is endless.
Differences Between ND/HND Nursing Program and Bachelor of Nursing Science Program
The ND/HND program runs for four (4) years while the Bachelor of Nursing Science program runs for five (5) years.
Upon successful completion of the ND/HND program, you will be awarded two Diploma certificates (ND&HND) while a Degree Certificate will be issued for the Bachelor of Nursing Science program.
You will have to sit for post-UTME as conducted by your University whereas you only need to sit for JAMB for the ND/HND program.
Check this: Master Of Public Health Degree
HND Nursing graduates are required to have a Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Nursing before they can proceed to the MSc Nursing program while BNSc graduates can proceed directly to MSc Nursing.
List of Institutions Offering The ND/HND Nursing Program in Nigeria
- Nigerian Army College Of Nursing, Yaba, Lagos State
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Katsina, Katsina State
- Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing, Ile-Ife Osun State
- Nigeria Airforce School Of Medical Science And Aviation Medicine, Kaduna
- Cross River State College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Gombe State State College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Imo State College of Nursing and Health Science
- Tafawa Balewa School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele Ibadan
- School Of Nursing And Midwifery, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi
Conclusion
In Nigeria, various colleges are offering the Diploma/Higher National Diploma Nursing And Bachelor Of Nursing Science programs, Although the majority of institutions in the country have not yet embraced the program due to criticisms from relevant stakeholders and alumni in the profession. Nevertheless, in the upcoming years, more schools might demonstrate a positive response towards it.
