School of Nursing in Nigeria is a specialized institution that offers degree programs for training mid-level health practitioners in the Nursing profession.
Gaining admission into the School or College of Nursing in Nigeria is competitive because of the fewer slots for acceptance to study the program.
My sister took many years to get into the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) School of Nursing.
She wrote the entrance exam three (3) times before she obtained admission. However, her problem was passing the entrance exam with a high score.
Many people do not know that admission to the School of Nursing is more competitive than getting into the University to study Nursing Sciences.
I am writing this post because I would not want you to make the same mistakes as my sister or encounter any challenges with gaining admission into any School of Nursing in Nigeria.
Let me know in the comment if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to hear from you.
I wish you success as you begin your journey in the Nursing profession.
Table of contents
School of Nursing in Nigeria
There are School of Nursing in every State in Nigeria that offers academic and practical training for students to become Nurses.
Nigeria’s School of Nursing program is three (3) years for the Basic Nursing program.
Nigeria’s Nursing and Midwifery Council regulate admission, accreditation, and graduation from the College of Nursing.
The following is the list of the types of schools of Nursing in Nigeria;
- School of Nursing (Basic)
- Post Basic Peri-Operative Nursing
- Cardiothoracic Nursing School
- Community Midwifery Programme
- Post Basic Occupational Health Nursing
- Schools of Post-Basic Nursing Specialties
- Post Basic Intensive Care Nursing
- Community Nursing Programme
- Post Basic Ear, Nose, and Throat Nursing
Now, it is time to get into the main content of this article.
How to Gain Admission Into School of Nursing in Nigeria
The following are tips for gaining admission into the School of Nursing in Nigeria;
- O’level Requirements
- Age Requirement
- Pregnancy Regulation
- Know Your Admission Chances
- Purchase the School Form
- Write the Entrance Exam
- Attend the Oral Interview
- Submit Your Documents
O’level Requirements
The most crucial requirement to gain admission to the School of Nursing is to possess a minimum of five (5) credit passes in the following subjects below in your WAEC or NECO result;
You cannot study Nursing Science at the University or the School of Nursing without credit passes in these subjects.
Art students who wish to become a Nurse must retake the WAEC or NECO exam by including these subjects.
You can combine two O’level results, WAEC or NECO, for admission to the School of Nursing in Nigeria.
Age Requirement
Age is a requirement for admission to study at the School of Nursing.
The Nursing profession does not allow underage students to study the course.
As you should know, becoming a nurse in Nigeria takes physical and emotional maturity.
The age requirement to study at any School of Nursing in Nigeria is a minimum of sixteen (16) years.
However, the age requirement for some schools is eighteen (18) years.
Also, some Nursing Schools may have a maximum age requirement say sixty (60) years.
Let me know in the comment if you are unsure of the age requirement for the School of Nursing to you are seeking admission.
Pregnancy Regulation
Pregnancy is an admission requirement for female students to study at the School of Nursing.
Pregnancy at the time of admission is against the policies of the School of Nursing in Nigeria.
I know you are wondering why the discrimination against pregnant students.
It is not discrimination but a policy that is for your good.
Students at the School of Nursing participate in practical sessions at the hospital.
It would be a great danger for pregnant women to attend to patients with infectious diseases.
Also, a pregnant woman cannot pull through the academic stress at nursing school.
Know Your Admission Chances
It is necessary to determine your admission chances to the Nursing school you are applying to study.
Some schools of Nursing, mainly the Federal Schools, are more competitive than others.
Also, some Nursing schools would require you to sit for the JAMB UTME examination.
Ensure you apply to a school you stand a good chance for admission.
I recommend you apply to your State School of Nursing. But you can apply to other Schools in Nigeria.
See the list of Schools of Nursing whose admission form is currently available here.
Let me know in the comment if you have any questions about any of the Nursing schools in Nigeria.
Purchase the School Form
Buying the School of Nursing form is the first practical step to gaining admission to the School of Nursing in Nigeria.
Every Nursing school releases its admission form annually to receive prospective students’ applications.
The fee to purchase most School of Nursing admission forms is ten thousand Naira (₦10,000). It can be purchased online or at the school premises.
Ensure you get the form before the expiration.
Write the Entrance Exam
Passing the entrance examination for a nursing school is an essential requirement for admission.
Every School of Nursing organizes an entrance examination for students seeking admission in the following subjects;
- English Language
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Current Affairs
Knowing the entrance examination format for the school you want to study basic nursing program is necessary.
Getting a high score in the entrance examination is the requirement to get an invitation for the oral interview before you get the offer for admission.
Let me know in the comment if you are unsure about the entrance examination format.
Attend the Oral Interview
The oral interview is the last screening process to gain admission to nursing school.
Only students who performed excellently at the entrance examination get invited for the oral interview screening.
Many students fear the oral exam because it is the time to prove to the examiners they are worthy of studying at nursing school.
At the oral interview, you would encounter personal questions like describing yourself, why you want to study nursing science, etc.
Submit Your Documents
After gaining admission to the School of Nursing, submitting your documents is the first thing to do.
The following is the list of documents required for admission screening clearance;
- Birth certificate/declaration of age (original)
- WAEC/NECO certificate (original)
- Testimonial for six years (original)
- Admission letter (original)
- Local Government or Origin certificate
- Indigenization certificate (original)
- Photocopy of all credentials
- Four passport photographs
Ensure you get these documents ready before the admission screening.
School of Nursing Interview Questions
The questions asked at a School of Nursing interview can vary depending on the institution and the specific program.
However, some common questions that may be asked during a School of Nursing interview include:
- Why do you want to become a nurse?
- What are your career goals in the nursing field?
- What qualities do you think are essential for a nurse to have?
- How do you handle stress and challenging situations?
- What is your experience working in healthcare or with patients?
- How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks?
- What do you know about the School of Nursing and its program?
- How do you balance the program’s demands with other responsibilities in your life?
- What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the program?
- How do you plan to use your nursing education to make a difference in your community?
It’s essential to prepare for the interview by researching the school and program, practising your responses to common interview questions, and being ready to discuss your experiences and goals in the nursing field.
School of Nursing vs Nursing in University
Nursing involves caring for individuals, families, and communities to promote health and prevent illnesses.
It is a noble profession that requires a certain level of training and education to practice. In Nigeria, nursing education is offered in two significant ways: through universities and schools of nursing.
Studying nursing at a university leads to a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree (BNSc) and takes four to five years to complete, depending on the program.
The BNSc program provides a comprehensive education covering theoretical and practical nursing aspects. It includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, and many more courses.
The program also includes clinical rotations in various healthcare settings where students can apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life situations.
On the other hand, studying nursing in a nursing school leads to obtaining a Registered Nurse (RN) certification. Nigeria’s nursing schools offer three-year nursing programs that provide students with the essential knowledge and skills to become competent RNs.
The program is structured to include theoretical and practical aspects of nursing, and students must complete clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
The difference between having a degree in nursing (BNSc) and RN certification is the level of education and the scope of practice.
RNs are trained to provide direct patient care, such as administering medications, assisting with daily activities, and monitoring vital signs.
However, BNSc degree holders have a broader scope of practice and can work in various areas of healthcare, including nursing research, healthcare management, and education.
In terms of working in Nigeria and abroad, both RNs and BNSc degree holders can work in Nigeria. However, some employers, especially those in developed countries, may require BNSc degree holders for certain nursing positions.
In conclusion, studying nursing at a university and a nursing school are viable options. The decision on which to choose depends on individual preferences and career goals.
It is important to note that nursing is a noble profession, and regardless of the path chosen, the goal should be to provide excellent patient care and promote health and wellness in the community.
I wish you success in becoming a registered nurse in Nigeria.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
You can watch my videos on the Studentship YouTube Channel by clicking here.
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Hi Blessing
Thanks for sharing this vital info. Are there accelerated nursing programs for persons with bachelor’s degree in microbiology here in Nigeria? Please I’d like to know more if yes or what options you think are okay if no
No, Lucy
Please ma I got As and Bs,will it be possible for me to enter the school with such scores?
Yes, Ruth
Can I enter the college of nursing with D7 in English and what should I do
No, Vivian
English Language is compulsory.
Is the entrance exam in school of nursing CBT?
Ayesha,
It is a CBT exam for most schools.
Pls sir what is the pass Mark for ubth nursing exam
50%
Hello sir ,I want to study nursing in university of Ibadan what is there jamb cutoff mark
Hello Stella,
What is your JAMB score?
Hello goodafternoon,and thank you for putting this piece down.Please,i applied for kwara state college of nursing and midwifery,can i get past questions for it.My exam is in august,i just want to read through some p.qs and have an idea of what to expect.Thank you.
Hello Grace,
It is nice to hear from you.
Are you living in Kwara State?
You can get past questions around the school campus.
Hello,
God bless you for all you do.
Please can I call or email you. I need to discuss further.
Yes, Ice
You can contact me on phone.
Glad to help.
I applied for a nursing school and I was asked to bring all educational certificates. Does that include my primary school certificate? Because my primary school is not existing again and unfortunately I didn’t collect my testimonial then.
Ellaley,
No need to worry.
Go for the verification with the certificates at your disposal.
Is it only objective questions?
Yes, depending on the school.
How can I prepare for the exam
Godwin,
It is like the JAMB exam.
How does the entrance exam look like
Godwin,
It is like the JAMB exam.
Is it possible for someone between the age bracket of 45-50 to study nurse as a course,and can one study a professional course with RN certificate and also travel abroad with it
Hello,
Yes, it is possible for someone between the age bracket of 45-50 to study nursing as a course.
Many nursing programs accept students of various age groups, including mature students who are looking to pursue a career change or further their education.
The maximum age requirement is usually 65 years.
Does it mean I can’t get a job after my graduation in school of nursing.. In Nigeria
Please throw more lights on school of nursing and nursing in university
School of Nursing: In Nigeria, a School of Nursing typically offers a three-year nursing program that leads to the award of a Registered Nurse (RN) qualification. This program focuses on practical nursing skills, clinical experience, and theoretical knowledge necessary for entry-level nursing practice. After graduation, you will need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to practice as a nurse in the country.
University Nursing Programs: Universities in Nigeria also offer nursing programs at the undergraduate level, usually as a Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) degree. These programs typically span a duration of four to five years and provide a more comprehensive and in-depth education in nursing theory, research, and practice. A B.N.Sc. degree can offer broader career opportunities and advanced roles in nursing.
Job Opportunities: As a nursing graduate, you can find employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health centers, private practices, and government agencies. There is a high demand for qualified nurses in Nigeria, and job prospects are generally favorable.
U only tips us on some questions dat may come across in times of interview, u nv told us about dey main exam what may be there questions in times of they exam day ??
Ellalucious,
What school of nursing are you applying to?
Pls I have a B.A in philosophy, and am not a science student but want to do nursing, do I have to write o level or can I use my b.a certificate to apply to a nursing school,pls kindly explain
Hello Esther,
Do you have the required subjects in your O’level?
If no, then you will have to sit again for the O’level exams.
Good evening sir
Pls between nursing schools and nursing in the university which does more practical
School of Nursing
Good evening sir
Pls can I use my waec results but is not the original
Yes, Ameenah
You can make use of it.
Hello, can i apply for D.E to university in my last year at sch of nursing?
You can only apply for direct entry after you have your certificate.
I was told when I checked that school of nursing exams registration will take place July/August but when I checked back 2 day I discovered that the deadline for registration has been closed.
Please will school of nursing exams registration be out again this year
Alaina,
What school of nursing are you talking about?
Please will school of nursing exams be written again this year??.
Alaina,
See the school of nursing, whose forms are available here.
Pls sir ,can i get the past question for the exam entrance
Esther,
For what school of nursing?
Millennium school of nursing awka
Prevail,
You can visit the school to purchase the past questions.
Can male apply for school of nursing
Yes, male students are eligible for admission to the school of nursing.
Pls I am a social science student, I did Auxiliary Nurse in a pharmacy, I have no ideal on Science subject. And I want to go for school of Nursing, what should I do ?
Hello Festus,
You must write the O’level (WAEC or NECO) exams to gain admission to a School of Nursing.
Please do they also ask questions from textbooks in the nursing interview or just personal questions??
The questions asked at a School of Nursing interview can vary depending on the institution and the specific program. However, some common questions that may be asked during a School of Nursing interview include:
1. Why do you want to become a nurse?
2. What are your career goals in the nursing field?
3. What qualities do you think are essential for a nurse?
4. How do you handle stress and challenging situations?
5. What is your experience working in healthcare or with patients?
6. How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks?
7. What do you know about the School of Nursing and its program?
8. How do you plan to balance the program’s demands with other responsibilities in your life?
9. What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the program?
10. How do you plan to use your nursing education to make a difference in your community?
It’s essential to prepare for the interview by researching the school and program, practising your responses to common interview questions, and being ready to discuss your experiences and goals in the nursing field.
Can a 15 year old apply for nursing school
Treasure,
For most Nursing schools in Nigeria, you must be sixteen (16) years of age by admission.
hello sir, please i have gone through your content and also the questions and answers. my is, please do elaborate more on the different between studying nursing in university and studying it in a school of nursing? like what is the different between having a degree in nursing and RN? like is it just the working in nigeria and working abroad, does it means you can’t work in Nigeria with RN? do throw more light on this pls.
please if you dont mind i will like your contact because i have alot of question about this course. u can reach me through my email address.
thank u.
Hello Perpetua,
Nursing involves caring for individuals, families, and communities to promote health and prevent illnesses. It is a noble profession that requires a certain level of training and education to practice. In Nigeria, nursing education is offered in two significant ways: through universities and schools of nursing.
Studying nursing at a university leads to a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree (BNSc) and takes four to five years to complete, depending on the program. The BNSc program provides a comprehensive education covering theoretical and practical nursing aspects. It includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, and many more courses. The program also includes clinical rotations in various healthcare settings where students can apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life situations.
On the other hand, studying nursing in a nursing school leads to obtaining a Registered Nurse (RN) certification. Nigeria’s nursing schools offer three-year nursing programs that provide students with the essential knowledge and skills to become competent RNs. The program is structured to include theoretical and practical aspects of nursing, and students must complete clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
The difference between having a degree in nursing (BNSc) and RN certification is the level of education and the scope of practice. RNs are trained to provide direct patient care, such as administering medications, assisting with daily activities, and monitoring vital signs. However, BNSc degree holders have a broader scope of practice and can work in various areas of healthcare, including nursing research, healthcare management, and education.
In terms of working in Nigeria and abroad, both RNs and BNSc degree holders can work in Nigeria. However, some employers, especially those in developed countries, may require BNSc degree holders for certain nursing positions.
In conclusion, studying nursing at a university and a nursing school are viable options. The decision on which to choose depends on individual preferences and career goals. It is important to note that nursing is a noble profession, and regardless of the path chosen, the goal should be to provide excellent patient care and promote health and wellness in the community.
Please sir is it possible to apply for nursing school with O level awaiting results
Yes, Amarachi
If only your results will be out by the time of admission.
Where do you reside.I have the same issue with you. Let’s work together if you don’t mind
Nenye,
What issue do you have?
Good day Blessing, what is the requirement to study at School of Nursing for a BSc holder (in Microbiology) and what Schools accept BSc for entry
Ayo,
You cannot study Nursing at the university with a BSc in Microbiology.
Hello, my name is Dura. About the entrance examination, is it a computer based test ?
And is it also a one time exam or will be taken over the course of days?
Thanks.
Hello Dura,
What school of Nursing are you applying to?
Hello!
So the thing is , I want to study school of nursing, at port-harcourt…. And I don’t have any idea of any nursing school there. Can you please list out few name for me?
Also..mmm .
Can’t I write the entrance exam without maths? ….. Am not good at maths😟.
Thanks .
Hello,
See the list of Schools of Nursing in Port Harcourt here.
Pls ma what subjects will the questions come out from?
And if you do not have any computer knowledge,how will you one write the entrance exam.
Bright,
What school of Nursing are you applying to?
Does ubth nursing school go for Nysc
School of Nursing graduates do not go for NYSC.
What is pts exam all about
And What wil happen if someone fails the exam
Tiana,
PTS is a Preliminary training school exam.
You cannot afford to fail the exam.
What school of Nursing are you applying to?
Pls sir does that means one can travel outside the country with Bsc in nursing accept RN
Yes, Rits
Excuse me pls i got a message that jamb has offered me admission into college of nursing obohia abia state and clicked on the link but didn’t see where to accept the admission so i want to know if it works like that or not
Hello Happiness,
You can log in to your JAMB CAPS to accept your admission.
Congratulations, by the way.
Let me know if you encounter any further difficulties.
Greetings.. am curious to know if perhaps nursings schools are writing the same entrance exam.
No, Favour,
Every Nursing school conduct their entrance exams.
Hello, I was a science student in secondary school, sat the WASSCE and had credits and distinctions in physics,chemistry, biology, maths and english.
I went on to university and studied human resources management now I want to go back to school to study nursing. My O’level results were gotten in the year 1999. Would it be accepted or I have to rewrite WASSCE?
Hello Cindy,
Your WASSCE results will be accepted to study Nursing Science.
Good luck.
I have a challenge, I wrote JAMB last year,my score was very okay,but I could not meet up with post UTME REGISTRATION regarding my o level results, I failed physics, now,I registered for GCE and physics is D6,Chemistry is C4,Biology is C3, English is C5,Mathematics is A1.
Now,I received a message from one college of nursing,saying JAMB has offered me admission,but I need to process it and physics is my challenge.what do I do? Do I still have a chance?
Hello Favour,
Unfortunately, you cannot get admission to Nursing without Physics in your O’level.
Hi good day…pls can I know the list of nursing schools in Lagos that doesn’t require jamb🙏🙏
Gold,
What schools are you interested in applying to?
I will run a check for you.
Studying nursing in the university and studying nursing in school of nursing which is better
Clement,
It depends on the purpose for which you want to study Nursing.
Work in Nigeria = University
Travel Abroad = School of Nursing
Does school of nursing accept awaiting result?I registered for this year waec and planing on picking nursing form
Mary,
It depends on whether your results will be available during admission.
For some schools, you will not be allowed to apply with awaiting results.
Feel free to ask me any further questions.
Sir pls do you mean if i study nursing at a college of nursing I’m eligible to work abroad?
Yes, Blessing
Please ma
Can you help me with Sacred heart school of nursing lantoro,Abeokuta past questions?🥺🥺
You will have to get it at the school of nursing.
Can someone who went to school of nursing also go back to the university to do his or her post nursing program there?
Bethel,
You get admission via direct entry to get an undergraduate nursing degree.
U are an art student but u want to go to nursing, how will u do ..
Pls I need answers
Jennifer,
As stated in this post, you will need to sit for the O’level exams to get a minimum credit pass in the relevant subjects.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Good sir, pls I want to know if after pts a married student can get pregnant and not been expelled from school. Or is it that u will not get pregnant at all until u graduate? Pls I need ur kind answer. Thanks
Hello Queeneth,
A married woman is not supposed to get pregnant until after graduation.
The stress and clinical exposure at the school can affect your child.
Hello, pls there said the oral interview is a ringlight to gaining admission, assuming they’re not satisfied with the person will that delay the admission?
Faithfulness,
It depends on your performance in the written interview.
You should be able to answer some questions in the oral interview to stand a chance for admission.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
please sir can I write neco this year and still apply for akwa ibom school of nursing this same year with awaiting results
Yes, Grateful.
Good day sir please is Edo state nusring school form out
Favour,
See the list of schools of Nursing form that is out here.
Please sir can I still apply for the form now
Favour,
Click on this link to see the nursing school whose form is currently available.
I don’t have chemistry in my o’level result and I would like to study nursing Will I take it in the school of nursing
Amaka,
It is not possible because Chemistry is compulsory.
Good day ma can I gain admission into school of nursing with only waec certificate or results?
Yes, Charity.
Pls sir do i need to write jamb for d admission of nurses school
What nursing school are you applying for admission to?
Good morning ma
Please I will like you to help me with updates
So that I can pick up form before deadline
Please can you help me with some past questions for the school of nursing entrance examination 🙏
Joan,
What school of Nursing are you applying to ?
See the School of Nursing form that is out here.
Good morning ma
Please I will like you to help me with updates
So that I can pick up form before deadline
Please can you help me with some past questions 🙏
Joan,
What school of nursing are you applying to?
Can I use my neco to enter school of nursing I scored D7 in English and B2 in mathematics
No, Beauty
You must have a minimum credit pass in the English language in your NECO or WAEC results.
Is the examination only for one day?
What examination?
Can I study nursing with waec result having E8 in maths? Do I need jamb result to study nursing?
No, Caroline
You must have a minimum of a credit pass in your Mathematics result.
I don’t have chemistry in my waec they cancelled it can I still gain admission
No, Ike
Chemistry is compulsory to study Nursing.
Please ma’am can I combine my results for school of nursing?
Yes, Utin
You can combine results.
What school of nursing are you applying to?
I don’t have chemistry on my waec result they cancelled it can I gain admission
No
Has school of nursing umuahia started selling their form
Nwaka,
See the school of Nursing form that is out here.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Pls can I get UITH pass question
Abolade,
You can only get the past questions at the school premise.
I love to study nursing but I scored D7 in my English and B2 in mathematics
Beauty,
You will have to sit for the NECO or WAEC exam to get your English result.
Sir /ma
Can I use my WAEC result to enter nursing school
And when will the form be out
Yes, Bukola,
You can make use of your WAEC results.
What school of Nursing are you applying to?
Good day, sir, I’m a student at Ahmadu Bello University studying fishery and aquaculture, I’m supposed to e in 400l by now but due to the strike and corona stuffs, I am still in 200l first semester, I wrote school of the nursing exam during the strike and I have been given admission, but I’m still contemplating on either going for the nursing or continue the fishery, please advice me sir. I’m considering job after studying too.
Hello Roffy,
It is nice to hear from you.
I will advise you to attend the School of Nursing.
There are more opportunities for Nurses in Nigeria or abroad.
Hi can you please get me some past questions for the entrance exam into school of nursing.
What school of Nursing?
I don’t have chemistry in my waec they cancelled it can I still gain admission
No, Ike
You must have a minimum of credit passes in Chemistry.
Sir pls school of nursing and studying in the university for nursing which one is best
Daniella,
It depends on why you want to study Nursing and where you want to practice.
In Nigeria, the University Nursing certificate is higher than the school of nursing.
I love to study nursing but don’t have biology in my o level . What can I do pls?
Yetty,
It is nice to hear from you.
You will have to sit for the O’level exam to get Biology.
It is a compulsory subject for Nursing.
My name is Amarachi, i am from imo state,mbano. I want to enter the school of nursing emekuku, owerri. what am i required to have ?
Lilian,
The requirements are in this post.
Is there any other exam to write apart from the entrance exam in nursing school
Entrance examination and interview.
Greetings sir/ ma
I would want you to run check nursing schools that doesn’t require jamb for admission..
Dom,
Most schools of Nursing do not require JAMB.