Recently, there have been many misconceptions about studying nursing in the College of Nursing and the School of Nursing.
Many people assume that both are the same, but in this article, we will clear up these misconceptions, as the College of Nursing and the School of Nursing are entirely different tertiary institutions for studying nursing.
Nursing is one of the most sought-after courses in tertiary institutions in Nigeria today.
Nursing education in Nigeria stands out as one of the few disciplines given special attention, leading to the establishment of multiple institutions offering various nursing programs. These include:
- Nursing Science in Universities, where students earn a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree.
- Nursing Programs in Schools of Nursing, which award diplomas in nursing.
- Nursing Programs in Colleges of Nursing offering both diploma programs in nursing and ND/HND programs.
These options above provide aspiring nurses with different pathways to pursue their careers, depending on their goals and interests.
Nursing education is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
What is a College of Nursing?
The College of Nursing is a tertiary institution for studying different nursing programs in Nigeria.
These institutions are mostly affiliated with different universities.
This institution provides aspiring nurses both practical and theoretical knowledge to help them in their careers.
Programs offered in the College of Nursing
- General Nursing Program (Registered Nurse – RN)
- Basic Midwifery Program (Registered Midwife – RM)
- ND/HND degree in Nursing
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree: Nowadays many colleges of nursing in Nigeria offer the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree in affiliation with a university.
Admission Requirements for College of Nursing
- Candidates must possess at least five (5) O-level credit passes in relevant subjects like English language, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics at not more than two sittings.
- Candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
- Candidates must sit for JAMB.
What is the School of Nursing?
The School of Nursing is a type of tertiary institution that trains prospective nurses in Nigeria.
These schools are typically attached to hospitals or other healthcare institutions.
These institutions provide their students both theory and practical knowledge to help them become professional nurses.
Schools of nursing are known for more practical knowledge compared to other tertiary institutions for studying nursing.
Programs offered in Schools of Nursing
- General Nursing (RN)
- Basic Midwifery Program (Registered Midwife – RM)
Admission Requirements for Schools of Nursing
- Candidates must possess at least five (5) O-level credit passes in relevant subjects like English language, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics at not more than two sittings.
- Candidates must be at least 17 years old.
- JAMB is not required for schools of nursing.
- Candidates are required to sit for an entrance examination conducted by the school.
Difference between College of Nursing and School of Nursing in Nigeria
| School of Nursing | College of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Offers a 3-year diploma program | Offers both a 3-year diploma program and also offers a 2-year degree program in National Diploma (ND) and another 2-year degree program in Higher National Diploma (HND) |
| Doesn’t require JAMB. Applicants sit for an entrance examination set by the school | Applicants must sit for JAMB. |
| Graduates from Schools of Nursing don’t go for NYSC. | Graduates from Colleges of Nursing are eligible for NYSC mobilization. |
| Usually attached to healthcare institutions | Usually affiliated to universities |
| wide range of job opportunities | Broader Career Opportunities |
| Cost-effective compared to College of nursing | More expensive compared to schools of nursing |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both the College of Nursing and the School of Nursing in Nigeria are tertiary institutions for training prospective nurses, they offer different pathways and qualifications.
Schools of Nursing provide diploma programs that prepare students for fast entry into the nursing profession, whereas Colleges of Nursing offer more comprehensive programs, including degree courses, that equip students with higher qualifications and broader career opportunities.
As you can see, both College of Nursing and the School of Nursing are not the same even though they share some similarities.
Thanks for reading.