Over the past years, there has been an ongoing debate among students about which is better for pursuing a career in nursing: a university program or a school of nursing.
In the article below, we will answer this question in full detail and back up our answers with facts.
Nursing education in Nigeria have different pathways for aspiring students to follow like:
- University programs
- College of nursing programs
- School of Nursing programs
All these pathways prepare prospective nurses to become professionals in their field they just differ in their structure of program and duration of their program.
With the rising demand of nurses both home and abroad has create a competition amongst fellow students in tertiary institutions making the course one of the most of competitive course presently.
However, choosing the right educational path can significantly impact one’s career growth, opportunities for specialization, and long-term success in the field.
Studying Nursing in the University
Studying nursing at a university in Nigeria is regarded as the highest level of tertiary education for pursuing a career in nursing.
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The nursing program at the university leads to the award of a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSC) degree.
This program equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for professional nursing roles.
Studying nursing at a university typically takes 4-5 years, with a curriculum covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, and public health.
Studying Nursing in a School of Nursing
A School of Nursing is a specialized tertiary institution focused on training prospective nurses.
Schools of Nursing primarily emphasize equipping their students with more practical knowledge compared to universities.
Studying nursing at a School of Nursing leads to the award of a Diploma in Nursing. The program lasts for about 2 to 3 years.
This pathway is shorter compared to studying nursing at a university.
Difference Between University Nursing and School of Nursing
| School of Nursing | Nursing in University |
|---|---|
| This usually takes 3-years, making it a faster route to becoming a licensed nurse. | This lasts for 4 to 5 years. |
| Focuses primarily on practical nursing skills | Offers a broader curriculum that combines both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. |
| Graduates receive a Diploma in Nursing RN/RM | Graduates earn a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree. |
| Studying at School of Nursing is more cheaper compared to studying nursing in university | Studying Nursing at the university is more expensive compared to Schools of Nursing |
| School of nursing graduates have limited career opportunities compared to universities graduates | Nursing graduates at the university have more career and job opportunities compared to that of schools of nursing. |
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Institution to Pursue a Career in Nursing
Career Goals
If your goal is to become a professional nurse quickly and gain hands-on experience, a School of Nursing is a better option.
However, if your goal is to work in advanced nursing roles,then a university nursing program is the best.
Financial Considerations
Studying nursing at a School of Nursing is cheaper compared to studying at a university.
This is because university nursing students pay higher tuition fees and also incur additional costs, such as accommodation, textbooks, research materials, and project expenses.
For those who are not financially boyant enough, school of nursing is the best option for you
Admission Requirements
To study nursing at a university, applicants must have a minimum of five (5) credit passes in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and English in their O-Level results.
Applicants are also required to sit for JAMB and score at least 200.
Some universities conduct Post-UTME exams as part of their admission process.
While for Schools of Nursing, applicants just needs a minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and English in their O-Level results at not more than two sittings.
JAMB is not required for Schools of Nursing. Instead, applicants are required to sit for an entrance exam conducted by the school.
Which is better Studying Nursing in University or School of Nursing
Experience has shown that graduates of universities are senior officers above those who completed a diploma degree in nursing like RN or RM.
This means, if we have a staff with a degree RN or RM who had been working for ten years or more, he/she will eventually be subordinate or junior colleague to a new staff with a Bsc Nursing.
With these we can all say that Studying Nursing in the University is more better than studying Nursing in schools of nursing because studying nursing in the university offers you more career and job opportunities compared to that of schools of nursing.