Overview of Nursing Schools in Rivers State
Rivers State has some of the best nursing schools in Nigeria. If you’re looking to pursue a career as a nurse, here are some of the top schools to consider.
With a wide range of excellent nursing schools, Rivers State is an ideal place to pursue your nursing education. Whether you prefer a larger university setting or a smaller specialized program, you’ll find high-quality options that can prepare you for a successful career helping others.
Top Nursing Schools in Rivers State
1. Department of Nursing (DON), University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)
The Department of Nursing (DON) at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in nursing. To gain admission into the DON, UNIPORT, you must meet the general admission requirements of UNIPORT as well as the DON’s admission criteria.
Undergraduate Programs
The DON, UNIPORT offers a 5-year Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc) degree program. To apply for the B.N.Sc program, you must have 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology at O’ Level.
Postgraduate Programs
The DON, UNIPORT offers postgraduate diploma, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree programs in Nursing.
- The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Science (PGDN) is a 2-year program open to registered nurses.
- The Master of Nursing Science (M.N.Sc) is a 2-year program open to registered nurses with a first degree in Nursing.
- The Ph.D in Nursing is a research degree program open to M.N.Sc degree holders.
To apply for any postgraduate program in the DON, UNIPORT, you must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a first degree in Nursing from a recognized University
- Be a registered Nurse
- Meet the general admission requirements for postgraduate studies in UNIPORT
- Possess a current practicing license
- Have a minimum of one-year post-qualification experience
2. Department of Nursing (DON), Madonna University, Elele
The Department of Nursing (DON) at Madonna University, Elele, offers various nursing programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.)
The 4-year B.N.Sc. program prepares students for a career as a professional nurse. The curriculum includes foundation courses in the sciences, nursing theories and concepts. Students gain practical experience through clinical placements at hospitals and healthcare facilities. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria professional licensing exam.
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (PGDN)
The PGDN is an intensive 1-year program for nursing graduates seeking to strengthen their knowledge and skills. The program covers advanced courses in nursing education, administration, and clinical specialization. PGDN prepares nurses for leadership and educator roles.
Master of Science in Nursing (M.Sc.)
The M.Sc. in Nursing is a 2-year graduate program focused on preparing nurses for advanced practice. Students can choose from specializations in nursing education, nursing administration or clinical nursing. The M.Sc. curriculum emphasizes research, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Graduates pursue careers as nurse educators, administrators or advanced practice nurses.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. in Nursing is a research-focused doctoral program preparing nurses for careers as faculty, researchers, and policymakers. Over 3-4 years of study, students develop expertise in nursing theories, research methodologies, statistics, and a selected area of specialization. The program culminates in a doctoral dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the nursing field. Ph.D. graduates pursue roles advancing nursing education, practice, and policy.
3. School of Nursing (SON), Port-Harcourt
The School of Nursing (SON), Port-Harcourt. It is one of the oldest nursing schools in Rivers state, Nigeria. SON Port-Harcourt offers various nursing programs including:
- Basic Nursing: This is a 3-year program leading to the award of Registered Nurse (RN) certificate.
- Post-Basic Nursing: This is an 18-month program for Registered Nurses to specialize in Midwifery, Public Health Nursing, Ophthalmic Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing.
- B.Sc. Nursing: This is a 4-year degree program in Nursing Science.
Admission Requirements
To gain admission into the SON Port-Harcourt, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry & Biology at not more than two sittings in WASSCE/NECO.
- JAMB UTME score (as stipulated annually).
- Application fee (as stipulated annually).
- Other requirements as specified by the school.
4. School of Post Basic (SOPB) A&E Nursing, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital
The School of Post Basic (SOPB) Accident and Emergency Nursing, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, offers advanced nursing courses at the post-basic level in Accident and Emergency Nursing.
Admission Requirements
To gain admission into the SOPB Accident and Emergency Nursing program, candidates must:
- Possess a Diploma in Nursing and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
- Have a minimum of one year post-qualification experience.
- Pass an entrance exam and interview.
Program Duration
The SOPB Accident and Emergency Nursing program runs for 12 months, divided into 2 semesters. Students take courses in emergency care, trauma management, disaster management, and critical care. Practical placements and demonstrations are also part of the curriculum.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the SOPB Accident and Emergency Nursing program can work as:
- Accident and Emergency Nurses in hospitals, providing rapid assessment and treatment of patients in emergency situations.
- Critical Care Nurses in hospital intensive care units.
- Flight Nurses, providing emergency care during patient air transport.
- Disaster and Emergency Management Personnel, helping coordinate responses to large-scale emergencies.
Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in Rivers State
To get into a nursing school in Rivers State, there are certain admission requirements you must meet. These typically include both academic qualifications as well as other criteria.
1. Academic Requirements
For most nursing schools in Rivers State, you will need at minimum a Senior Secondary School Certificate from an accredited school, with credits in required subjects like English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Some schools may require a higher cut-off score for required courses. You will also usually need to take an entrance exam for the school, such as the UTME.
2. Age Requirement
Most nursing schools in Rivers State require applicants to be at least 18 years of age to apply. Some schools may have a maximum age limit for admission as well, often around 35-40 years of age. Check with your school of choice for their specific age requirements.
3. Medical Fitness
As nursing training involves practical components, you must be medically fit to meet the demands of the program. All applicants are required to undergo medical screening and obtain a medical certificate of fitness from a government hospital. Some conditions like visual or hearing impairments may disqualify you from admission.
4. Other Requirements
Other common requirements include things like a reference or recommendation letter, a personal essay, an interview, and paying an application fee. The specific mix of requirements will vary between different nursing schools in Rivers State, so make sure to check with the schools you are interested in for their full list of admission criteria.
Meeting the admission requirements for nursing schools in Rivers State is essential to getting accepted into a program. Ensure you understand all the criteria for your target schools and submit a complete application with all required documents to maximize your chances of getting in.
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Tuition Fees for Nursing Programs in Rivers State
Attending nursing school in Rivers State can be very affordable, especially if you’re a resident of Nigeria. As a general rule of thumb, tuition for nursing programs at public universities and colleges in Rivers State range from 150,000 Naira to 350,000 Naira per year for resident students. Private nursing schools typically charge higher tuition, from 200,000 Naira up to 500,000 Naira annually.
1. Public Universities
Public universities like University of Port Harcourt and Rivers State University offer the most affordable nursing programs. Tuition for a Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) degree at these schools is usually between N150,000 to N250,000 Naira per year for residents. These programs typically take 4 years to complete, so you can expect to pay N600,000 Naira to 1 million Naira total for your degree.
2. Public Colleges
Public colleges like Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology and Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic also offer affordable nursing diploma and associate degree programs. Annual tuition ranges from 200,000 to 350,000 Naira. These programs usually take 2 to 3 years to finish, costing you 400,000 Naira to over 1 million Naira total.
3. Private Schools
Private schools like Madonna University, Elechi Amadi Polytechnic and Wesley University charge higher tuition for their nursing programs. You can expect to pay between 300,000 to 500,000 Naira per year, or 900,000 Naira to 1.5 million Naira in total for a 3-year program. While private schools often have attractive facilities and resources, the tuition can be significantly higher than public options.
Job Prospects for Nurses in Rivers State
Nurses in Rivers State can look forward to a wide range of job opportunities. As the population continues to grow, the demand for quality healthcare also increases. This results in a high need for competent nurses to provide care in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and private practices.
1. Hospitals and Clinics
Hospitals and clinics employ the largest number of nurses in Rivers State. Nurses are needed to provide care for patients in areas like emergency rooms, intensive care units, operating rooms, maternity wards, and general medical-surgical units. Both government and private hospitals recruit nurses on a regular basis.
2. Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities are always in need of compassionate nurses to care for residents. In these settings, nurses focus on chronic disease management, personal care, and ensuring the general well-being of residents. They build caring relationships and serve as advocates for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
3. Private Practices
Some nurses work in private physician practices, providing care and health education to patients under a doctor’s supervision. In a private practice, nurses may assist with procedures, provide injections or immunizations, check vital signs, and help manage chronic conditions. For nurses who enjoy working closely with physicians and building long-term relationships with patients, a private practice can be very rewarding.
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Conclusion
In summary, Rivers State offers many opportunities for nurses in both government and private healthcare settings. With a growing, aging population, the job outlook for nurses remains positive. A career as a nurse in Rivers State can provide a stable, meaningful livelihood helping to serve the health needs of your community.
