Requirements for Nursing Courses in Kenya (2024)

Nursing is one of the major courses today and they are needed in every community. They play a large role in direct patient care, case management, establishing nursing patients, developing quality assurance procedures and directing complex nursing care systems.

As a nurse, you need many skills: communication skills, attitude and confidence, teamwork, networking, critical thinking, professionalism, empathy and conflict resolution. There are so many requirements for nursing courses in Kenya and studying this course allows you to work in different places, not just hospitals, nursing is one of the courses that you can easily get several opportunities to work in.

Requirements for Nursing Courses in Kenya

There are so many requirements for studying nursing in Kenya. Nursing has many rules to follow and if you want to become one you will need to go through all the necessary processes. You will need a KCE result with a C + (plus) minimum for the required subjects; English, mathematics, physics and chemistry, this is the minimum entry requirement for BCSN direct entry. The requirements to study nursing in Kenya depend on the degree you would want to attain, after getting your first degree you might want to upgrade to other degrees maybe for higher pay or even getting the required knowledge that is needed.

RN to BSN Upgrading

• KCSE aggregate C plain plus Diploma in Nursing OR
• KCE/EACE Division 2 plus Diploma in Nursing OR

• KACE 1Principal and 2 Subsidiaries plus Diploma in Nursing

• At least 2 years of working experience after attainment of the Diploma in Nursing

There are several degrees that one could get in nursing, you can either have a certificate in nursing, a diploma in nursing, a higher diploma in nursing, post-basic diploma courses, a university degree in nursing, short nursing courses and nursing aide courses. All of these take several years to achieve.

1. Certificate in Nursing

A certificate in nursing takes two and a half years to complete, it is known as one of the lowest courses in Kenya and it has its admission requirements that are needed. To qualify for any of the nursing certificate courses, you are required to have a minimum of C- in your KCSE results and you must have the relevant subject combination to match the course. Many schools in Kenya are ready to give you a certificate in nursing long as you have the required subjects in your KCSE examinations and other requirements that will be asked of you.

2. Short Nursing Courses

Short nursing courses are offered to organizations not just individuals, this shows that the role of a nurse is needed everywhere not just in hospitals alone. Organizations and government agencies wishing for their staff to undergo training can issue a written request to any medical college and make arrangements.

3. Diploma in Nursing

Studying for a diploma in nursing is like an upgrade to having a certificate in nursing. If you want to apply to study for a diploma in nursing, you will need a mean grade of C or its equivalent, certificate holders can also apply for this diploma in nursing, it is more like an upgrade to the previous degree you had. The correct subject combination is needed for this course so that you can easily get admission into the program. The correct combination should include English, Kiswahili, Biology, Biological Sciences, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Physical sciences. Almost all diploma nursing courses take three years, except community health nursing, which takes 42 months.

4. Higher Diploma in Nursing

This degree in nursing is open to those who have completed a diploma in nursing or any other relevant nursing degree. This is an upgrade to you having a diploma in nursing and it requires one to have the necessary subject combinations and good grades from your diploma degree. This degree takes another year for one to be able to complete. The candidate must have two years of working experience before they can apply for this higher diploma in nursing, These are the requirements that are needed; a Diploma in KRN/M, KRCHN or a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BScN) Work experience of a minimum of two years as a registered nurse in a hospital C- and above in KCSE Be registered by the Nursing Council of Kenya and own a valid practising license.

5. Post-Basic Diploma Course

The major reason for the post-basic diploma course is to offer specialization in community nursing and cardiac nursing. Before applying to study this particular course and getting this degree individuals must be holders of basic diplomas from recognized institutions. Students who would wish to get a post-basic diploma degree must know that they will need to have practised for two years in the relevant course of nursing. Some of the relevant courses that are being offered in the post-basic diploma programme include; Nephrology nursing, Critical care nursing, Neonatal nursing, Perioperative nursing, and Accident and emergency nursing. All of these can be studied and you can get the relevant certificate to work in relevant fields.

6. University Degree in Nursing

This is one of the most popular ways to get a nursing degree course but the competition is high, unless you have good grades that is the only way you can get into study nursing. The minimum score of C+ in the relevant cluster subjects. These are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and English/ Kiswahili OR Physical science, Mathematics, English/ Kiswahili and any other subject from group II in KCSE. Outstanding diploma students with credit and above can also be admitted to pursue a degree in nursing. Other requirements are needed from you as well which include; An aggregate of C in KCSE and a credible diploma in nursing OR KCE/EACA Division 2 and a nursing diploma OR KACE 1 Principal and 2 Subsidiaries in addition to a diploma in nursing Applicants should have worked for a minimum of two years after getting the diploma in nursing.

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Finally

Nurses are needed in every organization and their roles are very important in our lives and daily activities. It is a well-respected course and the requirements for nursing courses in Kenya have been listed in this article. You can apply to any school of your choice and get the degree that is needed.