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“Nursing is the act of placing the patient in the optimal condition for nature to take its course,” stated Florence Nightingale, a pioneering nurse and the architect of modern nursing. This succinctly captures the fundamental role of a nurse—to nurture, heal, and serve the ailing to ensure the most favourable outcomes. In this blog, we will understand the diversity of Singapore nursing courses and how can you pursue them.
As the population ages, the demand for healthcare services has naturally surged. Consequently, there is a growing need for healthcare professionals, including nurses, to meet this demand. If you harbour an interest in pursuing a nursing career in Singapore, explore the diverse educational options available for aspiring nurses and those already registered in the country.
This Blog Includes:
Types of Nurses in Singapore
In the nursing profession, there are two distinct roles: Enrolled Nurse and Registered Nurse. Each role entails different entry prerequisites, and it is essential to weigh the variances when selecting the most fitting nursing trajectory.
| Criteria | Enrolled Nurse | Registered Nurse |
| Role | Works under a registered nurse | Leads and directs enrolled nurses |
| Requirements | Nitec in Nursing | Diploma in Nursing/Diploma in Health Sciences (Nursing), Degree in Nursing, Accelerated Diploma of Nursing |
| Minimum Educational Requirements | ‘N’ levels | ‘O’ levels, ‘A’ levels |
| Place of Study | Institute of Technical Education (ITE) | Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, National University of Singapore, Overseas degrees |
| Further Studies Applicable | No | Yes |
Must Read: Singapore Visa for Indians
Singapore Nursing Courses: Top Courses and Universities
Here are the top nursing courses and the universities situated in Singapore.
National University of Singapore (NUS) – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
As the oldest university in Singapore, the National University of Singapore (NUS) stands prominently in the minds of locals when it comes to discussions about universities in the country. The nursing degree program was established in 2006 and has produced numerous batches of qualified nurses since its inception. The university’s goal is to offer a comprehensive foundation in nursing, humanities, biological and social sciences, all crucial elements for shaping competent and safe nursing professionals. The degree program is designed to foster critical thinking skills essential for effective patient care and management.
NUS provides flexibility in its nursing education by offering the degree as part of the Professional Conversion Programme for Registered Nurses. Additionally, there is a part-time option for Polytechnic nursing graduates through the Bachelor of Science (Nursing Practice) program.
Programme Details
- Duration: Full-time basis, 3 years, with the opportunity to undertake an Honours year if the student achieves a GPA above 3.2.
- Eligibility: ‘A’ level certificate holders, Polytechnic Diploma holders
- Course Fees: SGD 8,950 for Singaporeans, SGD 12,550 for PRs, SGD 19,150 for international students annually
- Career Prospects: Graduates are eligible to register with the Singapore Nursing Board to practice as Registered Nurses or pursue postgraduate studies at NUS.
CSM Academy International – Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Health
CSM Academy International offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Health program, conferred by the University of Dundee, a renowned institution in the United Kingdom. What distinguishes this program is its direct relevance to the healthcare landscape in Singapore, with lecturers sourced directly from the University of Dundee. The degree is tailored for registered nurses seeking to enhance their skills, holding either a nursing diploma or a GCE ‘O’ or ‘A’ level certificate.
Programme Details
- Duration: Part-time, 24 months (minimum). Course intakes occur in January, May, and September, with a minimum of 50 students required for the course to commence.
- Eligibility: Registered nurses with a diploma in nursing
- Course Fees: SGD 21,200 before GST. SkillsFuture credit can be utilized, and 90% sponsorship is available (terms and conditions apply).
- Career Prospects: Graduates can progress to pursue CSM Academy’s Master of Science in Dementia Studies, awarded by the University of Stirling, irrespective of their honours status.
Singapore Institute of Management – Bachelor of Nursing
The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), a prominent private institution in Singapore, confers its nursing degree through the University of Sydney (USyd). The University of Sydney holds a distinguished position in nursing education and research excellence, ranking 13th globally according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021. The program, accredited by the Singapore Nursing Board, is entirely developed and instructed by the University of Sydney.
Programme Details
- Duration: Part-time, ranging from one to two years for post-registration degrees and two years for an Honours degree.
- Eligibility: Holders of a diploma in nursing from a recognized institution OR registered nurses with a recognized certificate of nursing.
- Course Fees: SGD 26,065.20 (SGD 23,540 for Honours)
- Career Prospects: Graduates have the opportunity to pursue advanced studies such as Masters or PhDs and can progress within any of the four nursing career tracks.
Must Read: Singapore Student Visa
Cost of Nursing in Singapore
Depending on the institution, the course, and whether it is a certificate, undergraduate degree, or postgraduate degree, the cost of nursing school in Singapore varies.
For instance, the National University of Singapore charges overseas nursing students S$37,250 ($27,221) each year in tuition costs. The cost of a nursing diploma from Nanyang Polytechnic College, on the other hand, is S$10,949, or roughly US$ 8000 annually.
The National University of Singapore also offers a work-study fee assistance program where students can work on or off campus for a maximum of 16 hours a week to supplement their tuition costs if the degree course fees seem a bit steep.
As a result of Singapore’s relatively high cost of living in comparison to other nations, students should budget at least S$1000 per month for expenses such as food, books, and other college-related costs. This is equivalent to an additional S$12,000 (or US$ 8769) a year.
FAQs
Ans: The National University of Singapore (NUS) offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, making it a leading choice among locals when discussing universities in Singapore. Established in 2006, NUS, as the oldest university in the country, has produced numerous batches of skilled nurses through its nursing program.
Ans: As a non-resident, you must fulfil the entry criteria and secure the appropriate student visa for studying in Singapore.
Ans: Singapore offers top-tier healthcare facilities and advanced technology. Nurses in Singapore have the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics, providing exposure to advanced medical practices that can significantly enhance their skills and knowledge, making them highly sought-after professionals.
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We hope that this blog helped you discover some Singapore nursing courses. Follow Leverage Edu today to explore more courses and destinations to study abroad. Thank you for reading!
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