Interested in nursing?
Published on: Monday, March 21, 2022
By: K Krishnan
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How to become a registered
nurse in Malaysia?
To become a registered nurse in Malaysia, you must graduate from an accredited nursing college which is approved by the Nursing Board of Malaysia.
Students who successfully complete their nursing course will be required to sit for the Nursing Board Examination.
Only by passing the exam will you be able to register with the Board and obtain your Annual Practising Certificate (APC) as a Registered Nurse in Malaysia.
Where can you study nursing?
There are various colleges where you can study nursing. You can pick and choose the right college where you wish to study.
1) The Ministry of Health has its own nursing colleges throughout Malaysia. Applications are invited through the mass media such as the newspapers, social media, etc. If you are selected, you will be provided accommodation, food, uniform and monthly subsistence allowances. Upon completion of training, you need to work for the government for a specified duration. Since everything is provided for you, you need not worry about money. Again a job is assured when you finish your training. However, competition is very high because many would like to apply.
2) Many private hospitals in Malaysia have their own in-house nursing colleges. You can visit their webpage to find out more about entry requirements, the course outline and the duration. Many of these in-house nursing colleges offer accommodation, food, uniform and monthly subsistence allowance. Upon completion of training, you need to work for a specified duration. Again, since everything is provided, you need not worry about money. Competition to enter is not so high but hospitals may have their own admission criteria.
3) Public and Private Universities too offer nursing courses. Students can apply when applications are invited. You can check with their webpage for application dates. Students who are selected have to pay the normal tuition fee. However, you can apply for PTPTN loan, After you complete your course you need to repay your loan back in instalments. This route is not very competitive but you can choose where and when you want to study. Upon completion of the course you need to find your own job.
4) Nursing Colleges
There are some nursing colleges which only offers nursing. They do not have any other programs. They are run just like private universities. The nursing colleges are smaller and they focus only on nursing course. You can refer to their web page for information on application and intake dates. They too charge normal tuition fees. However, PTPTN loans are made available. Upon completion, you need to find your own job.
What are the entry requirements and qualifications?
In order to take up a course in nursing, you will be required to meet the entry requirements set by colleges / universities.
(i) Diploma in Nursing
Here are the general entry requirements for a Diploma in Nursing:
- SPM/O-Level: Minimum 5 credits, including Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics and a Science subject. You will need to pass your English too.
- A Diploma in Nursing is normally 3 years in duration.
- Upon completion of your Diploma in Nursing, you can register with the Nursing Board Malaysia.
- If you intend to progress to a Nursing Degree, you will need to obtain at least 3 years of working experience and obtain your Annual Practising Certificate (APC) first.
Where can I study nursing?
In Sabah, the following institutions offer Diploma in Nursing. (It is not an exhaustive list but you can start your search. )
- Aseana Internationl College of Health Science
- Cyberjaya College
- Institut Latihan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
- Universiti Malaysia Sabah
There are many other Nursing Colleges in other parts of Malaysia. You can also check their web sites for further information. (It is not an exhaustive list but enough to start your search for now):
- Adventist College of Nursing and Health Sciences AIMST University
- Allianze University College of Medical Sciences (AUCMS)
- Armed Forces Health Training Institute Berjaya College City University
- i-CATS University College (i-CATS UC)
- International Medical College
- KPJ Healthcare University College
- Lam Wah Ee Nursing College
- Lincoln University College
- MAHSA University
- Management and Science University (MSU)
- Nilai University
- Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare College
- SEGi College Kuala Lumpur
- Tun Tan Cheng Lock College of Nursing
- Universiti Selangor (UNISEL), Shah Alam Campus
Career tips
If you are completing your SPM soon and plan to choose a career in nursing, visit the above college websites. Find out more about their programme, tuition fees, duration, etc.
Nursing is a noble profession. It is highly in demand. Compared to many other careers, your salary is very much higher and you can find a job anywhere in Malaysia or abroad.
Q and A
If you have a question on Careers in Nursing in Malaysia, write to: [email protected].
