12 Differences Between School of Nursing and University (RN vs BNSc) in Nigeria

Admission, training and opportunities are some key differences between School of Nursing and University training.

Yes, both lead to a successful nursing career.

But there are vital nursing school and university differences to understand in terms of RN vs BNSc in Nigeria before choosing to study it in the university or a school of nursing.

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See differences between School of Nursing and University in Nigeria

Schools of nursing are often hospital-based institutions that train you to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

While Nigerian university nursing programs award you a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree upon graduation.

Both programs are regulated by NMCN, but let’s compare RN vs BNSc.

1. Admission requirements

School of Nursing admission requires you to apply directly to the school.

And most nursing schools just require at least 5 O’level credits in English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

After which you take their ENTRANCE EXAM and oral interview before starting off as a Preliminary Training School (PTS) student.

While applying for university nursing admission can be strenuous and competitive.

First, you REGISTER FOR JAMB where you must select the University as first choice and ‘Nursing’ as your preferred course.

Most Universities demand high JAMB CUT-OFF MARKS of about 270⁺ for Nursing.

And some even conduct POST-UTME BEFORE SCREENING, all of which you must pass to be admitted.

Consider this ease of admission when choosing if to study nursing in the university or a School of Nursing.

2. Age limit

Another difference of Nursing Schools and University Nursing programs is the age requirement for admission.

Most SCHOOLS OF NURSING IN NIGERIA only accept students within 16 – 35 years bracket.

The exact range vary from schools, but Universities barely have strict age limits for nursing programs.

Once you meet their JAMB and screening requirements, you can be admitted no matter your age.

This makes university programs more flexible for older applicants.

3. Course duration

Length of program is another key factor when considering the differences between School of Nursing and University training.

Nursing school program lasts 3 years, during which you get theoretical and practical nursing training.

Upon completion, you take the NMCN EXAM to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Meanwhile, university nursing program is 5 years of academic coursework, clinical postings and research projects required for Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree.

You must also do an extra 1-year nursing internship after university graduation.

This longer duration gives university graduates wider exposure, but a disadvantage if you’re in a hurry.

4. Cost of program

The cost of training is another key factor between RN vs BNSc programs.

Universities, especially government-owned, are more affordable for this program than nursing schools.

FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES are the cheapest, followed by state-owned.

While many PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES share the same high cost (or even more) with most schools of Nursing.

5. More practical

Among the interesting nursing school and university nursing differences is the level of practical training.

Nursing school students receive more hands-on clinical experience as their training is usually hospital-based.

They participate in hospital duties like patient care, ward management and basic nursing procedures early in the program.

But while university nursing students also receive clinical training, their program emphasizes more on theory, research and academic coursework.

As a result, many people believe School of Nursing students gain more and stronger practical skills early in their training.

6. Certifications

Certification is another important area to consider between nursing school and university nursing.

After completing nursing school program and PASSING THE NMCN EXAM, you receive the Registered Nurse (RN) certification only.

But University completion gets you the Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwifery (RM), Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN) and Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc).

So, while both lead to RN status, university graduates gain three extra certifications with a degree.

7. Professional hierarchy

When comparing RN vs BNSc, university graduates start at a higher professional level in some healthcare systems because they hold a bachelor’s degree.

BNSc graduates may also have faster opportunities for administrative roles, teaching and leadership positions.

However, both RN and BNSc nurses can grow in their careers with experience and specialization.

8. NYSC eligibility

Eligibility for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is also considered in nursing school and university nursing differences.

University nursing graduates can go for NYSC.

But school of nursing graduates are ineligible because their program (RN) is a diploma, not a degree.

If NYSC is a goal for you, then consider this as a big difference between school of nursing and university training in Nigeria.

9. Career advancement

Career growth opportunities can also differ between the two nursing routes.

University graduates with a BNSc degree have easier access to higher academic qualifications like Masters, PhD and specialized nursing programs.

Nursing school graduates can still advance their careers, but via post-basic nursing programs (midwifery, public health nursing, psychiatric nursing, etc.) or by DIRECT ENTRY ADMISSION into 200-level for a 4-year university nursing degree.

See that both offer career growth, but the university pathway has more academic opportunities.

11. Salary range

Another factor when discussing differences between School of Nursing and University programs is salary.

Nurses are paid based on the CONHESS SALARY STRUCTURE in most government hospitals in Nigeria.

Starting salaries may not differ much, but BNSc degree nurses may qualify for higher salary grades over time.

Both experience and specialization also influence salary levels.

12. Relocation advantage

Opportunity to work abroad is the last big difference between RN vs BNSc nurses.

A BNSc degree can ease your application for INTERNATIONAL NURSING JOBS or further studies abroad, as many foreign systems prefer degrees.

However, nursing school graduates can also migrate and work abroad too.

In fact, RN is the minimum certification required.

And since nursing school is just 3 years, it is therefore faster than the university route.

But if you do not plan to relocate soon, the 5-year BNSc is worth the while.

Which is best between RN vs BNSc in Nigeria?

After reviewing the differences between school of nursing and university training, the decision lies on your personal goals, finance and academic preference.

NIGERIAN SCHOOLS OF NURSING provide shorter and more practical training.

While university programs offer wider academic exposure and degree qualifications.

But despite these nursing school and university nursing differences, both still meet global standards as regulated by NMCN.

So, any option you choose still gives you the opportunities for a successful nursing career in Nigeria and abroad.

Frequently asked questions

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