The top and most popular nursing schools in Kenya are Cicely McDonell College of Health Sciences and KMTC School Of Nursing but there are more. In this blog post, I have exposed the top 10 best nursing schools in Kenya with their details. From here, you can be able to make better-informed decisions on where to get quality nursing education.
Nursing is one of the most studied health sciences courses in Kenya and it is not a very hard course to find. It is offered by many private and public universities in the country at degree and diploma levels. There are also nursing schools and medical colleges that specialize in nursing education. Whichever one you wish to go for is totally up to you.
But ensure that the school and the program itself are accredited by the right organization. You don’t have to worry about that while reading this article because all the nursing schools curated here are, not just the best, but are also accredited.
Students who choose a pursue a career in nursing and actually follow up on their education have paved the way for a satisfying and fulfilling career for themselves. As a nurse, there is this financial security that covers you because your skill and expertise will forever be in demand and it doesn’t matter where you go, you will always practice as a nurse and get a well-paying job.
So, attending a good nursing school in Kenya is the beginning of paving the way for this successful career for yourself and this article has gathered a list of the best nursing schools in the country for you to choose from. Graduating from a renowned nursing school in Kenya will set you apart from the competition whether locally, nationally, or internationally.
But as you may already know, it is typical for institutions tagged as “the best” to be expensive, so expect the same thing for these best nursing schools in Kenya. Although there are some NGO scholarships in Kenya that you can apply for and apply the award towards your nursing education. We also have an article on the top university scholarships in Kenya you can check them and see if the universities offer nursing programs as well.
There are also diploma scholarships in Kenya that you can apply for but this would only make sense if you are applying for a nursing diploma then you can apply the award to your education. Now that you know how to make your nursing education in Kenya cheaper and affordable, let’s go on to actually see what it takes and how you can get into a nursing school in Kenya.
How To Enter Nursing Schools In Kenya
Entering a nursing school in Kenya is easy and does not require you to do much work since all application process is carried out online. The first and foremost thing you should know about entering a nursing school in Kenya is to meet all admission requirements. If you do not, then it is pointless which nursing school you choose and you won’t even be considered for admission.
Admission requirements for entry into Kenyan nursing schools are different and can vary from school to school, student’s residency status, and the path you want to pursue. The requirements for a nursing diploma are different from what is required for a certificate in nursing and BSN programs.
However, below is a general list of the requirements, you will have to check in with your preferred institution to get complete details.
- Get a minimum grade of C in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with a minimum of C+ in Biology, Chemistry, and English.
- Observe the correct subject combination which are English, Kiswahili, Biology, Biological Sciences, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Physical sciences.
- Possess a minimum of two years of working experience in a healthcare facility.
When you’ve met all requirements and readied all required documents, you can then start the application process, which I already mentioned earlier that is done online. You will simply upload the required files during the application and then wait for feedback.
What Is The Cost Of Nursing School In Kenya?
The cost of nursing schools in Kenya depends on the school and level of education. A private school costs more and the BSN is the most expensive one. However, the cost can still range between Ksh. 100,000 to Ksh. 300,000 per trimester.
How Long Does It Take To Study Nursing In Kenya?
The duration of nursing education in Kenya depends on the level you want to pursue. A BSN takes 4 years, a diploma in nursing takes 3 years, a certificate in nursing takes 2 years, and a higher diploma in nursing takes one year.
10 Best Nursing Schools In Kenya
Listed below, in no particular order, are the best nursing schools in Kenya with updated details for you to find the one that is best for you.
- Nairobi Hospital Cicely McDonell College of Health Science
- Catherine McAuley Nursing School
- Agha Khan University Hospital
- KMTC School of Nursing
- Kijabe College of Health Sciences
- School of Nursing – Kenyatta National Hospital
- Nazareth Medical College
- Ram Training College
- Our Lady of Lourdes Mwea School of Nursing
- Outspan Medical College
1. Nairobi Hospital Cicely McDonell College of Health Science
Commonly known as Cicely McDonell College of Health Science, founded in 1956 as an initiative of the Kenya Hospital Association. It is one of the best nursing schools in Kenya and a diverse environment of students from South Africa, East Africa, and West Africa enrolled in the college. It is accredited by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA).
The total student population is kept around 250 to 300 which means that entry is highly competitive. Programs offered are Kenyan Registered Nursing (KRN), which takes 3 years to complete, Kenya Registered Oncology Nursing (KRON), Kenyan Registered Neo-natal Nursing, Kenya Registered Critical Care Nursing, Kenya Registered Perioperative Nursing, and Kenya Registered Trauma and Emergency Nursing.
All of these nursing study levels have their different entry requirements, intake period, study duration, and fees. Accessing the school’s website will expose you to all the details you may need.
2. Catherine McAuley Nursing School
This is one of the leading and innovative nursing schools in Kenya. It is part of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital and is accredited by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA).
Catherin McAuley Nursing School offers 5 different nursing tracks which are:
- Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing – takes 3 years to complete
- Higher Diploma in Perioperative Nursing – takes 1 year to complete
- Higher Diploma in Critical Care Nursing – takes 1 year to complete
- Higher Diploma in Kenya Registered Nephrology – takes 1 year to complete
- Higher Diploma in Kenya Registered Midwifery – takes 1 year to complete
The entry requirements and tuition of these programs vary.
3. Agha Khan University Hospital
If you are seeking a private nursing school then you should include Agha Khan University Hospital on the list. The institution provides top-notch services and has a full range of medical amenities. This cutting-edge institution for nursing education boasts a committed staff of instructors and cutting-edge infrastructure. The hospital has built a solid reputation as one of the top medical facilities in the area since it opened its doors in 1958. Unquestionably, this is among the best nursing schools in Kenya.
The Aga Khan University Hospital must be included on any list of private nursing schools in Kenya. The Aga Khan University Hospital features specialized clinics and provides cutting-edge diagnostic services. For individuals looking for international nursing schools in Kenya, this is a fantastic choice.
4. KMTC School of Nursing
Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) is a popular health sciences school in Kenya for providing nursing education. With 71 constituent campuses spread across major towns in Kenya, KMTC School of Nursing is a leader in providing health sciences education.
The college offers certificate and diploma nursing programs.
5. Kijabe College of Health Sciences
Kijabe College of Health Sciences offers some of the best nursing programs in Kenya. This institution has been operating for more than 51 years which means that it has deep experience in training professional nurses. The school boasts of graduating highly skilled professionals that work in Kenya and beyond and it is not hard to believe so.
The college offers courses in Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, Higher Diploma in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN), Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine & Surgery, and Kenya Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
6. School of Nursing – Kenyatta National Hospital
On the 6th list of best nursing schools in Kenya is the school of nursing at Kenyatta National Hospital. The school was established in 1996 and offers Post Basic Specialized Nursing courses and other short courses for healthcare professionals. The nursing school and courses that are offered are accredited by the Nursing Council of Kenya.
There are 6 specialized nursing courses offered in Critical Care Nursing, Peri-Operative Nursing, Nephrology Nursing, Accident and Emergency Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, and Oncology Nursing. While the short courses are Theatre sterile Assistant (6 months), Stoma & wound care (3 months), Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatrics Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS).
7. Nazareth Medical College
Nazareth Medical College is one of the top health sciences colleges in Kenya and offers an enviable Diploma in Nursing program that takes 3 years to complete. The college has been in existence since 2005 and is still operating to date as an institution that fosters professional nursing education and promotes excellence in nursing practice.
8. Ram Training College
If you want a college with a wide range of nursing options, then you should consider adding Ram Training College to your top list. The college offers a wide range of nursing courses such as pediatric nursing, mental health nursing and psychiatry, ear, nose, and throat nursing, perioperative nursing, palliative care nursing, basic nursing, and many others.
9. Our Lady of Lourdes Mwea School of Nursing
This is a teaching hospital school that offers a Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing diploma program. As a nursing student here, you will learn and gain industry and clinical experience directly from experts. This is one of the perks of attending a teaching hospital and also, you can gain immediate employment once you graduate.
10. Outspan Medical College
And last but definitely not least of the best nursing schools in Kenya is Outspan Medical College. It is an outstanding private medical college you need to put on your list of nursing schools in Kenya. The college is ranked the No.1 best middle-level college in the Mt. Kenya region, so, it is not your average nursing school.
The college is an extension of Outspan Hospital, the best private hospital in the area. Students learn directly from experts at the hospital and then go on to become health professionals that will make an impact in the world.
These are the top 10 nursing schools in Kenya with their details, from this detail which one will you be applying to?
Best Nursing Schools in Kenya – FAQs
What is the salary of a nurse in Kenya?
Nurses in Kenya earn up to $70,000 per year.