The nursing profession is one of the most respected globally. Patients accord a great deal of respect to these professionals. This is because their job places them in a position to deliver life-saving and life-altering care to patients.
It is widely acknowledged as one of the career paths with secure job opportunities and good prospects for sustained growth in the profession. Nurses also report an above-average salary with good promotion.
Therefore there is little wonder that countless ladies are aspiring to become nurses. But men can also apply to nursing school to become nurses too!
Salaries of nurses in Ghana
Do you know how much nurses earn in Ghana?
The reported salaries for nurses vary widely according to grade. The 2023 single spine salary structure for Ghana shows that the starting salary for a professional nurse is GHS 1847.87 (staff nurse) to GHS 5527.55 (nurse consultant).
However, salaries in the private sector do not follow any defined structure.
How to become a nurse in Ghana
Guess what?
There are many pathways to becoming a nurse in Ghana. And this should be obvious if you look at the different categories of nurses in Ghana. So here are some of the categories of nurses in Ghana:
- Enrolled nurse (progression from Health assistant clinical)
- General nurse
- Community health nurse – diploma and certificate
- Mental health nurse
- Degree nurse
There are also nurses who studied and practice in “specialized” fields. These include:
- Ophthalmic (eye) nurse
- Dental nurse
- Public health nurse
- Midwifery (ladies only)
Nursing specialties
Did you know nurses can become specialists?
Degree nurses can also further specialize in many different sub-specialties such as anesthesia; theater and intensive care nursing; pediatric nursing; public health nursing; dialysis nurse.
This list provides further examples of the best nursing specialties available.
It is good to avail yourself of all these areas in order to be abreast of the full range of available options in order to make the most appropriate choice according to your career interests and ambitions.
This step is important in order not to get stuck in an unfulfilling position. This is because, whilst they all aspire to provide the best of clinical or public health care, nurses don’t all do the same thing!
Where can I study nursing in Ghana?
The options are plenty!
To be able to qualify as a nurse, you need to acquire one of the above certifications by attending an accredited nursing school in Ghana.
Please check out the official website of the National Accreditation Board (NAB) for this list of accredited private nursing schools in Ghana and accredited public nursing schools in Ghana.
Bachelor’s degrees in nursing are accessible in the universities. The diploma and certificate programs can be undertaken in the Nursing Training Colleges in Ghana and the private nursing Schools.
Take note:
Always refer to the National Accreditation Board (NAB) to confirm the accreditation status of any nursing school in Ghana before applying, particularly the private nursing schools. The importance of this step cannot be overstated!
How many years does it take to study nursing in Ghana?
Certificate programs typically last 2 years. It takes 3 years to complete a diploma program in nursing or midwifery in Ghana. Bachelor degree applicants should prepare to clock in about 4 years.
What are the requirements for nursing training in Ghana?
This University of Ghana requirements for nursing degree program is representative of the general requirements for the degree program in the country.
All the degree-granting universities and colleges use this same basic standard.
You may want to check individual schools for further details; and also to seek further information about the typical profiles of successful applicants. Generally, you will need to secure the grades listed below in at least 3 core (including core maths and English) and 3 elective subjects.
- Degree programs A1 to C6 for WASSCE; A to D for SSCE.
- Diploma programs A1 to C6 for WASSCE; A to D for SSCE
- Certificate programs A1 to E8 for WASSCE; A to E for SSCE
Mature Students wanting to study nursing in Ghana
Some schools offer the opportunity for mature students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. As a general guide on requirements, an applicant is expected to be at least 25 years old at the time of application. In addition, you must also pass an entrance exam and attend an interview. A minimum of three years relevant working experience is also expected.
How can I become a midwife in Ghana?
- Bachelors degree in midwifery – same entry requirements for nursing.
- Diploma – same entry requirements for nursing.
- Most schools offering nursing programs also offer midwifery programs.
Certification for nursing practice in Ghana
After successful graduation from nursing or midwifery school, you will need to pass a certification exam by the Nurses and Midwifery Council of Ghana (NMC), before you can practice as a nurse or midwife in Ghana. This step enables you to acquire a unique nursing PIN.
Did you know:
You cannot be employed as a nurse in Ghana without the nursing PIN!
The NMC is the regulator of the nursing and midwifery professions in Ghana. The certification status of all nurses and midwives can be verified at their offices.
Nursing training form
Ready to apply?
Then you can start your application for nursing training by filling the Ministry of Health nursing training application forms online; you can go to the Ministry of Health website to do this.
Summary
There are many different types of nursing programs available in Ghana; with different entry requirements. You can also upgrade from one category to the other.
It is important to verify from the list of accredited nursing schools in Ghana before beginning your application.
Now here is a free tip:
If you want to acquire some healthcare education for personal enhancement or to improve your cv, without actually going to nursing school, feel free to check out some of the many awesome online courses on Coursera that you can study from anywhere in the world.