You can now study for a degree in nursing at USIU-Africa
Sponsored by USIU-Africa
What you need to know:
- Students in the USIU-Africa nursing programme will be equipped with a solid foundation in clinical practice, health promotion, disease prevention, and patient-centred care.
- The programme offers a variety of career paths for nurses locally and globally.
By Evans Ongwae
Nursing is one of the most popular courses in Kenya and other parts of the world. Many young people who have completed high school choose it as their top career option.
In nursing, prospective students see bright prospects as the profession offers opportunities, not just locally, but globally.
The world is facing a huge nurse shortage that needs to be urgently addressed. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates a shortage of 4.5 million nurses and 0.31 million midwives by 2030. The greatest gaps are found in countries in Africa, among other regions.
The scenario has prompted USIU-Africa to launch a Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme to train more nurses for Kenya and the globe.
Comprehensive programme
The Chair of the Department of Nursing at USIU-Africa, Dr Samuel Mungai, says: “USIU-Africa is cognisant of the existing gaps in nursing services in Kenya and the world.”
He adds: “As we aim to bolster healthcare delivery in Kenya, the training of nurses in a comprehensive programme aimed at preparing nurses for global practice is imperative. The country and the world are in dire need of nursing graduates who can deliver high-quality nursing care; provide leadership at institutional and national levels; as well as influence policies in public and private sectors.”
The BSc Nursing programme, explains Dr Mungai, is tailor-made for direct entry applicants, meaning the target market is primarily high school leavers who meet the set entry criteria requirements. Other interested applicants who have already undertaken certain courses and meet the programme’s entry criteria can certainly apply, but the exemption is limited to general education courses offered in USIU-Africa.
Students from other universities taking nursing are also welcome to apply, but the course transfer is limited to not more than 49 percent of the programme courses.
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for the BSc Nursing programme are as follows:
- C+ overall for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) holders, and C+ in each of the requisite subjects – English/Kiswahili, Mathematics/Physics, Biology, Chemistry; or
- At least two principal passes in KACE (or EACE); or
- Five upper level passes at IGCSE/IB; or
- Five credits in any five subjects at 'O’ Level, and/or 'A’ Level passes of ‘C’ in GCE.
Foreign applicants must have their high school transcripts verified and equated by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA).
Other admission requirements
USIU-Africa recognises two equivalent ways of meeting the admission requirement: General Educational Development (GED) certificate (applicant must have a minimum score of 45 on each of the five sections and an overall score of 250 or higher), or State High School Proficiency Examination (applicant must pass this examination).
First-time freshmen US citizens/permanent residents must submit their SAT or ACT results. The results are evaluated in conjunction with the high school grade point average.
International applicants are considered for admission on the same basis as local applicants, but they must also demonstrate English proficiency. All students for whom English is not a first language are required to show English proficiency before beginning an academic programme.
Solid foundation
Students in the USIU-Africa nursing programme will be equipped with a solid foundation in clinical practice, health promotion, disease prevention, and patient-centred care. They will acquire the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality care in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, community centres, and beyond.
USIU-Africa offers an eminent academic stepping stone to great heights in professional success. An academic journey in this nursing programme will nurture nurses capable of making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
The programme offers a variety of career paths for nurses locally and globally. These include clinical nursing care in specialised roles. Nurses can advance to leadership, research, or teaching, or specialise in areas such as oncology, psychiatric care, or public health. The career pathway in nursing are diverse, with each choice proven to provide fulfilling, and enriching careers.
Accreditation
The nursing programme is accredited in Kenya by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), and in the United States of America by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This enhances the programme’s credibility and the marketability of graduates in Kenya and the globe.
More information on the programme is available on this page of the USIU-Africa website.
