EDUCATION

Polytechnic Health Programs Recognized by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) plays an important role in setting standards for nursing and midwifery education in the country. Over the years, many institutions, including polytechnics, have developed programs to train healthcare professionals in line with NMCN’s guidelines. This article takes a look at the health-related courses offered in polytechnics that are officially approved by the council.

NMCN-Accredited Programs in Polytechnics

Polytechnics in Nigeria primarily focus on technical and vocational education, but some have received approval to train students in nursing and midwifery. These programs are designed to meet professional requirements while ensuring students gain the right knowledge and hands-on experience. Below are some programs recognized by NMCN in polytechnics across the country.

1. Basic Nursing

Basic Nursing is one of the foundation programs for those who want to become registered nurses. It is usually a three-year course that includes both theoretical instruction and clinical training. Students learn about human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. The program is structured to equip students with the ability to work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Upon completion, graduates must sit for the NMCN licensing examination. Those who pass become Registered Nurses (RN), allowing them to practice in Nigeria and even pursue further studies in specialized nursing fields.

2. Basic Midwifery

Midwifery focuses on maternal and child healthcare. This program is also a three-year course offered in some polytechnics and accredited health institutions. The curriculum covers prenatal and postnatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care. Students undergo clinical placements in maternity wards, gaining experience in assisting deliveries and caring for newborns. After completing the training, graduates take the NMCN certification exam to become Registered Midwives (RM). This certification enables them to work in hospitals, maternity centers, and primary healthcare facilities.

3. Post-Basic Nursing and Midwifery

For those who have already obtained a Basic Nursing or Midwifery qualification, some polytechnics offer Post-Basic programs. These courses allow nurses and midwives to specialize in areas such as:

Paediatric Nursing – Focuses on the care of infants and children.
Perioperative Nursing – Specializes in assisting surgical procedures.
Public Health Nursing – Emphasizes disease prevention and community health services.
Accident & Emergency Nursing – Trains nurses to handle critical cases in emergency units.

Post-Basic programs usually last for one year, after which candidates must pass the NMCN examination to receive certification in their area of specialization.

4. Community Nursing

Community Nursing is a specialized field that prepares nurses to work in rural and underserved areas. It is a two-year program designed for those who may not have gone through the conventional Basic Nursing route but still want to contribute to public health services. Graduates from this program assist in vaccination campaigns, health education, and primary healthcare delivery in communities. They also provide maternal and child health services, making their role essential in promoting healthcare in remote locations.

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5. Community Midwifery

Similar to Community Nursing, this program targets individuals who wish to work in maternal health services within rural areas. It is structured to provide training in antenatal care, safe delivery practices, and postnatal care. Community Midwives play an important role in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Nigeria by offering essential services in local clinics and outreach centers. Upon completion, graduates must take the NMCN examination to receive certification.

Admission Requirements for NMCN-Recognized Programs

Entry requirements for these programs vary depending on the institution, but most polytechnics follow the general guidelines set by the NMCN. Some of the common requirements include:

O’Level Results: Candidates must have at least five credits in subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
JAMB UTME: Some polytechnics require candidates to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and meet the cutoff mark for health-related programs.
Age Limit: Many schools require applicants to be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.
Entrance Examination: Some institutions conduct additional entrance tests to assess applicants’ suitability for the program.

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Benefits of Studying Nursing and Midwifery in a Polytechnic

Many students prefer studying at a polytechnic due to the unique advantages these institutions offer. Some of the benefits include:

Hands-on Training: Polytechnics emphasize practical learning, ensuring students gain real-world experience before they graduate.
Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to universities, polytechnics often have lower tuition fees, making them an attractive choice for students.
Direct Entry Opportunities: Graduates from polytechnic nursing programs can apply for direct entry into universities to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree.
Shorter Duration for Some Programs: Post-Basic and Community Nursing programs take less time to complete, allowing professionals to upgrade their qualifications quickly.

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Challenges Faced by Nursing and Midwifery Students in Polytechnics

While polytechnics provide quality training, students may encounter certain challenges during their studies. Some of these include:

Limited Slots for Admission: Due to high demand, only a small number of applicants get admitted each year.
Infrastructure Issues: Some polytechnics may lack modern medical equipment for practical training.
Intense Academic and Practical Workload: Nursing and midwifery programs require a lot of dedication, and students must balance theory with clinical training.

List of Polytechnics Offering NMCN-Accredited Programs

While many health institutions provide nursing and midwifery training, only a few polytechnics have received NMCN approval. Some of the recognized ones include: