University vs College of Nursing vs College of Health Technology: Best Place to Study Nursing in Nigeria

University vs College of Nursing vs College of Health Technology: Best Place to Study Nursing in Nigeria

In Nigeria, nursing is one of the most respected and in-demand careers. Many young people dream of wearing the nurse’s uniform, but the big question is: where should you study nursing to have the best career opportunities? Should you go to a university, a college of nursing, or a college of health science and technology? This guide will help you choose the best place to study nursing in Nigeria.

✅ Why Choosing the Right Nursing School Matters

Choosing the right institution affects:

• Your qualification
• Licensing opportunities
• Future salary and promotions
• Chances of working abroad

Picking the wrong path could leave you unable to practice as a nurse even after investing years in your studies. That’s why it’s essential to understand the differences between these options.

✅ Studying Nursing in Nigerian Universities

Universities in Nigeria offer a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSc Nursing). This degree qualifies you as a Registered Nurse (RN) and sometimes as a Registered Midwife (RM), depending on your program. Universities combine classroom lectures, laboratory work, and clinical placements in hospitals.

Advantages of studying nursing at a university:

• Higher qualification (BSc degree)
• Eligible for leadership and specialized nursing roles
• Better opportunities to work abroad
• Access to postgraduate studies like MSc and PhD
• Higher salaries in the long run

Disadvantages:

• Longer duration (4-5 years)
• Higher school fees than colleges
• More demanding academic workload

If you want to specialize, teach nursing, or work abroad, university is the best place to study nursing in Nigeria.

✅ Read more career guides in our Education Category

✅ Studying Nursing at College of Nursing

Colleges of Nursing, previously known as Schools of Nursing, offer a more practical route. You’ll graduate with a diploma qualification such as:

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Registered Midwife (RM)

Advantages of College of Nursing:

• Shorter study duration (3 years)
• More hands-on training
• Lower tuition costs
• Faster entry into the workforce

Disadvantages:

• Diploma level rather than degree
• Need further education to advance career or work abroad
• Limited access to higher positions without upgrading to a BSc

College of Nursing graduates can work as Registered Nurses in Nigeria. However, if you plan to move abroad, many countries require degree-level nurses.

✅ Check more health career tips in our Health Category

✅ Colleges of Health Science and Technology (CHST)

This is where many people get confused. Colleges of Health Science and Technology do not train registered nurses. Instead, they produce professionals like:

• Community Health Officers (CHO)
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Medical Laboratory Technicians
• Environmental Health Technologists

While these are valuable healthcare careers, a CHST program will not qualify you as a nurse.

If you dream of becoming a nurse, a CHST is not the right path.

✅ Contact us for guidance on choosing the right school

✅ Comparison Table: Nursing Pathways

✅ Entry Requirements for Nursing Schools

Admission requirements vary across institutions:

• University (BSc Nursing): Requires at least five credits in WAEC/NECO, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, plus a good UTME/JAMB score.
• College of Nursing: Also requires five credits in similar subjects but may have internal entrance exams instead of JAMB.
• CHST: Entry requirements differ by course but often require similar science credits.

Admission into BSc Nursing can be highly competitive because of the limited slots in universities.

✅ Cost Comparison Between Nursing Paths

The cost of studying nursing varies significantly:

• University: Tuition ranges from ₦200,000 to ₦700,000 or more per session in public universities. Private universities cost much more.
• College of Nursing: Fees range from ₦70,000 to ₦200,000 per year, making it more affordable.

While universities cost more, graduates often earn higher salaries and have better long-term opportunities. College of Nursing offers a quicker, cheaper route but may limit future growth unless you upgrade to a degree.

✅ See tips for managing school expenses in our Education Category

✅ Career Options After Nursing School

Many people think nurses only work in hospitals. But there are diverse career options for nurses in Nigeria and internationally, such as:

• School Nurse
• Community Health Nurse
• Industrial Nurse
• Nurse Educator
• Research Nurse
• Public Health Nurse

With additional qualifications like an MSc or PhD, nurses can also become lecturers, hospital administrators, or specialists in fields like intensive care or oncology. The career possibilities are vast if you’re willing to continue learning.

✅ Explore more health career paths in our Health Category

✅ Which Is the Best Place to Study Nursing in Nigeria?

Ultimately, the best place depends on your goals:

• University: Best for those who want a degree, higher career prospects, and international opportunities.
• College of Nursing: A practical, quicker, and cheaper path into the nursing profession.
• CHST: Not for nursing—only for other health-related courses.

Both universities and colleges of nursing produce qualified nurses in Nigeria. But if you dream of specializing or working abroad, a university degree offers the strongest foundation.

✅ Helpful Resources for Aspiring Nurses

• Visit the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria for official lists of approved nursing schools.
• Check out the UK NHS Careers site to see pathways for working abroad as a nurse.

Want personalized advice about choosing a nursing school? Contact us here. We’d be happy to help guide your career!