Colleges of Nursing vs Schools of Nursing: Key Differences You Should Know – If you want to study nursing in Nigeria, one thing that usually confuses students is the difference between a College of Nursing and a School of Nursing.
Both train nurses and both lead to good careers, but they are not the same. The major differences are in admission process, programme duration, certificates awarded, and career opportunities.
This guide explains everything in a simple way so you can decide which option is best for your future.
What is a School of Nursing?
A School of Nursing is usually attached to a teaching hospital or specialist hospital. The focus is mainly on clinical training, meaning students spend more time in the hospital wards than in classrooms.
Graduates earn the Registered Nurse (RN) certificate after passing the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) exams.
- Duration: 3 years
- Certificate: RN only
- Admission: Through the school’s own entrance exam and oral interview
What is a College of Nursing?
A College of Nursing is a more modern version of nursing education in Nigeria. Many Schools of Nursing are being upgraded into Colleges of Nursing under the directive of the NMCN.
Colleges combine classroom learning with hospital training and award both academic and professional qualifications.
At the end of the programme, students graduate with:
- National Diploma (ND) in Nursing
- Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nursing
Registered Nurse (RN) license
Some colleges also add Registered Midwife (RM) and Public Health Nursing certifications depending on specialization.
Duration: 4–5 years (2 years ND, 2 years HND, plus internship in some schools)
Admission: Through JAMB UTME and internal screening
Cut-off Mark: Usually 150–180 depending on the institution
Major Differences Explained
1. Certificates Awarded
Schools of Nursing only give the RN certificate.
Colleges of Nursing award ND, HND, and RN, making it easier to continue to BNSc or postgraduate studies.
2. Admission Process
For Schools of Nursing, you buy the form directly from the school, sit for an entrance exam, and attend an interview.
For Colleges of Nursing, you must write JAMB UTME, choose the college as first choice, meet the cut-off mark, and also pass their screening or interview.
3. Duration of Study
Schools of Nursing last 3 years.
Colleges of Nursing last 4–5 years including internship.
4. Style of Training
Schools of Nursing focus more on hospital-based training with less theory.
Colleges of Nursing balance classroom learning with clinical rotations.
5. Further Education
RN graduates from Schools of Nursing usually need a bridging programme before going for BNSc.
ND/HND graduates from Colleges of Nursing can go directly for NYSC, BNSc top-up, or postgraduate studies.
6. NYSC Eligibility
School of Nursing graduates are not eligible for NYSC.
College of Nursing graduates with ND and HND can serve.
7. Cost of Study
- Schools of Nursing are cheaper, around ₦70,000 – ₦100,000 per year.
- Colleges of Nursing cost more, usually ₦100,000 – ₦180,000 per year.
Note: Always confirm from the school.
Admission Requirements
For both pathways, you must have at least five O’level credits in one or two sittings. The required subjects are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
School of Nursing Process
Buy the school’s application form (₦10,000 – ₦20,000)
- Sit for their entrance exam
- Pass the oral interview
- Begin the 3-year RN programme
College of Nursing Process
- Register for JAMB UTME and select the college as your first choice
- Score the required cut-off mark (150–180)
- Take part in the school’s post-UTME or interview
- Start with ND, then proceed to HND
Career Opportunities
Both options give you opportunities, but the College of Nursing path opens more doors academically and internationally.
With RN (School of Nursing):
- Work as a staff nurse in hospitals, clinics, NGOs, or private practice
- Specialize in Midwifery, Public Health, Anaesthesia, Ophthalmic Nursing, and others
- Work abroad, though you may need conversion courses
- With ND/HND + RN (College of Nursing):
- Eligible for NYSC
- Easy access to BNSc through direct entry
- More opportunities for postgraduate studies
- Stronger advantage for international mobility in countries like the UK, Canada, and USA
Pros and Cons
School of Nursing
✅ Shorter duration (3 years)
✅ Lower fees
❌ Limited academic growth
❌ Gradually being phased out
College of Nursing
✅ Offers ND, HND, and RN
✅ Eligible for NYSC
✅ Wider career opportunities
❌ Takes longer to complete
❌ Higher fees
The Future of Nursing in Nigeria
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has directed most Schools of Nursing to upgrade into Colleges of Nursing.
This means that in a few years, the College of Nursing pathway will be the standard, ensuring that nurses graduate with both professional licenses and academic diplomas that meet global standards.
Final Advice for Students
If you are starting nursing studies in 2025 and beyond, going through a College of Nursing is the best long-term choice. It gives you broader academic recognition, NYSC eligibility, and better international opportunities.
However, if you want a quicker and cheaper route into practice, a School of Nursing is still an option, though opportunities may
be limited as they are gradually being phased out.
Whichever path you choose, remember that nursing is a respected and noble career. Your decision should balance cost, duration, and future career goals.
