1. What is a Nurse ?

A nurse is a person who has completed a program of nursing education and is qualified and authorized to provide responsible and competent care for the sick and to assist individuals, families, and communities in promoting health and preventing illness.

2. Admission Requirements

Prospective nursing students must meet specific criteria as set by the National student admission policy:

• A-level subject combinations in Rwanda: Physics-Chemistry-Biology (PCB), Math-Chemistry-Biology (MCB), Biology-Chemistry-Geography (BCG), Associate Nurse.
• Acceptable minimum grade is D in 2 principal subjects (compulsory in Biology and Chemistry) and a minimum of “S” in any other principal subject.
• Proficiency in English language
• Demonstration of skills in Computer numeracy.
• Must be physically and mentally fit to be able to study and practice General Nursing or Mental Health Nursing.

Credit transfer

• The applicant must have an advanced diploma in Nursing obtained from a recognised Higher Learning Institution in Rwanda. For an applicant who got their diploma outside Rwanda, He/she must have an equivalence issued by HEC.
• The applicant with an average mark of 70% and above in the three-year advanced diploma in nursing programme is to be admitted to the BScN programme without going through an interview or clinical practice
• The applicant with an average mark below 65% in each of the three-year Advanced Diploma in Nursing programme must have had at least two years clinical practice and shall sit for selection interview before being admitted for BScN.

3. Education and Training

Step 1: Undergraduate Training (3-4 years)

• Diploma in General Nursing (A1) (3 years) : Career Title: Nursing A1
• Bachelor of Science with honors in General Nursing  (4 years): Offered at institutions like UR-CMHS, KP, ICK, RULI, GITWE, EACC : Career Title: Nursing (A0)

Step 2: Licensing : After completing their nursing education, all graduates—whether from Rwanda or abroad—who wish to practice in Rwanda must sit for the National Council of Nurses and Midwives (NCNM) licensing exam.

After passing the NCNM licensing exam and if deemed eligible for practice, nursing graduates are granted a license to practice, valid for 12 or 36 months depending on the type issues and must be renewed upon expiry. Renewal is based on the nurse or midwife demonstrating effective and consistent engagement in professional development activities, ensuring continued competence and commitment to high standards of care.

Step 3: Postgraduate Training (Optional) : Includes master's and PhD programs in Different specialized areas like critical care, pediatrics, Neonatology, oncology, peri-operative, Medical surgical nursing or community health.

Master’s in Nursing Admission Requirements:

To be eligible for the MScN program, applicants must:

• Completed the four-year Bachelor’s degree in General Nursing (BScN) with a minimum average of 70% in each year. The degree must have been obtained from a Higher Learning Institution in Rwanda. If the degree was obtained outside Rwanda, the applicant must have an equivalence issued by HEC
• Have at least one year of clinical work experience and a license to practice as RN (Registered Nurse)/BScN
• Successfully complete an admission interview
• Proficiency in English language
• Demonstration of skills in computer numeracy
• Must be physically and mentally fit to be able to study and practice as a specialist nurse

4. What Do Nurses Do?

Nursing is a distinct and essential profession, characterized by its holistic approach to patient care. It integrates both the art and science of caring, focusing on the protection, promotion, and optimization of health, as well as the prevention of illness and alleviation of suffering.

Nurses are dedicated to caring by addressing physical, emotional, and social needs for patients. Nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, health centers, community clinics, and schools. They play a vital role in patient education, coordination of care, and health promotion.

Nurses play a vital role in all aspects of healthcare delivery and related fields. Their responsibilities include:

• Assessing and monitoring patients' health status.
• Providing direct patient care, including administering medications and treatments.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans.
• Educating patients and their families about managing health conditions and maintaining healthy lifestyles.
• Supporting patients in recovery and rehabilitation.
• Promoting disease prevention and health education within communities.
• Participating in research to improve patient outcomes and advance nursing practice.
• Contributing to the development of health policies and guidelines
• Mentoring and training future generations of nurses.

5. Key Skills

• Compassion and empathy
• Communication and teamwork
• Organization and attention to detail
• Adaptability and resilience
• Manual dexterity

6. Job Market

Demand for nurses is high, especially in rural areas.

7. Studying Nursing Abroad: Key Considerations

If you plan to pursue dental education outside Rwanda, consider the following:

• Being indexed with NCNM before starting the study in Nursing
• Studying in recognized school by HEC
• Having a clear learning portfolio

Without these requirements, your degree may not be recognized for professional practice in Rwanda.

8. Professional Associations

Rwanda National Council of Nurses and Midwives (RNCNM)