Difference Between ND Nursing and School of Nursing in Nigeria (2025 Guide)

Nursing is one of the most respected and in-demand professions in Nigeria. However, many students and parents get confused about the difference between ND Nursing (National Diploma in Nursing) and the School of Nursing (Hospital-based Nursing Training). In 2025, understanding these two major routes is more important than ever for those planning to become professional nurses in Nigeria.

In this detailed article, you will learn everything you need to know about the difference between ND Nursing and School of Nursing in Nigeria — including duration, entry requirements, admission process, career outcomes, salary expectations, and more.

What Is ND Nursing in Nigeria?

ND Nursing stands for National Diploma in Nursing, offered in Colleges of Nursing and Polytechnics accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). This program combines practical and academic training in Nursing and awards a National Diploma upon completion.

Key Features of ND Nursing

• Run in Colleges or Polytechnics, not hospitals

• Regulated by NBTE and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)

• Often requires JAMB UTME for admission

• Leads to a National Diploma after 2 years

• Prepares students for HND Nursing or BSc Nursing through direct entry

What Is School of Nursing in Nigeria?

School of Nursing refers to hospital-based training institutions where students are trained to become Registered Nurses (RN). These schools are operated by teaching hospitals and health institutions, and regulated solely by NMCN.

Key Features of School of Nursing

• Run inside teaching or general hospitals

• Focused more on clinical/practical training

• No JAMB requirement for most schools

• Duration is usually 3 years

• Ends with an RN Certificate after NMCN exam

ND Nursing vs School of Nursing in Nigeria (Summary Table)

Admission Requirements for ND Nursing in Nigeria

To gain admission into ND Nursing in 2025, candidates must:

• Sit for JAMB UTME and select a Nursing institution

• Choose proper subject combinations (Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

• Have at least 5 O’Level credits in relevant subjects (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)

• Pass the institution's post-UTME or screening exercise

ND Nursing is becoming popular because it aligns with Nigeria’s plan to upgrade nursing education to a degree-based system in the near future.

Admission Requirements for School of Nursing in Nigeria

Admission into a School of Nursing is more flexible:

• No JAMB required

• 5 O’Level credits in English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

• Entrance exam conducted by the school

• Oral interview after exam

• Age: Minimum of 16 years at the time of admission

Some schools may have hundreds or even thousands of applicants, so competition is still stiff even without JAMB.

Curriculum and Learning Focus

ND Nursing Curriculum:

• Balanced between theory and practice

• Courses like Anatomy, Physiology, Public Health, Pharmacology, Communication Skills

• Includes industrial training and internships

• Allows for progression to HND or BSc Nursing

School of Nursing Curriculum:

• Heavily focused on practical nursing

• Includes patient care, ward rounds, clinical postings

• Short classroom sessions compared to ND Nursing

• Ends with a qualifying exam to become a Registered Nurse

Career Opportunities: ND Nursing vs School of Nursing

With ND Nursing:

• Proceed to HND Nursing or BSc Nursing (Direct Entry)

• Become a Registered Nurse, then specialize

• Work in hospitals, NGOs, clinics, health agencies

• Opportunity to pursue Master’s degree later

With RN from School of Nursing:

• Start working immediately as a Registered Nurse

• Can later apply for Post-Basic Nursing in special areas like:

  • Pediatrics

  • Orthopedic Nursing

  • Anesthesia

• Can also proceed to BSc Nursing via Direct Entry

Salary of ND Nursing vs School of Nursing Graduates in Nigeria

Salary depends on the level of certification and where you work.

To earn more, ND graduates are encouraged to upgrade to HND or BSc Nursing.

Which One Is Better in 2025?

Both options are good depending on your long-term goal.

Choose ND Nursing if:

• You plan to pursue a university-level Nursing education

• You are ready to write JAMB

• You want to eventually get a BSc or MSc in Nursing

Choose School of Nursing if:

• You want a practical, hands-on approach

• You want to start working quickly as a Registered Nurse

• You did not write JAMB or have lower UTME score

In 2025, more private institutions are shifting to the ND/BSc route in preparation for NUC’s full implementation of degree-based nursing education in Nigeria.

Schools Offering ND Nursing in Nigeria (2025)

• Federal College of Nursing, Katsina

• College of Nursing Sciences, Sokoto

• Kaduna State College of Nursing

• FCT College of Nursing, Gwagwalada

• ECWA College of Nursing, Egbe

All require JAMB UTME for ND admission.

Top Schools of Nursing in Nigeria (No JAMB)

• UCH School of Nursing, Ibadan

• School of Nursing, LUTH, Lagos

• School of Nursing, UNTH, Enugu

• School of Nursing, ABUTH, Zaria

• School of Nursing, LASUTH, Lagos

These schools admit students through entrance exam and interview.

Future of Nursing in Nigeria: 2025 Outlook

By 2025 and beyond, there’s a national policy push to convert all RN programs to BSc-level nursing training. This means:

• ND/HND pathway is becoming more accepted

• More universities are admitting ND Nursing holders via direct entry

• RN-only certificates may eventually be phased out or merged with degree programs

Hence, students should consider the ND path if aiming for future academic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is ND Nursing better than School of Nursing?

Both are good, but ND Nursing gives more academic flexibility and a better path to BSc/MSc Nursing.

2. Does ND Nursing require JAMB?

Yes. You must write JAMB UTME and meet the cut-off mark to study ND Nursing.

3. Can I get a job with just RN certificate?

Yes. Many nurses in Nigeria work with only an RN certificate, especially in hospitals and clinics.

4. Can ND Nursing students become Registered Nurses?

Yes. After ND and internship, you sit for NMCN’s qualifying exam to become a Registered Nurse.

5. Is RN recognized internationally?

Yes. RN certificate from Nigeria is accepted in countries like the UK, US, Canada (with additional steps).

6. Which pays more – ND or RN?

ND plus HND/BSc pays more in the long run, especially in public service and teaching hospitals.

7. How many years is ND Nursing?

ND Nursing is 2 years, followed by clinical postings, then you can continue to HND or BSc.

8. Can I switch from School of Nursing to a University?

Yes. After getting your RN, you can apply for Direct Entry into a BSc Nursing program.

9. Are there ND Nursing programs without JAMB?

No. ND Nursing programs require JAMB by law since they are regulated by NBTE and NUC.

10. Which one is faster?

School of Nursing takes 3 years, but you start practicing immediately after RN. ND takes 2 years, but you’ll need more training before becoming an RN.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

The choice between ND Nursing and School of Nursing depends on your academic background, financial ability, and future goals.

• If you want to work quickly and avoid JAMB, go for School of Nursing.

• If you're aiming for university-level Nursing and can write JAMB, consider ND Nursing.

In the end, both paths lead to a noble career in nursing and opportunities to serve in Nigeria’s growing health sector. Choose wisely based on where you see yourself in 5–10 years.