Many Nigerian students dream of studying medical courses but are held back by the tough competition and failure to meet the required JAMB cut-off marks. Fortunately, not all hope is lost. There are several accredited medical courses you can study in Nigeria without JAMB, especially in specialized institutions like schools of health technology, nursing, and colleges of midwifery.

This detailed guide explores the top 10 medical courses you can study without JAMB in Nigeria in 2025, including the schools that offer them, how to gain admission, course duration, job opportunities, and estimated fees.

Whether you are a secondary school graduate, a parent, or someone looking to switch careers, this article will provide everything you need to know to get started in the medical field — no JAMB required.

Summary Table: Medical Courses You Can Study Without JAMB in Nigeria (2025)

Medical Course Where Offered Entry Requirements Duration Estimated Fees (₦)
Nursing Schools of Nursing 5 credits in WAEC/NECO including English, Math, Biology 3 years ₦150,000–₦300,000/year
Midwifery Colleges of Midwifery 5 credits in WAEC/NECO 3 years ₦100,000–₦250,000/year
Medical Laboratory Technician Schools of Health Tech 5 credits in sciences 3 years ₦100,000–₦200,000/year
Community Health Schools of Health Tech 5 credits in relevant subjects 2–3 years ₦80,000–₦180,000/year
Pharmacy Technician Colleges of Health or Polytechnics 5 credits incl. Chemistry & Biology 3 years ₦100,000–₦250,000/year
Dental Surgery Technician Colleges of Health 5 credits incl. Biology and Chemistry 3 years ₦100,000–₦200,000/year
Health Information Management Schools of Health or Health Informatics 5 credits incl. English & Biology 2–3 years ₦90,000–₦180,000/year
Environmental Health Technician Schools of Health Tech 5 credits incl. Biology & Chemistry 2–3 years ₦80,000–₦180,000/year
Medical Imaging/X-ray Tech Schools of Health Tech 5 credits in sciences 3 years ₦100,000–₦220,000/year
Anaesthetic Technician Colleges of Health Tech 5 credits incl. English, Chemistry, Biology 3 years ₦100,000–₦200,000/year

Why Study Medical Courses Without JAMB?

In Nigeria, JAMB is usually the main gateway into tertiary institutions. However, some accredited institutions bypass JAMB to make education more accessible, especially in the health sector. The following are key advantages:

  • Faster Admission Process: Direct entry without the delays of JAMB registration or results.

  • Practical-Based Learning: Most of these schools focus on hands-on training.

  • Immediate Job Opportunities: Health-related courses are in high demand in Nigeria.

  • Upgrade Options Available: After completion, many programs allow further studies into universities via direct entry or top-up degrees.

Detailed Breakdown of Top 10 Medical Courses Without JAMB

1. Nursing

Overview: Nursing is one of the most respected and in-demand medical careers in Nigeria. Schools of Nursing offer RN (Registered Nurse) certificates without needing JAMB.

Admission Requirements:

  • 5 credits in WAEC or NECO (including English, Math, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry)

  • Age requirement: 17 years and above

  • Entrance exam and interview

Course Duration: 3 years

Career Opportunities:

  • Government hospitals

  • Private clinics

  • International nursing jobs

  • Direct entry into BSc Nursing programs

Examples of Schools:

  • Lagos State School of Nursing

  • FCT School of Nursing, Abuja

2. Midwifery

Overview: Midwives specialize in childbirth and maternal care. This program is ideal for females who are passionate about maternal health.

Admission Requirements:

  • 5 credits in science subjects

  • Valid age range (usually 17–35)

  • Pass entrance test/interview

Course Duration: 3 years

Career Opportunities:

  • Maternity clinics

  • Government health centers

  • NGOs focused on women’s health

3. Medical Laboratory Technician

Overview: This course trains students to assist in the diagnosis of diseases by testing blood, tissues, and other samples.

Admission Requirements:

  • Credits in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Math

  • Health screening and oral interview

Course Duration: 3 years

Career Opportunities:

  • Diagnostic labs

  • Hospitals

  • Research labs

4. Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW)

Overview: CHEWs provide basic medical services in rural communities and primary healthcare settings.

Admission Requirements:

  • Credits in science-related WAEC/NECO subjects

  • Physical fitness and good health

  • School-specific entrance exam

Course Duration: 3 years

Career Opportunities:

  • Primary healthcare centers

  • Outreach programs

  • Rural hospitals

5. Pharmacy Technician

Overview: Learn how to assist pharmacists in drug dispensing, patient counseling, and inventory control.

Admission Requirements:

  • 5 relevant credits including Chemistry and Biology

  • No JAMB required

Course Duration: 3 years

Career Opportunities:

  • Community pharmacies

  • Hospital pharmacies

  • Pharmaceutical companies

6. Dental Surgery Technician

Overview: This course focuses on oral health and surgery assistance, such as tooth extraction and dental hygiene support.

Admission Requirements:

  • 5 science-based credits

  • Minimum age: 16–18 depending on school

  • Entrance test/interview

Course Duration: 3 years

Career Opportunities:

  • Dental clinics

  • Public health dental units

7. Health Information Management

Overview: This course trains you to manage medical records, handle patient data, and work with health statistics.

Admission Requirements:

  • WAEC/NECO credits in English, Math, and Biology

  • Basic computer skills are an added advantage

Course Duration: 2–3 years

Career Opportunities:

  • Medical records offices

  • HMIS departments

  • NGOs and private hospitals

8. Environmental Health Technician

Overview: Focuses on sanitation, public health inspections, and environmental safety in both urban and rural areas.

Admission Requirements:

  • Credits in science subjects

  • School-specific interview or entrance test

Course Duration: 2–3 years

Career Opportunities:

  • Local Government Health Departments

  • Sanitation agencies

  • Health and safety consultancy

9. Medical Imaging/X-ray Technician

Overview: This course equips students with skills in diagnostic imaging using X-rays and other radiographic tools.

Admission Requirements:

  • WAEC/NECO credits in sciences

  • Must pass school’s internal screening

Course Duration: 3 years

Career Opportunities:

  • Hospitals and diagnostic centers

  • Radiology labs

  • Teaching hospitals

10. Anaesthetic Technician

Overview: Assists anesthesiologists in surgical operations. Very important in surgical theatres and intensive care units.

Admission Requirements:

  • 5 science credits including Chemistry and Biology

  • Fit for clinical duties

Course Duration: 3 years

Career Opportunities:

  • Surgical units

  • Private hospitals

  • Operating theatres

Where to Apply for These Medical Courses Without JAMB

Many state and federal schools of health, nursing, and midwifery across Nigeria accept students without JAMB. Some of them include:

  • FCT School of Nursing, Gwagwalada

  • Lagos State College of Health Technology

  • Ekiti State School of Nursing

  • Kaduna State School of Midwifery

  • Aminu Dabo College of Health Sciences, Kano

  • School of Health Technology, Minna

Most of these institutions require you to purchase an application form, take a written entrance test, and attend an oral interview.

FAQs About Studying Medical Courses Without JAMB in Nigeria

1. Can I study medicine in Nigeria without JAMB?

No. Full Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) requires JAMB and university admission. However, other medical-related courses do not.

2. Are schools of health and nursing accredited?

Yes, most are accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) or relevant state ministries.

3. What is the minimum age for nursing school in Nigeria?

You must be at least 17 years old to apply for most schools.

4. Can I further my studies after these diploma/technician programs?

Yes. You can proceed to a university via Direct Entry (DE) after completion.

5. Do these schools offer hostel accommodation?

Some schools do, but it's best to confirm from the specific school.

6. Are there private schools that offer these courses?

Yes. Examples include Millennium College of Health, Ogun and Royal College of Health, Ibadan.

7. What are the school fees like?

Most fees range from ₦80,000 to ₦300,000 per session depending on the school and course.

8. When do schools start selling forms?

Most start between February and May. Always check the school’s official site.

9. Is NYSC available after graduating from a school of health?

Yes, for ND/HND holders. However, RN/RM certificates may not qualify.

10. Do I need to write Post-UTME?

No, since these courses are outside the JAMB system.

Final Thoughts: Should You Apply for a Medical Course Without JAMB?

If you're passionate about healthcare and couldn't meet the JAMB cut-off, you still have several valuable paths. These medical courses are not only in high demand but also offer quicker employment opportunities in both rural and urban settings.

Choose a reputable institution, prepare for the entrance exam, and pursue your dream of becoming a medical professional in Nigeria — without JAMB.