Study Nursing in Malaysia at Top Private Universities
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels interested in a career in Nursing in Malaysia can go for the Foundation in Science or into the Diploma in Nursing before continuing on to the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) programme. The Foundation in Science is a 1-year programme before entering into the 4-year Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) programme. Upon successful completion of the programme, students are eligible to sit for the Malaysian Nursing Board Examination to be licensed to practise as a Registered Nurse.
There are only about 3000 nurses graduating yearly down from 10,000 previously. Because of the low number of nursing candidates, by 2018, with more new hospitals expected in Malaysia there will be a severe shortage of nurses. Compounding the problem is affluent Singapore, which is actively recruiting nurses from Malaysia. To work in Singapore, students must be able to communicate well in English.
The demand for nurses is very high — 130,000 qualified nurses by 2020. The data provided in the Malaysian Human Resources for Health Country Profiles for 2014 for the number of nurses in the country showed 64,348 in the public sector and 28,333 in the private sector, totalling 92,681 nurses. Though the ratio of nurses to population has increased tremendously, it is still considered low than in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. Malaysia is lacking oncology, critical care and paediatric nurses.
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Studying Nursing at a Private University in Malaysia
A nursing diploma typically takes three years. Within the first year, a student would have covered physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, psychology and sociology, among other medical fields. By end of the third year, they would have also learned urology, geriatric and dermatology. Many of the fields covered are also studied in MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
In Malaysia, freshly graduated nurses are paid RM1,500 a month, lower than graduates in many other professions. While in Singapore, the average pay is about SG$2,500 a month. In Dubai, the next country of choice for Malaysian nurses, new nurses can earn 5,000 dirham a month — around RM6,000.
Nurses also often need to work double shifts in a day (one shift is eight hours, so double shifts are 16 hours) and are stretched thin in caregiving due to a highly imbalanced nurse-to-patient ratio (1:16 in Malaysia, compared with 1:6 in Singapore).
Education Pathway and Recognition
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels interested in this exciting and practical nursing course may go for the Foundation in Science before continuing on to the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Nursing degree.
Alternatively, students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels with 5 credits may go for the 3-year Diploma in Nursing. Upon completion of the top rate Diploma in Nursing, graduates may continue on into Year 2 of the recognised Nursing Degree programme.
Upon successful completion of the programme, students are eligible to sit for the Malaysian Nursing Board Examination to be licensed to practise as a Registered Nurse (RN).
The PTPTN Loan is available for the Diploma and Nursing degree.
The Nursing Degree and Diploma must be accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and recognized by the Nursing Board Malaysia and Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
What will you Study in a Diploma in Nursing Course?
The Diploma in Nursing is a perfect course for individuals who have a keen interest in caring for patients who are suffering from illnesses in hospitals or in medical care settings such as hospices and emergency medical centres, both in the public and private sectors. The 3-year Diploma in Nursing will equip you with the skills and knowledge in the areas of health, behavioural and nursing sciences to provide you with a solid foundation for a rewarding career as a healthcare provider.
Students will be immersed in the study of core medical subjects such as the human anatomy, biology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and safety and health standards and procedures. Additionally, they will also learn the necessary support subjects such as communication techniques, psychological support for the sick and their families, English language, and computer technology.
The Nursing Diploma programme produces graduates who are equipped with knowledge and skills in the areas of health, behavioural and nursing sciences, to enable them to have a sound understanding of what it takes to be in this caring and nurturing profession. Students will be exposed to hands-on training at both public and private health care institutions.
At the end of the programme, students will be employment-ready, as they will know how to assess and plan nursing care needs and requirements; provide essential pre-surgical and post-surgical care; monitor and administer a comprehensive list of medicines, medications and intravenous infusions and transfusions; take temperatures, pulses, blood pressures and biological samples; write and keep medical records and organise their own and others’ work duties.
Graduates of this programme will be able to work at leading private and government hospitals. They are also able to further their studies locally or abroad.
What are the Entry Requirements for Diploma in Nursing?
Pass Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or *equivalent with five (5) credits:
Mandatory credits in:
- Bahasa Melayu
- Mathematics (Elementary or Additional or Modern)
Either one (1) of the credit below:
- Science/Biology/Chemistry/Physics/ Applied Science.
AND
- Credit in two (2) other subjects.
AND
- Pass in English.
OR
- Pass Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
- Possess Assistant Nurse Certificate / Community Nurse Certificate.
- Registered with the MNB.
- Possess current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) for nurses from MNB.
- Minimum three (3) years clinical working experience.
English Language Requirements
- ALL Malaysian students must have credits in Bahasa Melayu at SPM level for admission into Nursing Programmes.
- English language competency requirements are as follows: Minimum grade of B+ in SPM English language; or minimum grade of C in SPM English language 1119/O-Level English/IGCSE; or minimum grade of A2 in UEC English language; or minimum Band 3 in MUET.
- In the event that the English language requirements are not met, applicants will be required to take the Basic English and English Foundation for in-sessional academic enhancement concurrently with the programme.
What will you Study in a Nursing Degree?
Registered Nurses record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyse results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation. RNs teach patients and their families how to manage their illness or injury, explaining post-treatment home care needs; diet, nutrition, and exercise programs; and self-administration of medication and physical therapy.
The Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) is a 4-year (8 semesters) full-time programme. The programme focuses on basic sciences, theoretical and clinical courses, as well as courses in social sciences and humanities to support nursing theories. Competency-based learning is facilitated through guided inquiry, reflection and critical thinking in relation to nursing theories and evidence-based practices to provide safe, quality and client-centred care.
Nursing is a practical degree programme designed for individuals who are committed to the advancement of the health of individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole.
The degree programme will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the areas of health, behavioural and nursing sciences as well as focusing on management and leadership skills. Teaching will be conducted through lectures, laboratory classes and hands-on practical sessions at both public and private healthcare institutions.
Students will study a range of subjects from sciences to humanities, including anatomy, biology, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, pathology, immunology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, paediatric nursing, maternity nursing, mental health nursing, healthy aging, and psychology. They will also be given practical lessons ranging from simulation exercises to the use of clinical and medical equipment.
At the end of the programme, graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver expert health care to individuals of all ages in a variety of settings and scenarios, and thus be invaluable assets to the medical industry both nationally and abroad.
What are the Entry Requirements for Nursing Degree?
Either one (1) of the following below:
- Pass Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) or *equivalent with minimum CGPA 2.5;
- Pass ‘A’ Level minimum Grade C in three (3) other subjects;
- Pass Matriculation / Foundation with minimum CGPA 2.5;
- Pass any Diploma with minimum CGPA 2.5 (No credit transfer). Equivalent MQF Level 4.
- Pass Diploma in Nursing from a recognized institution by MNB with minimum two (2) years clinical working experience.
(Credit transfer allowed).
AND
All candidate who possess STPM, ‘A’ Level, Matriculation / Foundation and pass any Diploma except Diploma in Nursing MUST possess:
Either one (1) of the credit below:
- Science/ Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Applied Science at SPM or its equivalent.
AND
- Credit in Mathematics (Elementary or Additional or Modern) at SPM or its equivalent.
AND
- MUET with minimum of Band 3 / IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 / TOEFL with a minimum score of 515/215/80/Credit in English SPM.
Important Note
- ALL Malaysian students must have credits in Bahasa Melayu at SPM level for admission into Nursing Programmes and Pass MUET with minimum of Band 3.
- ALL International students must have English requirements: IELTS Band 5.5; OR TOEFL 550 (Written-based), 215 (Computer-based), 80 (internet-based).
Additional Requirement:
Pass Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or *EQUIVALENT with (5) credits:Mandatory credits in:
- Bahasa Melayu
- Mathematics (Elementary or Additional or Modern)
Either one (1) of the credit below:
- General Science/ Biology/ Chemistry/ Physics
- Credit in two (2) others subjects
- Pass in English
Job Nature of Registered Nurses in Malaysia
Registered nurses (RNs) in Malaysia, regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients’ family members.
RNs record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation. RNs teach patients and their families how to manage their illness or injury, explaining post-treatment home care needs; diet, nutrition, and exercise programs; and self-administration of medication and physical therapy.
Some RNs in Malaysia work to promote general health by educating the public on warning signs and symptoms of disease. RNs also might run general health screening or immunization clinics, blood drives, and public seminars on various conditions.
When caring for patients, RNs establish a plan of care or contribute to an existing plan. Plans may include numerous activities, such as administering medication, including careful checking of dosages and avoiding interactions; starting, maintaining, and discontinuing intravenous (IV) lines for fluid, medication, blood, and blood products; administering therapies and treatments; observing the patient and recording those observations; and consulting with physicians and other health care clinicians.
Some RNs provide direction to licensed practical nurses and nursing aids regarding patient care. RNs with advanced educational preparation and training may perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and may have prescriptive authority.
Registered Nurses Can Specialise in Malaysia
RNs can specialize in one or more areas of patient care in Malaysia. There generally are four ways to specialize. RNs can choose a particular work setting or type of treatment, such as perioperative nurses, who work in operating rooms and assist surgeons. RNs also may choose to specialize in specific health conditions, as do diabetes management nurses, who assist patients to manage diabetes.
Other RNs specialize in working with one or more organs or body system types, such as dermatology nurses, who work with patients who have skin disorders. RNs also can choose to work with a well-defined population, such as geriatric nurses, who work with the elderly.
Some RNs may combine specialties. For example, pediatric oncology nurses deal with children and adolescents who have cancer. There are many options for RNs who specialize in a work setting or type of treatment. Critical care nurses provide care to patients with serious, complex, and acute illnesses or injuries that require very close monitoring and extensive medication protocols and therapies. Critical care nurses often work in critical or intensive care hospital units.
Emergency, or trauma, nurses work in hospital or stand-alone emergency departments, providing initial
assessments and care for patients with life-threatening conditions. Medical-surgical nurses provide health promotion and basic medical care to patients with various medical and surgical diagnoses. Occupational health nurses seek to prevent job-related injuries and illnesses, provide monitoring and emergency care services, and help employers implement health and safety standards.
Perianesthesia nurses provide preoperative and postoperative care to patients undergoing anesthesia during surgery or other procedure. Perioperative nurses assist surgeons by selecting and handling instruments, controlling bleeding, and suturing incisions. Some of these nurses also can specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Psychiatric-mental health nurses treat patients with personality and mood disorders. Radiology nurses provide care to patients undergoing diagnostic radiation procedures such as ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging, and radiation therapy for oncology diagnoses. Rehabilitation nurses care for patients with temporary and permanent disabilities. Transplant nurses care for both transplant recipients and living donors and monitor signs of organ rejection.
The most common specialty areas for nurse practitioners are family practice, adult practice, women’s health, pediatrics, acute care, and geriatrics. However, there are a variety of other specialties that nurse practitioners can choose, including neonatology and mental health.
Nurse administrators supervise nursing staff in hospitals in Malaysia, establish work schedules and budgets, maintain medical supply inventories, and manage resources to ensure high-quality care.