Universities

List of Cheapest School of Nursing in Sierra Leone and Their Fees

Do you want to enroll in the cheapest school of nursing in Sierra Leone but you don’t know which school to enroll? How about understanding the necessary fees for enrollment in the school? You can use the information in this article to learn about the list of cheapest school of nursing in Sierra Leone

List of Cheapest School of Nursing in Sierra Leone

University of Sierra Leone (USL)

The University of Sierra Leone offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for approximately 6 million Leones per year. The program takes 4 years to complete and includes both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. USL has trained nurses for over 50 years and has a strong reputation in Sierra Leone.

Milton Margai College of Education and Technology

Milton Margai College offers a 3-year diploma in Nursing for around 5 million Leones annually. The program focuses on community health nursing and prepares students to provide essential care in rural areas. Milton Margai College has over 10,000 alumni and has been training nurses since its founding in 1963.

Njala University

Njala University confers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for 6-7 million Leones per year. The 4-year program emphasizes research and leadership in addition to clinical skills. Njala University is Sierra Leone’s second university and has a student population of over 13,000.

University of Makeni

The University of Makeni offers a diploma in Nursing for 3-4 million Leones annually over 3 years of study. The program focuses on maternal and child health. University of Makeni has over 3,000 students and collaborates with healthcare organizations to provide practical experience for nursing students.

Eastern Polytechnic

Eastern Polytechnic offers a diploma in Nursing for 3 million Leones per year. The 3-year program focuses on community health and preventative care. Eastern Polytechnic has over 2,000 students and a strong placement rate for graduates.

In summary, there are many affordable options for nursing education in Sierra Leone. Programs range from diplomas to bachelor’s degrees at prices between 3 to 7 million Leones annually. Students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical experience at established schools with reputable nursing programs.

FAQs

What are the requirements to study nursing in Sierra Leone?

To study nursing in Sierra Leone, you will need to meet the general admission requirements for tertiary education which include a Senior Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent with credits in five subjects including English Language, Mathematics, and Sciences. Some nursing schools may require a pass in Chemistry. You will also need to pass an entrance exam. The minimum age requirement is usually 18 years.

How long does it take to become a nurse in Sierra Leone?

The duration of nursing programs in Sierra Leone typically ranges from 3 to 4 years depending on the program. A diploma in nursing takes 3 years. A bachelor’s degree in nursing takes 4 years. Upon completion of the program and internship, you need to register with the Nurses Board of Sierra Leone to practice as a licensed nurse.

What is the job outlook for nurses in Sierra Leone?

The job outlook for nurses in Sierra Leone is positive. There is a shortage of nurses in the country and the demand for nurses is high. According to statistics, Sierra Leone has a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1 to 5,000 which is very low. The government aims to improve health care in the country which will create more job opportunities for nurses. Nurses can work in government hospitals, private hospitals, NGOs, and community health centers. The average monthly salary for nurses in Sierra Leone is about Le1,500,000 to Le3,000,000.

Can I work as a nurse in Sierra Leone with a foreign nursing qualification?

Nurses with foreign nursing qualifications may be allowed to work in Sierra Leone subject to meeting certain requirements. You need to have your nursing qualification verified and recognized by the Nurses Board of Sierra Leone. You may also need to sit for licensing exams to demonstrate competence. Some employers may require a certain period of adaptation or mentorship. The requirements tend to be less stringent for nurses from other West African countries compared to those from outside the region. Some additional requirements like work permits may apply to foreign nurses.

What scholarships are available for nursing students in Sierra Leone?

There are a few scholarships and funding opportunities for nursing students in Sierra Leone. These include:

Government bursaries: The Ministry of Health provides bursaries covering tuition fees for some nursing students.
DAAD scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students in Sierra Leone.
WHO scholarships: The WHO Regional Office for Africa offers scholarships for students in health-related programs including nursing.
NGO scholarships: Some NGOs provide scholarships and grants for nursing students such as the Open Society Foundation.
University scholarships: Some universities offer merit-based scholarships and tuition waivers for exceptional nursing students.