An article from New Straits Times in 2023 has also mentioned that Malaysia is estimated to need 113,472 Nurses by the year 2025. So, if you are searching for a career which contributes to greater good with assured job security, maybe a career as a Nurse is to be considered. Our article aims to look at multiple aspects of becoming a Nurse in Malaysia.
What is it to become a Nurse?
In simple terms, Nursing is the act of providing care for patients. Nursing encompasses duties relating to promotion of health, prevention of illnesses, and care for individuals of all ages, groups, or communities, regardless of the circumstance. Nursing is the backbone of the healthcare system.
Nursing enables one to help others and make a significant difference in people’s lives, making Nursing both a noble and rewarding career path. Even so, a career in Nursing can be very challenging. However, a career as a Nurse warrants for job security as there is an internationally acknowledged shortage of Nurses globally.
A Nurse is a healthcare professional with diverse responsibilities ranging from deciding on acute treatments to administering vaccinations in schools. Some of the main duties of a Nurse include: coordinating care, performing diagnostic tests, educating on medical conditions, and ultimately supporting those in need.
Types of Nurse
There are several types of Nurse which have their own specific responsibilities. Below are some examples of the different types of Nursing professions with a brief description of said type.
Type of Nurse | Description |
Registered Nurse | A Registered Nurse (RN) typically covers a broader scope of Nursing duties. Generally, their duties would include coordinating patient care and administering medicine. |
Nurse Practitioner | A Nurse Practitioner (NP) in simple terms, is a higher level RN qualified for taking on a more specific type of care. An NP should have completed a master’s degree and completed training in a specific field. |
Clinical Nurse | A Clinical Nurse conducts comprehensive patient assessments, develops evidence-based care plans, and mentors less experienced Nurses. |
Emergency Room (ER) Nurse | An ER Nurse would be stationed in an Emergency Room (ER) and is responsible for evaluations and assessments for patients coming into the ER. |
Geriatric Nurse | A Geriatric Nurse is responsible for providing care to specifically patients who are of older age. They would typically be dealing with patients facing cancer or Alzheimer’s. |
Mental Health Nurse | A Mental Health Nurse would typically deal with patients with psychological or mental disorders. They could be placed in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or psychiatric facilities. |
Surgical Nurse | A Surgical Nurse, sometimes operating room Nurse, is in charge of providing care to patients prior, during, and after the patient’s surgery. A Surgical Nurse would usually work closely with a surgical team in ensuring a safe surgery. |
Anaesthetic Nurse | An Anaesthetic Nurse is the one who would administer anaesthesia to patients undergoing surgical, diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. They would also monitor the patient during and post-anaesthesia. |
Paediatric Nurse | A Paediatric Nurse is responsible for providing care to patients of a younger age group such as newborns, children, and adolescents. They could learn aspects such as age-appropriate communication in medicine administration. |
Nurse Midwife | A Nurse Midwife focuses on providing care to pregnant women. They are present in labour deliveries as well as prenatal appointments. |
Skills required to be a Nurse
- Empathy
A Nurse should possess empathy and be compassionate. These two traits are vital for a Nurse to administer proper, comprehensive, and thorough care for their patients.
- Agility
It is no easy feat to be a Nurse. The skill of agility is crucial in dealing with challenges and stress. As such, being agile ensures the Nurse is both physically and mentally fit in carrying out their Nursing duties.
- Detail Oriented
A Nurse would typically have duties such as administering medicine and treatment as well as keeping records of patients’ medical history and symptoms. In this case, a Nurse should be someone who is detail oriented to avoid any medical mishaps.
- People Person
A Nurse who is a people person with a good grasp of interpersonal and social skills would have no problem empathising with their patients. This way, communication would be more positive, personable, and productive.
- Time Management
Time management is important for a Nurse, especially because the nature of a Nurse’s work can be very fast paced. They would have to juggle many duties on top of handling several patients simultaneously. Good time management is beneficial in ensuring the duties of a Nurse are carried out efficiently.
Are you eligible to study to become a Nurse in Malaysia?
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
SPM/ O-Level/ UEC | Pass with a Minimum 5 Credits (including Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, 1 Science Subject) |
Foundation | CGPA 2.50 |
Diploma | CGPA 2.50 |
STPM | CGPA 2.50 |
A-Levels | Grade C in 3 Other Subjects |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | 60% include Mathematics and either 1 Science Subject |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 5.5 |
MUET | Band 3 |
TOEFL | 515/215/80 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
How to become a Nurse in Malaysia?
Upon completion of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations, you can enrol in a pre-university programme, which could be the A-Level programme, a Foundation in Science programme, Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), or any other qualifying programme. As an alternative, you can choose to enrol in a Diploma in Nursing.
After a relevant pre-university programme, continue with a Bachelor in Nursing for a duration of 4 years. Then, you can sit for the Malaysian Nursing Board Exam to become a registered Nurse. However, if you chose to do a 3-year Diploma in Nursing, you are already able to sit for this exam without the Bachelor in Nursing.
As an additional information, those with a Diploma in Nursing from a recognised institution by the Malaysian Nursing Board and minimum 2 years clinical working experience are allowed credit transfers when they enrol for a Bachelor in Nursing granted they achieved CGPA 2.50 upon completion of the Diploma. Additionally, those with a Diploma in a related field (non-nursing background) are eligible to study a Bachelor in Nursing provided they completed the Diploma with a minimum of CGPA 2.50 but credit transfers are not possible.
After passing the Malaysian Nursing Board Exam, to be able to legally practise as a Nurse in Malaysia, you should also register with the Malaysian Nursing Board and obtain the Annual Practising Certificate (APC) from the board.
With completion of the above, you are officially a Registered Nurse in Malaysia. You can practise as a Nurse in locations such as in hospitals, aged care homes, schools, and private clinics.
Optionally, you can enrol in a post-graduate Nursing course to practise as a Nurse in a specialised field or to become scientific researchers or university professors.
Universities to Study Diploma in Nursing
1. International Medical College & University
The International Medical College (IMC) was founded in 1993 indicating their long reputation in providing Nursing education. IMC stands as a sister institution to the prestigious medical education institution with the International Medical University (IMU), assuring students with the best learning environment along with proper training development and potential employment opportunities.
Some advantages of enrolling in the Diploma in Nursing at IMC is that it incorporates accredited curriculums, financial aids, together with Nursing practicals for graduates to become competent Registered Nurses. Nursing clinical placements for students of the programmes are conducted at the Pantai-Gleneagles Group of Hospitals, Government Hospitals, as well as Community Health Centres.
Programme Offered | Diploma in Nursing |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | January, April, July, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | RM 59,400 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. Sunway University
Sunway University is one of Malaysia’s leading and internationally recognised private universities located in a very connected area. Students are able to enjoy a conducive study environment in a modern campus which has access to a wide range of social and community amenities. Sunway is also connected to the Sunway Medical Centre, where Nursing students can undergo their clinical practice there.
The Diploma in Nursing offered by Sunway University has many perks which include accredited curriculum from Malaysian Qualification Agency and Nursing Board of Malaysia, clinical attachments options in over 15 medical institutions, financial aids, modern simulation laboratories, with qualifications for both local and international job opportunities.
Programme Offered | Diploma in Nursing |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | July, October |
Indicative Fees (2024) | RM 56,400 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. AIMST University
Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology, or more commonly known as AIMST University, is a private higher education learning institution with nine faculties offering a range of programmes from the foundation level all the way to postgraduate level. If you are looking for a more affordable choice to study Nursing, AIMST is the way to go.
The Diploma in Nursing course offered by AIMST University is one which has the goal of AIMST University shaping Nurses who will provide optimal healthcare to the community at large. The curriculum is designed to cultivate competency and professionalism meant to face the challenges of aspiring Nurses.
Programme Offered | Diploma in Nursing |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | July |
Indicative Fees (2024) | RM 38,950 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
Universities to study Bachelor of Nursing
1. UCSI University
UCSI University is a reputable private tertiary education institution in Malaysia with history dating back to the year 1986. UCSI has been steadily improving and developing into a more prestigious learning institution that was awarded the QS Recognition for Improvement Award in 2023. With this, UCSI is a university to consider if you are looking to enrol in a Bachelor of Nursing programme.
UCSI’s Bachelor of Nursing programme is offered under the Faculty of Medicineand Health Sciences at the university. The faculty centres their education through patient care and the pursuit of knowledge with many charity and community events, organ donation drives, breast cancer awareness initiatives, fundraisers, as well as opportunities to study abroad. What’s more, UCSI’s Bachelor of Nursing is recognised by the Malaysian Nursing Board (MNB) and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and has a 100% passing rate for the Malaysian Nursing Board examinations.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) |
Duration | 4 Years |
Intake | January, July |
Indicative Fees (2024) | RM 89,445 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. MAHSA University
MAHSA is an abbreviation for Malaysian Allied Health Sciences Academy. MAHSA University was established in 2004 and is an excellent learning institution, especially for those looking to study tertiary healthcare education. The core vision of MAHSA University is to produce qualified and compassionate professionals who can contribute to the country’s development.
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Nursing at MAHSA University is a practical degree programme for aspiring Nurses who are dedicated to helping others and contributing positively to society. MAHSA’s Nursing curriculum aims to deliver holistic Nursing education which integrates practical lessons, mobility opportunities, and masterclasses.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Science (Hons) Nursing |
Duration | 4 Years |
Intake | October |
Indicative Fees (2024) | RM 71,600 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. AIMST University
AIMST University, also known as the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science, and Technology, is a distinguished private higher education learning institution. Boasting nine faculties, AIMST offers an extensive array of academic programs spanning from foundational studies to postgraduate levels. For those seeking a cost-effective option to pursue Nursing education, AIMST University stands out as an excellent choice.
The Bachelor in Nursing Science (Honours) course offered by AIMST University is a four-year undergraduate programme acting as a pre-registration course aiming to train students to be a Nurse. Graduates of the programme are eligible to practise as a registered Nurse in Malaysia after passing the board licensure examination required by the Malaysian Nursing Board.
Programme Offered | Bachelor in Nursing Science (Honours) |
Duration | 4 Years |
Intake | October |
Indicative Fees (2024) | RM 57,600 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.