Polytechnic Courses That Can Help Me Cross To Nursing

Nursing is one of the most competitive health courses. Literally, all science secondary school leavers want to go for this profession.

However, as more aspirants are chasing Nursing, the more the course seems to be running away from them. Yes, it could sound funny but that is true with my experience as an education consultant.

Imagine graduates asking of they can be admitted to schools of Nursing with their degree. What of the difficulty in passing the entrance exam? What about awaiting stages of admission which you may not escape altogether?

The worst is the admission quotas by each university and college/school of Nursing which without surprise, forces them to admit as low as 50 students out of thousands of aspiring students.

After being asked, by a reader, the course she could do in polytechnic that will help her cross into Nursing later, I see the need to write this piece.

I've actually answered a similar question in my post, "Degree Courses That Can Help You Cross To Nursing". But that was for if you were seeking admission into a university or you were already in one but for another course.

What if you're chasing polytechnic admission? Which course can you do in polytechnic that will help you to cross into Nursing?

Recommended: Are Community Health Workers (CHEWS) Also Nurses?

The Only Polytechnic Course Accepted For Nursing Admission is Prosthesis and Orthopedic Technology

If you plan to obtain the Direct Entry form which will help you cross to a university offering Nursing, the best course to choose in polytechnic should be Orthopedic Technology.

Some mono-technics/colleges may call it "Prosthesis and Orthopedic", "Orthopedic Cast Technology" or just, "Orthopedic Technology".

As a matter of fact, Orthopedic Technology is the only polytechnic course generally recognized by JAMB and universities for direct entry into Nursing apart from Degrees in related courses, Registered Nursing (RN), ND/HND Nursing, and for a few universities, the Registered Midwifery (RM).

A quick check for the general Direct Entry requirements for Nursing Science shows that ND/HND (both polytechnics' awards/qualifications) in Orthopedic Technology is the only option opened to DE applicants from polytechnics.

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The reason for accepting only Orthopedic Technology (but not the others) from polytechnics ND/HND holders are best known to the universities offering Nursing. We can as well add that this course seems very directly related to health care and Nursing.

As you can see in the extract below, the course is more health-related.

Orthopedic technology, also known as orthotics and prosthetics, is a healthcare profession that involves the design, fabrication, and fitting of artificial limbs, braces, and other devices that help to improve the mobility and function of people with physical disabilities.

Orthopedic technologists work closely with patients and healthcare professionals such as orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to determine the best type of device for a particular patient's needs. They may take measurements, make molds, and use computer-aided design to create custom devices that fit the patient's body perfectly. Once the device has been fabricated, they also work with patients to ensure proper fit, function, and use.

Recommended: Can I Process More Than One Admission in a Year?

What of Other Health-and/or-Medical Courses in Polytechnics and Colleges of Health?

Well, in the past, I've covered several health-related courses in the polytechnics and colleges of health. One of these courses was Orthopedic Technology.

However, very many other courses are not accepted by Nigerian universities for Nursing. For example, I've stated that Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) won't help you to be admitted for Nursing through Direct Entry. SLT is not a caregiving medical course.  

Laboratory scientists, also known as medical laboratory technologists, are trained professionals who work in clinical or research laboratories to perform a variety of tests and analyses on patient samples, biological specimens, and other materials. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and pharmaceutical companies.

Similarly, Courses such as Community Health and Extension, Health Assistant, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmaceutical Technology, etc. which are polytechnic and college of health courses, may not work in securing Nursing admission through Direct Entry.

At least, for now, the only polytechnic, mono-technic, or college course stated by JAMB and universities offering Nursing for direct entry admission is "Orthopedic Technology".

Let's check a few universities for more digging. I will sample federal, state, and private ones. Then, I will pick one to represent others.

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For a federal university, the University of Ilorin, Kwara State Requires the following as the direct entry qualifications for its Nursing Science.

1. (i)A'Level passes in any two (2) of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics (ii) Two (2) 'A' Level passes in Biology/Zoology, Chemistry, and Physics plus three (3) other 'O' Level credit passes in Mathematics, Physics and English Language.
2. ND Upper Credit in Prosthesis and Orthopaedic Technology.
3. NRN or its approved equivalent plus five (5) 'O' Level credit passes in English Language and four (4) Science subjects chosen from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Anatomy, Physiology and Hygiene, Health Science, Further Mathematics, and General Science.

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For the state universities, the Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki Ebonyi State wants the same as follows.

1. (i)'A'Level passes in any two (2) of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics (ii) Two (2) 'A' Level passes in Biology/ Zoology, Chemistry, and Physics plus three (3) other 'O' Level credit passes in Mathematics, Physics, and English 
2. ND Upper Credit in Prosthesis and Orthopaedic Technology.
3. NRN or its approved equivalent plus five (5) 'O' Level credit passes in English Language and four (4) Science subjects chosen from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Anatomy, Physiology and Hygiene, Health Science, Further Mathematics, and General Science.

For the private universities, Atiba University Oyo, Oyo State equally folow the suit with:

1. 'A' Level passes in any two (2) of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics (ii) Two (2) 'A' Level passes in Biology/ Zoology, Chemistry, and Physics plus three (3) other 'O' Level credit passes in Mathematics, Physics, and English Language.
2. ND Upper Credit in Prosthesis and Orthopedic Technology.
3. NRN or its approved equivalent plus five (5) 'O' Level credit passes in English Language and four (4) Science subjects chosen from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Anatomy, Physiology and Hygiene, Health Science, Further Mathematics, and General Science.

Recommended: Federal, State, and Private Universities For Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)

Polytechnics and Colleges Offering Prosthesis and Orthopedic Technology

Unfortunately, there are no hundreds of polytechnics, monotechnic, and/or colleges, out there, that offer Prosthesis and Ortopetic Technology. 

The last time I checked, below is the list of a few institutions you can choose in JAMB or change to for the course.

1. Federal College Of Orthopedic Technology, Igbobi, Lagos School Of Orthopedic Cast Technology, Ilorin, Kwara State
2. School Of Orthopedic Cast Technology, Enugu, Enugu State
3. School Of Orthopedic Cast Technology, National Orthopedic Hospital Dala, Kano
4. Al-Ma'Arif College Of Health Sciences And Technology, Potiskum, Yobe State

Though few in number, you can still process admission to anyone closer to you. For more on each and admission requirements, read, "Polytechnics Offering Orthopaedic Technology For Nursing DE". 

Recommended: Universities Of Nursing Accepting 150, 160, 170, 180?

Conclusion

How I wish there could be more courses in polytechnics that one can use to cross into Nursing in universities. In fact, it's foolish to buy the lie that SLT in polytechnics can be used to seek DE admission into Nursing. Quote me anywhere!

Mostly, the institutions listed above offering Orthopedic Technology here are "monotechics". You should find one closer if you must process admission into this course.

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