Are you someone that’s caring, compassionate and loving?
Ever considered to study nursing in Malaysia and use your caring, compassionate and loving nature to benefit the society?
Becoming a nurse is a well-loved profession that requires strong knowledge and soft skills to succeed!
This guide will focus on the Nursing course, the best universities in Malaysia to study it, and what career paths are out there.
What is Nursing?
Nursing is a medical profession that provides care, health promotion, illness prevention and care for patients.
They play an important role in facilitating the core journey of a patient such as drawing blood, running diagnostic tests, reading charts and administering medication.
Nurses typically work collaboratively with physicians, therapists, the patient, the patient’s family, and other team members that focus on treating illness to improve the quality of life of one.
Why Should You Study Nursing?
Extremely Rewarding and Fulfilling Career
All over the world, nurses are an essential factor in ensuring an adequate healthcare system by providing physical and emotional support to patients.
In this high risk, high reward career – you will endure many different experiences and obstacles where you’re expected to solve!
If you’re someone that thrives on being kept on your toes, there will be a strong sense of fulfilment when your hard work, pressure, and long hours positively impacts your patients and their loved ones.
Incredible Job Prospects
Did you know that the demand for nurses in Malaysia is consistently increasing?
Even amidst job recessions and economic downfall, there will always be a need for healthcare services.
The possibilities are also endless as you may even apply for nursing jobs abroad or specialise in a field of choice!
Today, nurses are desired in hospitals, private practices, substance abuse centres, eldery homes and many more so you would never need to worry!
Lifelong Learning Opportunity
Working in a complex and ever-evolving industry, nurses typically learn something new everyday as part of their multidimensional role.
Whether it’s hard skills through new techniques and procedures or soft skills through first-hand experience, the opportunity to gain new knowledge is endless.
Working as a nurse will definitely foster and develop interpersonal, technical and clinical skills in you to carry for the rest of your life!
What are the Fields in Nursing?
As the healthcare system continues to grow and progress, the various fields available for nurses in Malaysia to specialise in continues to expand. Here are some of the most common fields available:
Cardiology
Assist with procedures related to bypass, angioplasty, or pacemaker surgeries.
Anaesthesiology
Assist with anaesthesia during surgeries.
Critical Care
Assist with serious wounds and monitor life support systems in critical scenarios.
Family Care
Assist in primary health care services for all ages.
Geriatrics
Assist in treatment of older patients for injuries, illnesses and to maintain their quality of life.
Perioperative
Assist in pre- and post-operative care for patients.
Mental Health
Assist in diagnosis and treating of psychological disorders in patients.
Oncology
Assist in diagnosis, treatment plan and care for cancer patients.
Orthopaedics
Assist in diagnosis, treatment plan and care of the musculoskeletal system for patients.
Paediatrics
Assists in care for infants to teenagers.
What Are Popular Nursing Pathways?
Upon completion of SPM or the equivalent, students desiring a nursing course will generally opt for a pre-university programme (A-Levels, STPM, AUSMAT etc.) or a direct Foundation in Science course before proceeding into a Degree in Nursing (Pre-Registration/Post-Registration).
As an alternative, students can also take up a Diploma in Nursing which enables them an early start to a nursing career.
But, with this pathway – you will need to obtain at least 3 years of working experience and your Annual Practising Certificate (APC) first before taking a Degree in Nursing.
However, with both pathways, graduates will need to register with the Nursing Board Malaysia before gaining the Annual Practising Certificate to practice as a registered nurse.
If you are interested in specialising in a specific field of nursing, you will then need to pursue your studies further to gain a Postgraduate certificate.
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Qualification |
Entry Requirements |
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Foundation in Science From RM 10,000 Pre-U / Diploma in Nursing From RM 20,000 |
SPM / O-Level: Minimum 5 credits, including Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics and a Science subject. |
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Degree in Nursing (Pre-Registration) From RM 50,000 |
STPM: Min. CGPA 2.5 A-Level: Min. of 3Cs AUSMAT: Min. of ATAR 60 Foundation in Science: Min. CGPA 3.00 Diploma in Science: Min. CGPA 2.50 |
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Degree in Nursing (Post-Registration) From RM 20,000 |
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Do keep in mind that many universities also require an English Language test (IELTS, MUET or TOEFL) to enrol you into the programme.
What are the Skills Required in Nursing
To succeed in a career in nursing, here are some basic skills that is recommended to have:
Ability to Multitask and Stay Organised
Nurses generally work with many patients daily all with varying, individual health needs.
With this, you must be able to provide individualised attention and care towards all patients equally whilst performing other tasks such as medical checks and administration of medication.
Staying on top of everything by managing your workload efficiently is key in avoiding physical and mental burnout.
Good Communication Skills
As a nurse, you will work alongside different teams of people in your day-to-day role. To do your job efficiently, having good communication skills is extremely crucial.
No matter if you’re working an emergency trauma or assisting the birth of a newborn, you should be able to convey and receive information adequately whilst remaining compassionate and empathetic towards your patients.
Ability to Think Critically
Working in a healthcare setting is fast-paced, time-sensitive and filled with high-pressure situations!
With this, you must know how to utilise your knowledge and expertise accordingly.
More times than not, you will also be expected to make decisions based on your own opinion and analysis that will have huge consequences for many.
Top Nursing Universities in Malaysia
AIMST University
Founded in 2001, AIMST University is a premier private university specialising in Medicine, Science and Technology courses.
Located in Semeling, Kedah, they offer technical education at an affordable price with its curriculum focused on computer training, writing and research to prepare their graduates for the workforce alongside a strong technology base.
Nursing courses offered:
Diploma in Nursing
Bachelor in Nursing Science (Hons)
International Medical University (IMU)
Located in Bukit Jalil, IMU is one of Malaysia’s most prestigious private medical and health science universities.
With its 100% focus in the healthcare industry, IMU’s programmes are perfectly competent and adequate to ensure graduates are work-ready, knowledgeable, competent and caring healthcare professionals.
Nursing courses offered:
Foundation in Science (Nursing)
Diploma in Nursing
Bachelor of Nursing (Hons)
UOW Malaysia KDU University College
Part of University of Wollongong Australia’s global network, UOW Malaysia KDU is a pre-eminent provider of higher education in Malaysia that combines UOW’s internationally recognised teaching programmes and personalised approach to students.
With 3 campuses in Selangor and Penang, UOW Malaysia KDU offers a full spectrum of programmemes utilising state-of-the-art facilities, from Foundation through to bachelor degrees and postgraduate programmes.
Nursing courses offered:
Diploma in Nursing
Post Basic in Critical Care Nursing
Post Basic in Oncology Nursing
Post Basic in Perioperative Nursing
Post Basic in Renal Nursing
Things You Need to Know About Nursing in Malaysia
Here are a couple of key factors to keep in mind regarding a nursing career in Malaysia:
You Need to Register with the Nursing Board Malaysia
Before enrolling into a nursing course, be sure to make sure that your nursing qualification is recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and that you register with the Nursing Board Malaysia or you will not be able to practise as a registered nurse.
You Do Not Have to be a Nurse after Graduation
Contrary to popular belief, you do not necessarily have to work as a nurse after graduation.
With the right skills, knowledge and qualification, you can pursue these careers:
- Nurse researcher
- Nurse case manager
- Legal nurse consultant
- Nurse informatics specialist
- Nurse educator
Interested in learning more about the various job opportunities available with a nursing degree? Get in touch with Uni Enrol now for more information!
Popular Nursing-Related Jobs
With a nursing qualification, here are some career opportunities in the healthcare setting available for you to pursue.
However, do keep in mind that this amount varies between government-based healthcare institutions and private healthcare institutions.
Staff Nurse
A staff nurse typically provides routine healthcare to patients whilst reporting to a higher-ranking healthcare professional.
Staff nurses perform duties such as assessing health conditions, measuring vitals, administering medications and more.
Acting as the main form of communication with patients, they typically work in specific areas of the hospital such as intensive care, emergency departments and others.
Salary of staff nurses in Malaysia is an average of RM 27,653 a year.
Registered Nurse
In contrast to regular staff nurse, a registered nurse (RN) must acquire a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and an APC.
With the higher qualification earned, registered nurses can work for hospitals,medical clinics, outpatient facilities, rehabilitation centres, or senior centres to promote wellness and health of patients.
Salary of registered nurses in Malaysia is an average of RM29,255 a year.
Dialysis Nurse
A dialysis nurse specialises in the process of dialysis – performing assessment, checking vitals and administering medication for patients before, during and after the procedure.
To work as a dialysis nurse, you must have a few years of experience.
Salary of dialysis nurses in Malaysia is an average of RM 39,298 a year.
Nurse Educator
A nurse educator specialises in the education and evaluation of the nursing staff and caregivers.
They work with nursing staff and caregivers of hospitals to continuously improve and develop programmes, evaluations, policies and systems related to patient care.
To be a nurse educator, you must have a degree, licensure of a registered nurse and multiple years of practical experience.
Salary of a nurse educator in Malaysia is an average of RM 77,511 a year.
Certified Nurse Assistant
Certified nurse assistants provide care for the elderly with daily tasks including bathing, dressing, eating and grooming them.
Generally, you will care for multiple patients at once so it’s important to be able to multitask in caring for individualised health needs and personal abilities.
Education, training, and current valid certification are required to become a certified nurse assistant.
Salary of a certified nurse assistant in Malaysia is an average of RM 23,583 a year.
Interested in learning more about your future career in Nursing?
Contact us now for more information, we’re here to assist!