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Do you enjoy helping other people feel better? Have you ever had the urge to study nursing in Malaysia? Today is the day to use your caring, compassionate and loving nature to benefit society.
Becoming a nurse is a well-loved profession that requires insightful knowledge and delicate soft skills to succeed!
This guide will focus on the potential education pathway, the best universities to study Nursing in Malaysia, and future career routes for you to take.
What is Nursing?
Nursing is a medical profession that provides meticulous care and illness for patients. One of the aims of this field is to promote health and well-being.
Nurses within varying specialisations play a vital role in facilitating the core journey of a patient. Upon arriving at a hospital, they are responsible for
- drawing blood,
- running diagnostic tests,
- reading charts and
- administering medication.
Every day, nurses typically work collaboratively with
- physicians,
- therapists,
- the patient,
- the patient’s family, and
- other team members
The entire journey focuses on treating illness to improve the quality of life of one.
Why Should You Study Nursing in Malaysia?
Extremely Rewarding and Fulfilling Career
All over the world, nurses are an essential factor in ensuring an adequate healthcare system. These caring experts provide patients with physical and emotional support to help them recover from their injuries or illnesses.
In this high-risk, high-reward career, you will endure many different many trials along the way. As you gain more experience from your job, you will be able to grow from them!
If you are someone who thrives on challenges, there will be a strong sense of fulfilment when your hard work, pressure, and long hours positively impact your patients and their loved ones.
Incredible Job Prospects
Did you know that the demand for nurses in Malaysia is consistently increasing?
Healthcare services will always be a need for everyone, even amidst job recessions and economic downfall. Hence, the possibilities are endless as you may even apply for nursing jobs abroad or specialise in a field of your choice!
Today, the world highly welcomes nurses at
- hospitals,
- private practices, substance abuse centres,
- elderly homes and many more!
Therefore, as someone who wishes to study Nursing in Malaysia, you need not to worry.
Lifelong Learning Opportunity
Working in a complex and ever-evolving industry, nurses typically learn something new every day as part of their multidimensional role.
From learning hard skills through new techniques and procedures or improving your soft skills through first-hand experience, the opportunity to gain new knowledge is everywhere! So long as you have the hunger to learn.
Hence, working as a nurse will foster and develop interpersonal, technical and clinical skills you can carry for the rest of your life!
What are the Nursing Fields in Malaysia?
As the healthcare system continues to grow and progress, the field of studies available for nurses in Malaysia to specialise in continues to expand. When you study Nursing in Malaysia, you will come across these fields:
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.
Popular Pathways When You Study Nursing in Malaysia
Upon completion of SPM or the equivalent, students who wish to study Nursing in Malaysia will generally opt for a pre-university programme (A-Levels, STPM, AUSMAT etc.). Or, they may choose a directly enter the Foundation in Science course before proceeding to a Degree in Nursing (Pre-Registration/Post-Registration).
As an alternative, students can also take up a Diploma in Nursing. The route 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.
Regardless of the path you take, you will need to register with the Nursing Board Malaysia before gaining the Annual Practising Certificate to practice as a registered nurse.
However, if you are interested in specialising in a particular study, you may further study for a Postgraduate certificate.
Don’t forget to read this too: Must Knows Before Choosing a Pre-U, Diploma or Degree
|
Qualification |
Entry Requirements |
|
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. |
|
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 |
|
Degree in Nursing (Post-Registration) From RM 20,000 |
|
Do keep in mind that many universities also require an English Language test (IELTS, MUET or TOEFL) before you start to study Nursing in Malaysia.
What are the Skills Required in Nursing
To succeed in a nursing career, there will many practical and theoretical skills to learn. Here are some basic skills that is recommended to have:
Ability to Multitask and Stay Organised
Nurses generally work with many patients daily 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.
As such, a nurse needs to stay on top of everything. The key is to manage your workload efficiently so that you can minimise 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.
Whether you are tending to an emergency trauma or assisting the birth of a newborn, you should be able to convey and receive information adequately. At the same time, having 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, your knowledge and expertise will become your strongest ally to help you through them.
In addition, you will also need to make decisions based on your own opinion and analysis, further increasing the risk of many consequences.
Top Universities to Study Nursing in Malaysia
If you are looking for a place to study Nursing in Malaysia, we have a few to share.
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.
Among the AIMST courses for you to study Nursing in Malaysia are:
- 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 for those who aspire to study Nursing in Malaysia. 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.
Among the IMU courses for you to study Nursing in Malaysia are:
- Foundation in Science (Nursing)
- Diploma in Nursing
- Bachelor of Nursing (Hons)
UOW Malaysia KDU University College
As a member of the University of Wollongong Australia’s global network, UOW Malaysia KDU is a pre-eminent provider of higher education in Malaysia. This Malaysian academy 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 studies and state-of-the-art facilities. From foundation to bachelor degrees and postgraduate programmes, nursing enthusiasts can find a course required for their level.
Among the UOW Malaysia KDU courses for you to study Nursing in Malaysia are:
- 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
There are a couple of key factors to keep in mind before pursuing this field as a career. Among the things to note even before you begin to study Nursing in Malaysia include:
You Need to Register with the Nursing Board Malaysia
Before you study Nursing in Malaysia, remember to ensure the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) recognises your qualifitacions. You will also need to 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
Are you interested in exploring the job opportunities available for those who study Nursing in Malaysia? Get in touch with Uni Enrol now to learn more about them!
Popular Nursing-Related Jobs
With a nursing qualification, many career opportunities in the healthcare setting will be available for you to pursue. However, when you study Nursing in Malaysia, 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.
As the main form of communication with patients, they typically work in specific areas of the hospital, such as intensive care and emergency departments.
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. Their responsibilities include
- 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
The job of a nurse educator circles around 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. Thus, multitasking is a necessary trait to have when giving individualised health needs and personal abilities.
Education, training, and current valid certification are required to become a certified nurse assistant.
The 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?
If your dream is to study Nursing in Malaysia, contact us now for more information! Our experienced counsellors are here to assist!