Nursing schools in Rivers State offer accredited programs in nursing and midwifery. Discover top schools, Requirements, admission info, differencies, application fees to help guide you in making a choice.
Rivers State, one of the most developed states in Nigeria’s South-South region, boasts a growing healthcare sector. Aspiring nurses in this region have a number of options when it comes to quality nursing education. Whether you’re aiming for a diploma as a Registered Nurse (RN) or planning to pursue a full Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BNSc), Rivers State has institutions tailored to both paths.
Requirements for Nursing Schools in Rivers State
To be eligible for admission into nursing schools in Rivers State, you must:
- ✅ Have credits in Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry in your WAEC/NECO/NABTEB, with not more than 2 sittings
- ✅ Have a JAMB score between 220–260 (only applies to university-based nursing programs)
- ✅ Pass the school’s Post-UTME or other entrance/screening exam
- ✅ Be at least 16 years old
Note: some Colleges or Schools of Nursing do not require JAMB and do not offer a BNSc degree. Instead, graduates earn a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Nurse-Midwife (RNM) diploma, which is academically lower than a BNSc.
⚖️ Schools of Nursing Vs. Department of Nursing
Understanding the difference between nursing colleges (RN/RM) and university (BNSC) nursing departments is key:
| Feature | Colleges/Schools of Nursing | University Departments of Nursing |
|---|---|---|
| Program Duration | 3 years | 5 years + 1 year internship |
| Admission Requirement | No JAMB | JAMB + Post-UTME |
| Certificate Awarded | RN or RNM Diploma | BNSc (Bachelor of Nursing Science) |
| Career Opportunities | Limited to clinical roles | Broader opportunities in private/public sectors |
| Salary Range | Generally lower | Higher, more competitive |
A BNSc degree opens more doors in the nursing profession compared to an RN diploma, especially in academic institutions, international practice, or advanced clinical roles. Now that you have known the differences, let’s go ahead with listing the nursing institutions in Rivers State.
List of Nursing Schools in Rivers State
Here is a list of the accredited nursing schools in Rivers State
School of Nursing, Port Harcourt
Department of Nursing, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology
School of Pyschiatric Nurisng, Rumuigbo
School of Post Basic Nursing, RSUTH
Rivers State School of Midwifery
Department of Nursing Science, Rivers State University (RSU)
PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt
School of Post Basic Pediatric Nursing, UPTH
School of Post Basic Accident and Emergency Nursing, UPTH
School of Public Health Nursing, RIVCOHSMAT
School of Nursing, Port Harcourt
The School of Nursing, Port Harcourt is one of the oldest and most respected nursing institutions in Rivers State. It is fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and offers a 3-year Basic General Nursing program.
Graduates from the school are awarded the Registered Nurse (RN) diploma upon passing the final council examinations.
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Application Fee: Around ₦15,000 (subject to annual changes). Forms are available through the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
Location: Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Old GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Contact: Ministry of Health, Rivers State – for official application guidelines.
Department of Nursing, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
The Department of Nursing at UNIPORT offers a comprehensive 5-year Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) program. This department is among the best in the South-South zone and includes classroom training, lab practicals, and hospital internships.
The program is accredited by both the NMCN and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Requirements: JAMB with a score of 220+, Post-UTME, and 5 O’level credits in one or two sittings.
This institution is one of the most sought-after nursing schools in Rivers State
Location: University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State.
Contact: wnsww.uniport.edu.ng
Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology – School of Basic Midwifery
The School of Basic Midwifery is part of RSCHSMT and offers a 3-year midwifery program for female applicants. It is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and produces Registered Nurse-Midwives (RNM).
Students are trained in both rural and urban healthcare settings, enhancing their field experience.
Application Fee: Approximately ₦16,000
Location: Rumueme, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Contact: www.rschst.edu.ng
School of Psychiatric Nursing, Rumuigbo
This specialized school focuses on mental health nursing and is affiliated with the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Rumuigbo. It offers a post-basic course in psychiatric nursing to already qualified Registered Nurses.
Graduates are awarded a certificate in Mental Health Nursing upon successful completion.
Program Duration: 1 year
Entry Requirement: Must be a Registered Nurse (RN)
Location: Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Rumuigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Contact: 0803-551-8797
School of Post Basic Nursing, RSUTH
The School of Post Basic Nursing at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital offers advanced nursing specializations, including perioperative and anesthesia nursing.
Only registered nurses (RNs) are eligible to apply for these programs.
Program Duration: 1 year
Location: RSUTH Premises, Old GRA, Port Harcourt
Contact: Ministry of Health, Rivers State
Rivers State School of Midwifery
This school is dedicated solely to training midwives. It runs a 3-year Basic Midwifery Program and also Post Basic Midwifery for already practicing nurses.
Fully accredited by the NMCN, this school is among the most reputable in southern Nigeria.
Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Contact: Enquiries can be made through the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
Department of Nursing Science, Rivers State University (RSU)
Established in 2010, the Department of Nursing Science at Rivers State University offers a Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) program. The program is fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Universities Commission (NUC). It aims to produce competent nursing professionals equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- Program Offered: Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Admission Requirements: Five O’level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics; JAMB score as specified by the university; successful performance in Post-UTME.
- Location: Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- Contact: www.rsu.edu.ng/nursing-scienceWikipediarsu.edu.ng
PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt
PAMO University is a private institution dedicated to medical and health sciences education. Its Department of Nursing Science offers a B.N.Sc. program accredited by the NMCN. The university provides a conducive learning environment with modern facilities to train professional nurses.Superprof
- Program Offered: Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Admission Requirements: Five O’level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics; JAMB score as specified by the university; successful performance in Post-UTME.
- Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- Contact: www.pums.edu.ngrsu.edu.ngrschst.edu.ng
School of Post Basic Paediatric Nursing, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH)
This institution specializes in training registered nurses in pediatric nursing. The program is designed to equip nurses with the skills necessary to care for children and adolescents.
- Program Offered: Post Basic Paediatric Nursing
- Duration: 1 year
- Admission Requirements: Registered Nurse (RN) certificate; current practicing license; minimum of one year post-qualification experience.
- Location: UPTH, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- Contact: www.upthng.comriversstatemohessiebookblog.com.ng+1riversstatemoh+1
School of Post Basic Accident and Emergency Nursing, UPTH
This school offers specialized training for registered nurses in accident and emergency care. The program focuses on developing skills to manage emergency situations effectively.riversstatemoh+3Wikipedia+3jfnursing.org+3
- Program Offered: Post Basic Accident and Emergency Nursing
- Duration: 1 year
- Admission Requirements: Registered Nurse (RN) certificate; current practicing license; minimum of one year post-qualification experience.
- Location: UPTH, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- Contact: www.upthng.comexced.ucoz.com+3riversstatemoh+3essiebookblog.com.ng+3
School of Public Health Nursing, Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology (RIVCOHSMAT)
This school offers programs in public health nursing aimed at training nurses to work in community health settings. The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical components to prepare students for public health challenges.
- Program Offered: Public Health Nursing
- Duration: 2 years
- Admission Requirements: Registered Nurse (RN) certificate; current practicing license; additional qualifications as specified by the school.
- Location: Rumueme, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- Contact: www.rschst.edu.ng
Note: Always confirm application timelines, fees, and updated contact details from official school websites or the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
These institutions contribute significantly to the development of qualified nursing professionals in Rivers State. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the schools directly or visit their official websites for detailed admission procedures and requirements.
Nursing Schools in Rivers State FAQs
1. How many accredited nursing schools are in Rivers State?
Rivers State has several accredited nursing schools, including universities, colleges, and post-basic institutions, all approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
2. Do I need JAMB to apply to nursing schools in Rivers State?
JAMB is required only for university-based nursing programs like those at UNIPORT, RSU, and PAMO University. Most colleges of nursing and schools of midwifery do not require JAM
3. What certificate do I get after completing nursing school in Rivers State?
University nursing programs award a Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) degree, while colleges and schools of nursing award a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Nurse-Midwife (RNM) diploma.
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