Difference Between Basic Nursing and Post-Basic Nursing Programmes
Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers in healthcare, but the different training programs can sometimes be confusing. Two common paths in nursing education are Basic Nursing and Post-Basic Nursing. While both prepare individuals for professional nursing, they are meant for different types of students and serve different purposes.
Many people mistakenly assume that Basic Nursing and Post-Basic Nursing are the same or don’t fully understand how they differ. However, they are completely different programs in terms of who can apply, how long they take, and what career opportunities they lead to.
Basic Nursing is for those who want to start a career in nursing from scratch. It provides the foundation for becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) and requires no prior nursing experience.
Post-Basic Nursing, on the other hand, is for already trained nurses who want to specialize in a specific area of nursing like midwifery, intensive care, or anesthesia. It builds on existing nursing knowledge and experience.
To truly understand the difference, we will look at how they compare in eligibility, duration, curriculum, certification, and career paths. This will help clarify which program is the right choice depending on where you are in your nursing journey.
Basic Nursing Program
The Basic Nursing Program is an entry-level course designed for individuals who wish to pursue a career in nursing. It provides essential knowledge and skills needed to become a professional nurse.
To apply for the Basic Nursing Program, candidates must have at least five credits in O’ Level exams (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) in subjects like English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. There is no need for any prior nursing experience to join the program, so it is open to anyone who meets the academic requirements.
The program lasts for about three years (or six semesters), during which students balance classroom lessons with practical training in real healthcare settings. Students in this program will learn the basics of nursing care, such as patient hygiene, first aid, and pharmacology (the study of medications and their effects). They also get familiar with hospital procedures and how to care for patients effectively.
After completing the program, graduates must pass the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once licensed, Registered Nurses have the opportunity to work in various healthcare environments such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health centers.
Post-Basic Nursing Program
The Post-Basic Nursing Program is an advanced course designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who want to specialize in specific areas of nursing. It allows nurses to deepen their expertise and focus on areas that require advanced knowledge and skills. To enroll in the Post-Basic Nursing Program, candidates must:-
- Already be a Registered Nurse (RN).
- For some specializations, one or more years of nursing experience may be required.
The program usually lasts between one to two years, depending on the specialization chosen. The Post-Basic Nursing Program offers a range of specializations, such as:
- Midwifery
- Anesthesia Nursing
- Perioperative Nursing (Surgical Nursing)
- Intensive Care Nursing (ICU)
- Pediatrics Nursing (Childcare)
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Accident & Emergency Nursing
- Orthopedic Nursing
- Ophthalmic Nursing (Eye Care)
The program focuses on advanced clinical training in the chosen specialization. Training is hands-on and often takes place in hospital settings that cater to specialized care.
After completing the program, graduates receive a Post-Basic Nursing Certificate in their specialized area. They must also pass a specialized licensing exam from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to be qualified to practice in that field. Post-Basic Nurses can work in specialized hospital units such as ICU, surgery, maternity, and other focused care areas.
Difference Between Basic Nursing and Post-Basic Nursing Programmes
Here are the key differences between these two nursing programs.
| Feature | Basic Nursing | Post-Basic Nursing |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Requirement | Requires O’ Level results (e.g., WAEC, NECO, NABTEB) | Must already be a Registered Nurse (RN) |
| Duration | Typically 3 years | 1–2 years, depending on the specialization |
| Level | Entry-level program for aspiring nurses | Advanced/specialized training for already qualified nurses |
| Specializations | No specialization | Offers specialized fields such as Midwifery, ICU, Anesthesia, Pediatrics, and more |
| Career Path | General nursing practice (e.g., hospitals, clinics) | Focuses on specialized nursing roles (e.g., ICU nurse, Anesthesia nurse) |
| Certification | RN License after completing the program and passing the exam | Post-Basic Nursing Certificate + RN License after completion and passing the specialized exam |
Conclusion
Basic Nursing is ideal for individuals just beginning their nursing journey, while Post-Basic Nursing is for those who are already Registered Nurses (RNs) and want to specialize in a specific area of healthcare and both programs play important roles in the healthcare system.
Has this article helped clarify the differences between the two nursing programs? If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask in the comments.
