Difference Between ND/HND Nursing and Basic Nursing Programmes
When considering a career in nursing, you may come across different programs to choose from. Among these are Basic Nursing and the ND/HND Nursing programs, which are commonly offered in Nigerian institutions. While both lead to a career in nursing, they cater to different levels of education and expertise.
For those just beginning their journey in nursing, the Basic Nursing program is a popular starting point. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more advanced path, the ND/HND Nursing programs might be more suitable. But how do these programs differ, and which one is the right fit for you?
In this article, we will break down the differences between Basic Nursing and ND/HND Nursing, focusing on key aspects like the level of education, duration, career prospects, and qualifications. We will help you understand what makes each program unique, and guide you toward choosing the one that aligns with your career goals.
What is a Basic Nursing Program?
Basic Nursing is an introductory program for individuals who want to start a career in nursing. It aims to provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to become a Registered Nurse (RN). The program covers areas like patient care, first aid, hygiene, and understanding hospital operations to ensure students are well-prepared for work in healthcare settings.
To be eligible for Basic Nursing, applicants must have at least five credits in their O’Level exams (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB), including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The course usually spans three years, combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training in hospitals. Upon completion, graduates can take the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) licensing exam to earn their Registered Nurse certification.
What are ND/HND Nursing Programs?
ND/HND Nursing programs are designed for individuals looking to take their nursing career to a higher level. The National Diploma (ND) in Nursing is a program that provides more in-depth, vocational training in nursing practices. After completing the ND, students can move on to the Higher National Diploma (HND), which builds on the knowledge gained during the ND and allows for further specialization in areas like critical care, pediatrics, or midwifery.
With an ND or HND, you are more likely to take on leadership roles, manage patient care teams, or work in specialized healthcare units, giving you a strong edge in the nursing profession.
What’s the Duration of Each Program?
The Basic Nursing program typically lasts for three years, which is ideal for those just starting their nursing career. On the other hand, the ND/HND Nursing programs are structured a bit differently. The ND (National Diploma) usually takes around two years to complete. You can further specialize by continuing into the HND (Higher National Diploma), which usually takes another one to two years.
So, while Basic Nursing takes a bit longer, ND/HND programs allow students to jump into nursing in a more specialized, vocational manner. What does this mean for your career timeline? If you are going for Basic Nursing, it might take a bit longer to start working as a registered nurse. But with ND/HND, you are looking at a quicker start, with the opportunity to specialize further down the road.
Certification Process for Basic Nursing and ND/HND Nursing
In the Basic Nursing program, graduates receive a professional license from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) after passing the licensing exam. However, they are not given a formal academic certificate but are provided with a testimonial from their institution.
ND/HND Nursing graduates receive both a legally recognized academic certificate (either a diploma or degree) and a professional license. In addition to the Registered Nurse (RN) license, they may also receive qualifications as a Registered Midwife or Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN), depending on their focus area.
Differences Between Basic Nursing and ND/HND Nursing Programs
When choosing between Basic Nursing and ND/HND Nursing, there are several key differences to consider. While both lead to nursing careers, they vary in terms of qualifications, duration, certification, and career opportunities.
Duration
- Basic Nursing: 3-year program, ideal for beginners.
- ND Nursing: 2 years, followed by HND Nursing, which takes an additional 1-2 years for further specialization.
Eligibility Requirements
- Basic Nursing: Requires O’Level qualifications (credits in English, Mathematics, and Science).
- ND/HND Nursing: Requires completed secondary education, and for HND, completion of ND first.
Certification and Licenses
- Basic Nursing: Graduates receive a professional license from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) but no formal academic certificate, just a testimonial from the institution.
- ND/HND Nursing: Graduates receive a legally recognized academic certificate (diploma or degree) along with professional licenses, including possible additional qualifications like Registered Midwife (RM) or Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN).
Internship and NYSC
- ND/HND Nursing: Requires a 1-year internship and completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
- Basic Nursing: No internship or NYSC required.
Career Progression
- Basic Nursing: Graduates can work as Registered Nurses (RNs) but need a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BNSc) before pursuing postgraduate programs.
- ND/HND Nursing: Graduates can directly pursue a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Nursing for specialized roles and higher pay.
Specializations and Licenses
- ND/HND Nursing: Graduates can specialize in fields like Midwifery, Public Health Nursing, or Emergency Nursing, and obtain dual licenses.
- Basic Nursing: Graduates are mainly focused on general nursing and receive only the Registered Nurse (RN) license.
Note: The Basic Nursing program will soon be replaced by the ND Nursing program, aligning the education system with more formal qualifications.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your career goals and where you are in your education. If you want a specialized, higher qualification in nursing, ND/HND is the right fit, while Basic Nursing is perfect for beginners starting their career in nursing.
