Nursing Education in Ghana

Written by Prince Assandoh-Mensah in 2019

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (N&MC) is an agency of the Ministry of Health in Ghana that is mandated to monitor and regulate the training of nurse assistants, nurses, and midwives in Ghana. With core mandate to secure in the public interest the highest standards of training and practice of nursing and midwifery in Ghana, the council

• Establish standards and provide guidelines for the development of a curriculum for the training of nurse assistants, nurses and midwives
• In collaboration with appropriate government agencies, ensure that nursing and midwifery institutions are accredited.
• Conduct licensing examination for certification and registration of nurses and midwives
• Ensure that the education and training of nurses and midwives and other nursing practitioners are carried out at approved educational institutions for efficient nursing and midwifery practice

Every nursing education institution in Ghana must be accredited by the National Accreditation Board, approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and must be a university in good standing or affiliated to a university in good standing.

Currently, there are three categories of basic nursing and midwifery education in Ghana.

• Two years certificate nursing assistant program
• Three years diploma nursing/midwifery program
• Four years degree nursing/midwifery program

Currently, six different specializations exist at the basic nursing education level. Nursing Assistant Preventive (NAP) and Nursing Assistant Clinical (NAC) are the two main specializations for the 2year certificate nursing assistant program. Applicants are made to choose one at the start of their nursing education. The other four are General Nursing, Midwifery, Community Health Nursing and Mental Health Nursing.

Applicants are also made to choose one at the start of their nursing education. The basic entry into the basic nursing education in Ghana is the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE)

Candidate who successfully go through basic nursing/midwifery education are required to take the prescribed examination conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana. Successful candidates will be required to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana before they can practice as Professional Nurses or Midwives in Ghana.

There are also post-basic programs where registered (qualified) can take different level of specializations. Currently, the programs available include Ophthalmic nursing, Peri-Operative Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Public Health Nursing, Ear Nose & Throat Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Accident & Emergency Nursing, Palliative Nursing, Neuroscience Nursing, Oncology Nursing, Hematology Nursing, Neonatal Intensive Care and Women’s Health.