Beginner’s Guide on How to Apply for Nursing Training in Ghana
Nursing training in Ghana opens a pathway to steady employment, professional growth, and meaningful service, training that equips you to address the country’s growing healthcare needs.
In this guide, we provide a clear, step‑by‑step walkthrough of how to apply for nursing training in Ghana, from initial eligibility checks to submitting your application, securing admission, and beginning your training journey. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Landscape of Nursing Training in Ghana
Nursing training in Ghana encompasses multiple credential levels: certificate, diploma, and bachelor’s programs. Certificate and auxiliary courses, such as the Nurse Assistant Clinical (NAC) and Nurse Assistant Preventive (NAP), are offered for entry-level roles.
Diploma programs usually cover full nursing registration (such as Registered General Nursing or Midwifery), while BSc programs (offered by universities) provide a higher-education route into nursing or public-health nursing.
The principal regulatory body is the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (N&MC), established to “secure in the public interest the highest standards of training and practice of nursing and midwifery in Ghana.”
Training institutions register on portals such as the Health Training Institution (HTI) Portal, which is managed by the Ministry of Health and facilitates applications, status tracking, and admission for many health training programs.
It is important to follow the established procedures when you learn how to apply for nursing training in Ghana because accreditation, licensure, and job prospects all depend on compliance. Only graduates of programs recognized by the N&MC may register for the licensure examination.
If you attend a non-accredited school or skip formal application steps, your qualification may not be valid, and your employment options may be limited.
Typical types of programs include:
- Registered General Nursing (RGN): full nursing training leading to registration.
- Midwifery (RM): specialized nursing in maternal and child health.
- Auxiliary/Certificate Nurse Assistant programs (NAC, NAP): entry‐level roles for clinical support.
How to apply for nursing training in Ghana (Entry Requirements)
You must fulfill certain academic, age, nationality, and documentation requirements in order to apply for nursing training in Ghana. The official guidelines released by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (NMC) are a good place to start.
Academic requirements
Applicants with the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) must have credit passes in core subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, and Integrated Science, as well as good performance in elective subjects.
For example, one guideline indicates an overall aggregate of 36 or better in six (6) subjects (three core + three electives) for entry into some nursing degree programs.
Age limits, nationality & other eligibility
Many programmes set age limits; often, applicants should be between about 18 and 35 years old at entry for standard pathways. Applicants must be Ghanaian nationals (or meet any foreign-student criteria of the institution) and in good health (medical clearance is usually required).
Additional criteria for special entry routes
For mature applicants, diploma holders, or those upgrading from auxiliary cadres (such as nurse assistant preventive/clinical), extra criteria apply.
For instance, the Family Health University College indicates that diploma nurses or auxiliary certificate holders may enter via a top-up route with prior qualifications, transcripts, proof of licensure from the NMC, and perhaps completion of an access course.
Checklist for prospective applicants
Here is a helpful checklist you should complete before applying:
- Certified copy of WASSCE/SSSCE result slip showing required grades.
- Birth certificate or proof of age.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of Ghanaian nationality (or foreign student equivalent if applicable).
- Medical/health clearance certificate.
- For top-up or mature entry: transcripts, diploma certificate, and NMC registration/license if applicable.
- Application fee confirmation and any form of identification (national ID, etc.).
Choosing a school and programme
When planning how to apply for nursing training in Ghana, choosing the right institution and program is a key step.
Differences between certificate, diploma, and degree programmes
A certificate-level nursing course (for example, a “Nurse Assistant Clinical” or “NAC”) is typically 2 years, offering foundational care skills. A diploma-level program (such as “Registered General Nursing” or “Registered Midwifery”) usually spans 3 years and leads to full professional registration.
A degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing/Midwifery) program is often 4 years, intended for those seeking higher-level roles and perhaps leadership positions.
Location, institutional reputation, and accreditation status
You will want to compare institutions based on where they are (urban vs. rural, region), how accessible they are, and what their reputation is for quality, facilities, and graduate outcomes. Also, check that the school is properly accredited and recognized by the official portal, the Health Training Institution (HTI) Portal under the Ministry of Health (Ghana). That portal lists all registered health-training colleges in Ghana.
Programme duration, cost, available facilities, and clinical attachments
When comparing programs, note how long each lasts (2 yrs, 3 yrs, 4 yrs), check what fees apply, and examine the facilities the school offers (labs, wards, simulation suites).
Also important is the clinical attachment component: how much real-world practice you will get in hospitals or community settings. For example, one institution states its diploma program is 3 years with a strong emphasis on practical skills and clinical practice.
Document preparation
When you are ready to submit your application, being fully prepared with the correct documentation makes a huge difference.
- Typical documents: certified copies of your WASSCE/SSSCE results, your birth certificate, recent passport-sized photographs, and a medical screening or health clearance report.
- For mature applicants, transfers, or top-up routes: you’ll also need official transcripts of previous training, your registration/licensure papers from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (NMC), including your PIN if you’re already a nurse, and proof of work experience in a relevant health-care role.
- Tips for smooth filing: make sure your name is the same across all documents (if not, include a legal name-change certificate). Have translations into English ready if any qualifications are in another language. Keep both digital scans and physical copies of everything; you’ll thank yourself later.
Online application steps
The online application process is a crucial step for the majority of applicants when learning how to apply for nursing training in Ghana.
- Purchase PIN/Serial Voucher: Visit a designated bank (for example, Agricultural Development Bank or Ghana Commercial Bank) or use mobile money to buy the e-voucher. This voucher contains a PIN and serial number required to access the official portal.
- Register on the portal: Go to the official portal, the Health Training Institution (HTI) Portal, and key in your serial number and PIN. Fill in the application form by entering personal details and academic information, selecting your desired program and institution, and uploading required documents (certificates, photos, etc.).
- Pay the application fee: Through the portal, you pay the fee (typically around GHC 150) via a secure payment gateway.
- Submit and track your application: After submission, you can log into your dashboard using your PIN/serial to check status updates (for example, “Under Review,” “Short-listed,” etc.).
- Observe deadlines: The admission portal generally opens in a given window (often around March–April) and closes by a specific date (e.g., May 31). Late submissions are typically not considered.
Interview and selection
After you submit your application on the portal, there are several important steps in the selection process for nursing training in Ghana.
What happens after the application
Once your application is submitted via the HTI Portal (Health Training Institution Portal), the admissions office at your chosen school will review your credentials. Some institutions publish a notice of interview for shortlisted applicants.
For example, the Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Teshie, invited finalists for interviews along with the original and photocopies of the required documents.
In other cases, applicants who meet the criteria may receive a direct offer without an interview. The portal allows applicants to track statuses such as “Under Review” or “Short-listed.”
Tips for an interview
If you are invited to interview, you should arrive prepared. Bring original certificates (WASSCE/SSSCE), birth certificate, application printout, and any other documents listed.
Expect questions that assess your integrity, discipline, caring attitude, and readiness for nursing work. Example questions from previous applicants include “Why did you choose nursing?”, “What are your strengths that will help you as a nurse?”, and “How will you cope with the demands of training?”
What an admission offer looks like / what to check
When you receive an admission offer, it will typically specify the program (e.g., Registered General Nursing), the institution name, the program start date, tuition and boarding fees, the orientation date, and the deadline for acceptance.
You should check that the program is the one you applied for, verify the accreditation status of the school, confirm the official start date, and ensure you understand the fee payment schedule. Once you accept the offer, you will move into registration, course allocation, and orientation processes.
Fee payment and registration
Once you receive your admission, you’ll move into the registration and fee-payment phase. The Ministry of Health, Ghana, recently approved a 50% reduction in tuition fees for nursing and allied-health training programs, which eases the cost burden for new students.
When registering, make sure you:
- Pay the correct tuition/boarding fees via the institution’s approved bank or portal; for example, the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives uses a clearly defined “Transflow” payment platform for all fees.
- Confirm your admission slot by accepting the offer formally, enrolling in the program, and obtaining your student ID/registration number.
- Check all details: program name, start date, tuition schedule, clinical attachment dates, and orientation session.
- Complete health screening, uniform collection, and placement into a dormitory or hostel (if provided) before classes.
What comes after admission
Once you have accepted your offer for nursing training in Ghana, a few crucial steps follow to make sure you’re ready for the ride.
- Orientation and registration: The institution will invite you for orientation; you’ll receive your student ID or registration number, get introduced to the campus, meet tutors, and embark on your program officially.
- Program start, schedule, and fees: Confirm the exact start date of your program, review the schedule of lectures and clinical attachments, and familiarize yourself with the fee payment schedule, including tuition, boarding (if applicable), and other costs.
- Preparing for training life: Ensure your uniform/uniform allowance, textbooks, health screening, and hostel/accommodation arrangements (if required) are sorted out before the first day of class.
Succeeding in your programme
Once you begin your training, it is important to take a proactive approach to ensure you succeed in the program. The combination of theory and practical clinical experience forms the backbone of nursing education in Ghana.
- Stay organized with your assignments and clinical logbooks: regularly review what you have learned in class and how it applies to practical placements.
- Cultivate professional behaviors: integrity, punctuality, respectful communication, and a caring attitude are central to the nursing role.
- Engage fully with clinical attachments: your time in hospitals, clinics, and community placements is vital for developing competence and for meeting the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (NMC).
- Seek help if you fall behind: don’t hesitate to approach tutors, clinical coordinators, or peer study groups. Early action often prevents repeated challenges later.
- Regularly monitor your progress: ensure you are meeting attendance, practicum hours, and academic performance expectations, as failure or delays may affect your licensure eligibility.
Graduation and Licensing
After completing your program, you’ll move toward the final stage, graduation and professional licensing.
- Final assessments: Students must successfully pass all academic and clinical evaluations before graduation. Each institution forwards results to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Ghana for verification.
- Licensing exams: The NMC conducts national licensing examinations for all nursing categories, registered general nurses, midwives, Community Health Nurses, and others. Passing this exam is mandatory to practice legally in Ghana.
- Issuance of license: Once you pass, the Council issues a professional license number, allowing you to work in hospitals, clinics, and other health facilities nationwide.
- Career opportunities: Graduates may seek employment in public hospitals or private clinics, or continue to degree-level nursing or midwifery programs for advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply to more than one nursing training institution at once?
No. The Ministry of Health (MOH) HTI portal allows you to select only one institution and program per application. Submitting multiple entries may lead to disqualification. Always apply through the official site.
What happens if my WASSCE results are pending?
Applicants with pending results cannot complete the online application until their results are released and verified. You’ll need to input your valid index number and wait for an automatic update once WAEC releases the results.
Are mature applicants accepted into nursing training in Ghana?
Yes. Mature applicants (usually aged 25 and above) can apply through the mature entry route. They must show proof of work experience in a health-related field and may write an entrance exam or attend an interview, depending on the institution.
What is the application fee for nursing training in Ghana?
As of recent updates, the application voucher (PIN and serial number) costs around GH₵200 and is available at ADB, GCB, or Consolidated Bank Ghana. Prices may vary slightly each year, so check the HTI portal for the latest fee.
Can I edit my application after submitting it?
Yes. You can log in to the HTI portal and make corrections before the deadline. Once the portal closes, no edits or document uploads can be made.
Final Thought
Applying for nursing training in Ghana is a structured process that requires focus and preparation. From checking entry requirements and selecting an accredited institution to completing your online application, attending interviews, and final registration, each step matters.
Start early, stay organized, and pay close attention to details when submitting documents or making payments. Persistence is key; even if you don’t gain admission the first time, improving your grades or reapplying can open new doors.
To get started, visit the official HTI portal at www.healthtraining.gov.gh, download your application checklist, or contact your preferred nursing college’s admissions office for assistance.
Remember, nursing offers vast opportunities, from advanced specializations like midwifery and public health to international career paths. With dedication and the right steps, you can build a rewarding future in Ghana’s healthcare sector.
