Diploma in Nursing (N69)

Why NSG?

  • Accredited by the Singapore Nursing Board 
  • Get real-world practice with 32 weeks of clinical training right from your first year
  • Secure a job before graduation through a hospital sponsorship with monthly allowances
  • Pursue nursing, medicine and allied healthcare degree courses at NUS, NTU and SIT
  • Gain advanced standing when you apply to the two-year Bachelor of Science (Nursing) programmes offered by NUS and the University of Glasgow

About NSG

The Diploma in Nursing (NSG) is a comprehensive course that prepares you to become a versatile healthcare professional, equipped with critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills. You will learn how to manage medical conditions and get trained to make critical decisions that impact lives.

Upon graduation, you will be ready to practise as a registered nurse or tap into a wide range of career opportunities in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, locally and overseas. NSG also gives you a strong foundation to further your studies and specialisation at local and international universities.

Throughout your three years of study, you will receive 480 hours of hands-on training in our state-of-the-art nursing and simulation laboratories. Moreover, you will learn from industry experts and gain valuable healthcare insights through 32 weeks of clinical training across various specialties, starting from your first year.

With the nursing profession in high demand, you can secure a job at a reputable healthcare organisation. Nursing students can apply for a hospital sponsorship that offers a monthly allowance ranging from $900 to $1,100.

As a nursing student, you get to go on overseas immersions and Service-Learning trips, as well as exchange programmes to countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. These trips offer insights into regional healthcare systems and aim to develop you into a global-smart professional.

Hone your skills in industry-standard facilities such as our Patient Simulation Centre, complete with mannequins that can interact with you like a real patient. Other facilities include well-equipped operating theatres, intensive and emergency care units, nursing laboratories and smart classrooms.

Technology-enabled Learning Technology-enabled Learning

Prepare yourself for the digital age of healthcare innovation with the latest technologies at HS. You will get the opportunity to experience learning with ICT-enabled tools such as gamification, e-proctored assessment, artificial intelligence tutoring, and marking systems. In addition, you will explore immersive technologies such as the Metaverse, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Extended Reality as part of your learning.

Industry-Relevant Learning

With nine different postings in government and private healthcare settings, you will gain real-world experience for a career head start. Interested in further studies? These hands-on experiences will help you decide on your area of specialisation.



Highlights

Headshot of Muhammad Afiq

Muhammad Afiq Nabil bin Atiman, 
Nursing graduate, Class of 2022

Muhammad Afiq Nabil bin Atiman is one of the two NP Nursing graduates to secure a place in the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in 2022. During his time at NP, Afiq completed attachment stints at three hospitals, and even did a final-year research project on the mental resilience of polytechnic students and staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. These experiences left him wanting to delve further into the study of medicine.

A group of students receiving Healthcare award

Healthcare Scholars

In 2023, seven NSG students and graduates received Healthcare Scholarships by MOH Holdings to pursue further studies in allied healthcare or specialised fields. They include the Integrated Nursing Scholarship, Healthcare Merit Award and Community Care Scholarship.

Further Studies

Your diploma will open doors for you to pursue degrees in varied fields at accredited universities both locally and abroad.

For example, a total of five NSG graduates have been admitted into the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine since 2022. Many nursing graduates have also been accepted directly into the second year of the nursing degree course at NUS. Others have pursued degrees in arts, social sciences, psychology, law, biological and life sciences, and more.

You can also gain admission to the Bachelor of Science (Nursing) with Honours programme, jointly offered by the Singapore Institute of Technology and University of Glasgow. Co-created and designed with inputs from the industry and the Ministry of Health, the programme is accredited by the Singapore Nursing Board.

As a professional nurse, you can choose to advance your skills and knowledge in a specialised field by taking up an Advanced Diploma in areas such as Perioperative Nursing, Chronic Disease Management and Critical Care Nursing, or a Specialist Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing or Community Gerontology Nursing.

Photo of NSG graduate, Natalie Kui

Natalie Kui,
Nursing graduate, Class of 2022

Pursuing Medicine at NUS’ Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

Careers

Upon graduation, you can apply for registration with the Singapore Nursing Board to be a registered nurse and practise in both government and private healthcare settings.

Photo of NSG graduate, Tiffany Wong

Tiffany Wong
Health Sciences (Nursing)* graduate, Class of 2019

An NUS scholar, Tiffany completed a nursing degree in NUS’ Alice Lee Centre for Nursing. She is a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital.

*Renamed the Diploma in Nursing

Entry Requirements

AGGREGATE TYPE ELR2B2-C

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must have the following GCE ‘O’ Level examination (or equivalent) results.

Subject'O' Level Grade
English Language1-7
Mathematics (Elementary/Additional)1-6
Any one of the following subjects: 

Biology
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Food & Nutrition / Nutrition & Food Science
Physics
Science (Chemistry, Biology)
Science (Physics, Biology)
Science (Physics, Chemistry) 
1-6

You must also fulfil the aggregate computation requirements for the ELR2B2-C Aggregrate Type listed here (33 KB).

All prospective healthcare students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine regime recognised in Singapore. Those who are Medically-Ineligible will be subjected to prevailing MOH and healthcare institutions’ policies. Those who are Medically-Eligible but wish to remain unvaccinated may not be able to access the healthcare and community care settings to complete their clinical posting and meet the clinical training requirement necessary for graduation or their course completion may be delayed due to restrictions on clinical training.

For students with other qualifications, please refer to the NP website for the entry requirements and admissions exercise period.

FITNESS TO PRACTISE ADVISORY FOR NURSING STUDENTS

As the delivery of direct patient care is a requisite of healthcare professions, all applicants must pass a medical examination and be certified to have the following abilities to perform patient care activities in a safe and effective manner:

  1. Mental-cognitive ability (interpersonal-communication ability and behavioural stability) to:
    • provide safe care to populations, including safety to self
    • demonstrate emotional-behavioural stability to function under the stress and pressure when performing nursing care on patients
    • being observed by instructors and other healthcare personnel during clinical practice attachments
  2. Physical ability to:
    • move around in the clinical environment, walk/stand, bend, reach, lift climb, push and pull, carry objects
    • perform patient transfers and complex sequences of hand-eye coordination
  3. Auditory ability to:
    • hear faint body sounds
    • auditory alarms
    • normal speaking level sounds (i.e. blood pressure sounds, monitors, call bells, and person-to-person report)
  4. Visual ability to:
    • detect changes in physical appearance, colour and contour
    • read medication/drug labels, syringes, manometers, written and electronic communication accurately

The above required abilities are stipulated in consultation with Singapore Nursing Board to ensure nursing students are fit to practise when they apply for registration/enrolment upon graduation from nursing programme.

Interested applicants with known condition(s) or unsure if their condition(s) may affect their ability to deliver safe and effective patient care are highly encouraged to email Contact_HS@np.edu.sg for more information.

What You Will Learn

Fundamentals of Nursing (4 Credit Units)

This module traces the development of nursing from the Florence Nightingale era, to contemporary nursing practice globally and in Singapore. Students are introduced to concepts and theories in professional nursing practice. The Nursing Process framework in development of care plans will be introduced. Students will also be presented with key concepts of clinical reasoning, critical thinking and problem-solving in making clinical decisions.

Behavioural Sciences (3 Credit Units)

This module provides students with the foundational knowledge of the behavioural sciences to understand its role in nursing and healthcare in general. The module focuses on the application of behavioural sciences when nursing a child, adolescent, adult, or senior adult. Students will develop perspective-taking skill and apply in their nursing practice with patients. The module will also enable students to understand how individual and social factors can affect and influence their individual nursing practice, as well as patients’ own perspective and experience with regards to health and illness.

Introduction to Data Analytics with Excel (2 Credit Units)

This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of data analytics concepts and applications. Students will learn fundamental data analytics concepts, how to analyse data using Microsoft Excel, and present information to provide insights for an informed decision making.

Nursing Skills Laboratory 1.1 (6 Credit Units)

This module aims to equip students with knowledge and skills to care for patient’s basic health needs at entry level. These are essential skills, fundamental to nursing practice and can be applied across a variety of health care settings.

Human Biosciences 1.1 (4 Credit Units)

This module provides students with an understanding of the biological basis of human diseases. It will introduce the cell, cellular organisation and organ systems. It will also provide students with knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastro-intestinal, renal and urinary, haematology, and immune systems.

English Language Express* (Credit Units - NA)

English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.

Innovation Made Possible^ (3 Credit Units)

Gerontology & Community Nursing (3 Credit Units)

This module involves the systematic examination and application of nursing care of the elderly. The role of the community nurse will also be explored. In addition, the students will acquire the knowledge and skills to employ the nursing process to plan illness/disease preventive strategies for the individuals, families and the community at large. Students are encouraged to develop a reflective approach to nursing practice in caring for the elderly in various health care settings.

Introduction to Pharmacology (2 Credit Units)

This module serves as an introduction to the science of medicines and medication management. The principles for safe drug administration and use of the nursing process framework to avoid drug errors will be emphasised. This module will provide the theoretical framework for better understanding of drugs used in the integrated nursing sciences modules.

Nursing Skills Laboratory 1.2 (6 Credit Units)

This module involves the systematic examination and application of nursing care of the elderly. The role of the community nurse will also be explored. In addition, the students will acquire the knowledge and skills to employ the nursing process to plan illness/disease preventive strategies for the individuals, families and the community at large. Students are encouraged to develop a reflective approach to nursing practice in caring for the elderly in various health care settings.

Human Biosciences 1.2 (4 Credit Units)

This module will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous, reproductive, sensory, integumentary and endocrine systems of the human body. It will also introduce the basic principles of microbiology and principles of infection control.

Clinical Practice 1.2 (4 Credit Units)

This module allows students to practise nursing care to meet patients’ basic health needs at a beginner’s level. Students will have opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills learnt at levels 1.1 and 1.2 into clinical practice in a variety of healthcare settings where older people are cared for. They will be assigned to gerontology discipline at the various Intermediate and Long-Term Care institutions for four weeks.

Confident Communication: Find Your Voice (VOICE)^ (3 Credit Units)

The VOICE module aims to empower students to become thoughtful and confident communicators able to tailor a message to suit audience, purpose and context. Students will learn how to use storytelling structures and techniques, persuasive strategies and effective visuals to connect meaningfully with their audience. Through a personalised growth plan, the module encourages students to reflect, set goals and take ownership of their growth and development as communicators. The module employs engaging teaching strategies such as games, thinking routines, masterclasses and workshops, and a celebratory showcase festival at the end to make learning fun and exciting.

Health & Wellness (1 Credit Unit)

This is a Level 1 Core module for all Year 1 students. The module will introduce students to the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health through the knowledge and monitoring of health indicators, and application through appropriate exercises. The aim of the module is to empower students with basic knowledge and skills to be independent and responsible in maintaining overall personal health. 

Nursing Skills Laboratory 2.1 (6 Credit Units)

This module aims to equip students with fundamental nursing knowledge and skills to provide preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative care in meeting patients’ health needs. These developmental skills are necessary to enable students to implement timely interventions and treatment plans in caring for patients with common medical-surgical disorders.

Integrated Nursing Sciences 2.1 (6 Credit Units)

This module will be taught using a system and scenario-based interdisciplinary approach. It will provide an integrated coverage of pathophysiology, medical and nursing care management, and pharmacological treatment of common cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and urinary, hepatobiliary, vascular and musculoskeletal disorders.

Clinical Practice 2.1 (4 Credit Units)

This module allows students to provide preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative care in meeting patients’ health needs. Students will have opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills learnt at levels 1.1, 1.2 and 2.1 into clinical practice in various healthcare settings. They will be assigned to surgical disciplines for four weeks.

Introduction to Nursing Research (3 Credit Units)

This module introduces the basic concepts and skills in research and statistical analysis so that students understand, and critically evaluate evidence and data to support their clinical practice. Topics will include research design, data collection methods, literature searching strategies, basic statistical analysis and Good Clinical Practice guidelines.

Law, Ethics & Health Care (2 Credit Units)

This module involves the systematic examination and application of the laws that govern nursing practice, explore ethical principles and moral standards of conduct. Topics include the legal system in Singapore, the legislative framework, the role of the SNB and its regulatory functions; the SNB Code for Nurses and Midwives and ethical decision- making process which have an implication on nursing practice.

World Issues: A Singapore Perspective (2 Credit Units)

This module allows students to explore the impact of social inequality on individuals using concepts from the behavioural sciences. The students will analyse case studies from current affairs and global examples to understand how access to healthcare can be compromised by certain social factors. The module uses the case study and problem-based approaches using the analyses of social injustices to get students to understand the social and healthcare consequences of their undetected prejudice.

Nursing Skills Laboratory 2.2 (6 Credit Units)

This module aims to equip students with fundamental nursing knowledge and skills to provide preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative care in meeting patients’ health needs. These skills are necessary to enable students to implement timely interventions and care plans in caring for patients with common medical, obstetric and gynaecological, paediatric and mental health disorders. It also prepares students to perform Basic cardiac life support (BCLS) and automated external defibrillator (AED) according to the guidelines stipulated by the National Resuscitation Council. Singapore.

Integrated Nursing Sciences 2.2 (6 Credit Units)

This module will provide students with an integrated coverage of pathophysiology, medical and nursing care management, and pharmacological treatment of common neurological, hematologic, endocrine, immunological, integumentary and sensory disorders.

Clinical Practice 2.2 (4 Credit Units)

This module allows students to provide preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative care in meeting patients’ health needs. Students will have opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills learnt at levels 1.1, 1.2 and 2.2 into clinical practice in specialised healthcare settings. They will be assigned to the mental health discipline for two weeks; paediatrics or obstetrics & gynaecology (O&G) (female students only) discipline for two weeks.

Mental Health Nursing & Palliative Care (3 Credit Units)

This module provides students with the fundamental knowledge in nursing care for patient with mental health and palliative care issues. Treatment modalities, legal and ethical issues related to mental health nursing and the role of the psychiatric nurse in caring for patients and families in the hospital and community will be explored. In addition, the students will also learn to plan and deliver palliative care nursing and end-of-life care to patients requiring palliative care across the lifespan in both acute and community settings. Students are encouraged to develop a reflective approach to nursing practice in caring for these patients.

Women & Children Health (3 Credit Units)

This module covers the comprehensive diseases processes and patient care management for patients in obstetrics, gynaecological and paediatric settings.

Integrated Nursing Sciences 3.1 (6 Credit Units)

This module will be taught using scenario-based, interdisciplinary approach. It will allow students to integrate knowledge on the pathophysiology, medical and nursing management and pharmacological treatment of patients requiring emergency and perioperative care. In this module, students will also learn how to provide acute, transitional and long-term care for patients in the community.

Nursing Skills Laboratory 3.1 (8 Credit Units)

This module aims to equip students with fundamental nursing knowledge and skills to provide preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative care in meeting patient’s health needs. These skills are necessary to enable students to co-ordinate and manage patient care in a variety of health care settings. This module also equips students with skills to care for patients requiring emergency and perioperative care, and providing acute, transitional and long-term care for patients in the community setting.

Nursing Management & Professional Development (3 Credit Units)

This module provides students with an understanding of the Singapore health care system, health informatics and organisation of nursing services. An overview of quality assurance, occupational health and risk management strategies in clinical practice will be covered. Effective managerial and leadership skills in the provision of nursing care will also be explored. Students will develop accountability through personal and professional development.

Project ID: Connecting the Dots^ (4 Credit Units)

Clinical Practice 3.2 (6 Credit Units)

This module allows students to provide holistic patient care in meeting patients’ health needs. Students will have opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills learnt at levels 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1 into clinical practice in various healthcare settings. This module will prepare the students for their Pre-registration Consolidation Practice. They will be assigned to the medical discipline for six weeks.

Clinical Practice (Specialised) (4 Credit Units)

This module allows students to provide primary, emergency, perioperative and rehabilitative care in meeting patients’ health needs. Students will have opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills learnt at levels 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1 into clinical practice in various healthcare settings. Students will be assigned to specialised settings, i.e., primary health for 2 weeks, emergency department for 1 week and operation theatre or surgical discipline for 1 week (total 4 weeks).

Pre-Registration Consolidation Practice (12 Credit Units)

This module allows students to provide care to individuals with diseases and illnesses across a lifespan in a hospital setting. Students should apply the knowledge and skills learnt to clinical practice. The students are required to complete a two weeks in-campus intensive preparation program and a 10-week Pre-Registration Consolidation Practice (PRCP) in a Medical or Surgical discipline. This module provides an opportunity for students to consolidate and refine their skills and knowledge gained over the three years of study.

Healthcare Career & Professional Preparation (Nursing) (1 Credit Unit)

To prepare you for a career in nursing, this module provides a comprehensive understanding of the nursing profession. You will be guided to reflect on your personal characteristics and develop your educational and career goals. You will also be equipped with the skills necessary to seek and secure work by building your personal portfolio, sharpening your communication skills, and learning how to effectively market yourself.