Advanced Diploma in Nursing

Advanced Diploma in General Nursing program at INES-Ruhengeri is designed to equip student nurses with clinical skills, specialized knowledge, and ethical competence, enabling them to deliver high-quality patient care across diverse healthcare settings. This program fosters leadership abilities, preparing nurses to contribute to healthcare decision-making, advocate for patient rights, and effectively manage patient health conditions. Additionally, it emphasizes critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and evidence-based practice, all essential for nurses in their roles as caregivers and advocates.

The candidate should have taken Biology and Chemistry as core courses and should have a principal pass with a minimum grade of “C” in both subjects. This means that the following subject combinations are considered: Mathematics-Chemistry-Biology (MCB), Physics-Chemistry-Biology (PCB), and Biology-Chemistry-Geography (BCG). A subsidiary grade (S) in Mathematics, Physics, or Geography, in addition to the two principal passes, will be acceptable.

The programme will also accept A2 nurses who have passed with distinction and hold a valid nursing council practice licence. The candidate should also be proficient in both written and spoken English, demonstrate skills in computer literacy, and possess the mental and physical fitness required to study General Nursing, Midwifery, or Mental Health Nursing. The candidate must also provide an ID/passport and a certificate of good conduct as required by the Rwanda NCNM.

Associate nurses (holders of a secondary certificate in nursing) should have a minimum of two (2) principal passes, with at least a grade of C in Chemistry and Biology, as well as at least one subsidiary pass in Mathematics, Physics, or Geography.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants who studied in a foreign country must provide a valid educational equivalence certificate from NESA.

Midway Entry Admission and Transfer of Credits

Learners seeking midway entry into the programme or transfer from another institution (or other schools of nursing and midwifery) must comply with the requirements for midway admission and credit transfer. Specifically, at least 50% of the credits required to complete the programme must be obtained from the current higher learning institution to which the learner is transferring.

The candidate should also be proficient in both written and spoken English, demonstrate skills in computer literacy, and possess the mental and physical fitness required to study General Nursing, Midwifery, or Mental Health Nursing. Additionally, the candidate must provide an ID/passport and a certificate of good conduct as required by the Rwanda NCNM.

Applicants who studied in a foreign country must also provide a valid educational equivalence certificate from HEC.

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Nursing (A1) at INES-Ruhengeri will be equipped with essential nursing skills to provide direct patient care and support healthcare teams in various settings, including:

1. General Nurse (Enrolled Nurse): Graduates will be prepared to work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, providing direct nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.
2. Community Health Nurse: A1 nurses can work in community health programs, promoting disease prevention, maternal and child health, immunization campaigns, and basic health education.
3. Assistant Nurse in Specialized Care: Graduates may assist in specific healthcare areas such as maternity, pediatrics, geriatrics, and surgical wards, supporting registered nurses and medical teams.
4. Nursing Assistant in Emergency Care: With their hands-on training, A1 nurses can assist in emergency and critical care units, helping stabilize patients and performing essential nursing tasks.
5. Occupational Health Nurse Assistant: Graduates can work in workplaces, providing basic healthcare services, first aid, and health awareness programs to employees.
6. School Nurse Assistant: A1 nurses can work in schools and educational institutions, offering basic healthcare, first aid, and health education to students and staff.
7. Healthcare Assistant in NGOs and Public Health Programs: Graduates can contribute to humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and government health initiatives by assisting in outreach programs, vaccination campaigns, and basic healthcare services.

Further Studies and Career Advancement

A1 nurses can advance their careers by pursuing further studies to obtain an Ao in Nursing (Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing), enabling them to become Registered Nurses (RNs) and access more specialized roles in nursing education, research, and policy development.