Many students who dream of becoming nurses constantly ask one important question: “Can I get admission to nursing school without JAMB?” This is a common concern, especially for those who want a faster, more direct route into the nursing profession. The good news is that Nigeria’s nursing education system offers different entry pathways, and not all of them require JAMB. This article gives a clear breakdown of what you need to know, how admission works, and the schools that allow you to begin nursing without sitting for JAMB.
By the end of this guide, you will clearly understand the answer to “Can I get admission to nursing school without JAMB?”, whether you want a diploma programme, a direct nursing pathway, or a professional course under a school of nursing.
What Is JAMB?
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the body that conducts UTME for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. It acts as a central admission system to screen students before institutions consider them for degree programmes.
Key points to remember:
- JAMB is required mainly for university degree programmes.
- Schools of Nursing run differently from universities.
- Not all nursing pathways go through JAMB.
This is where students begin to ask: “Can I get admission to nursing school without JAMB?”. Let’s explain this in the next section.
Do You Really Need JAMB for Nursing?
The direct answer is NO, you do not always need JAMB to study nursing. Whether you need UTME depends on the type of nursing programme you choose.
You must understand two things:
- University Nursing (BNSc Degree) → Requires JAMB
- School of Nursing Programmes (ND/HND, Basic Nursing, Midwifery, Post-Basic Nursing) → Do NOT require JAMB
This explains why thousands of students confidently ask every year: “Can I get admission to nursing school without JAMB?” and still secure admission without writing UTME.
Why Some Nursing Schools Don’t Require JAMB
Many nursing schools operate under Teaching Hospitals, State Ministries of Health, or Federal Medical Centres, not universities. Since they are professional training institutions, they conduct their own entrance exams instead of using JAMB.
Reasons include:
- They train nurses directly for hospital practice.
- They offer diploma-level qualifications regulated by Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
- They admit several times in a year depending on their calendar.
- They run intensive practical-based training that differs from university structure.
This is one of the biggest reasons students continue asking “Can I get admission to nursing school without JAMB?” because the system allows it.
Types of Nursing Programmes You Can Enter Without JAMB
Many nursing programmes accept students without JAMB. Below are the categories:
1. Basic Nursing Programme
- Duration: 3 years
- Award: Registered Nurse (RN)
- JAMB Required? No
- Admission Style: School entrance exam + interview
2. Basic Midwifery
- Duration: 3 years
- Award: Registered Midwife (RM)
- JAMB Required? No
3. Post-Basic Nursing
- For already registered nurses seeking specialization
- JAMB Required? No
4. ND/HND Nursing (Some State Colleges of Nursing)
Many now run ND Nursing in partnership with NBTE.
- JAMB sometimes required for ND Nursing
- Others still admit without JAMB through in-house screening
5. Community Nursing & Community Midwifery
- Shorter programmes run under state ministries
- JAMB Required? No
With these options, it’s clear why the question “Can I get admission to nursing school without JAMB?” continues to be asked by students exploring alternatives.
Entry Requirements for Nursing Schools That Don’t Use JAMB
Although JAMB is not required, you still need to meet certain academic and age requirements.
General Entry Requirements
- Minimum of 5 credits in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB
Subjects include:
• English
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics - Age requirement: 16–35 years depending on the school
- Must pass the school’s entrance examination
- Must pass the oral interview
Additional documents:
- Birth certificate
- Local government identification
- Passport photographs
Students who meet these requirements can confidently say “Can I get admission to nursing school without JAMB?” and proceed to apply successfully.
List of Nursing Schools That Accept Students Without JAMB
Below are popular institutions that admit students without JAMB:
Federal Nursing Schools
- Federal Teaching Hospital Schools of Nursing
- Federal Medical Centre Schools of Nursing
- National Orthopaedic Hospital Schools of Nursing
- Psychiatric Hospital Schools of Nursing
State Nursing Schools
- Lagos State School of Nursing
- Oyo State College of Nursing
- Ogun State School of Nursing
- Edo State College of Nursing
- Kaduna State College of Nursing
- Plateau State College of Nursing
- Bauchi State College of Nursing
- Kano State College of Nursing
Mission & Private Nursing Schools
- Babcock Teaching Hospital School of Nursing
- ECWA School of Nursing
- Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing
- JOTHAM School of Nursing
- Nnabuchi School of Nursing
All these schools allow you to apply without JAMB, which answers the popular question “Can I get admission to nursing school without JAMB?”
How to Apply for Nursing School Without JAMB
The application process is simple, and each school usually publishes admission updates on their portals.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official website of the nursing school.
- Go to the admission or application section.
- Fill the online form or purchase the form at the school.
- Upload your O’Level results.
- Pay the application fee.
- Print your exam slip.
- Prepare for the entrance exam.
- Attend interview after passing the exam.
- Check admission list online or at the school.
Students who follow these steps no longer worry about “Can I get admission to nursing school without JAMB?” because the process is straightforward.
Differences Between University Nursing and School of Nursing Admission
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right path.
University Nursing (BNSc Degree)
- Requires JAMB and Post-UTME
- Duration: 5 years
- Award: Bachelor of Nursing Science
- More theoretical and research-based
- Higher admission competition
School of Nursing (RN/RM Programmes)
- Does NOT require JAMB
- Duration: 3 years
- Award: Registered Nurse (RN)
- Practical and hospital-based
- Easier admission process
This difference explains why many students ask “Can I get admission to nursing school without JAMB?” when they want a faster, practical route.
FAQs on Nursing Admission Without JAMB
1. Can I get a nursing certificate without JAMB?
Yes, through Basic Nursing, Basic Midwifery, or Post-Basic programmes.
2. Does JAMB matter for School of Nursing?
Most Schools of Nursing don’t use JAMB. They use internal entrance exams.
3. Can I later upgrade to a degree?
Yes. You can use RN or RM certificates for Direct Entry into universities.
4. Does ND Nursing require JAMB?
Some do, some don’t. Check each school’s specific admission guideline.
5. Why do students choose non-JAMB nursing routes?
Because they are faster, less competitive, and more practical.
Final Thoughts
The big question “Can I get admission to nursing school without JAMB?” receives a clear and confident answer: YES. Nigeria offers multiple nursing pathways, and many do not require JAMB. As long as you meet the O’Level requirements and pass the school’s entrance exam, you can begin your journey to becoming a qualified nurse.
If you are passionate about nursing but worried about JAMB, don’t stress. You can still achieve your dream through Schools of Nursing across Nigeria.