Get an Accredited Nursing Degree from the Comfort of Your Home

In our previous article, we have touched on the crucial role nurses play in the healthcare system, plus the benefits you’ll get for furthering your studies in a bachelor's of nursing programme. Pertaining to that, 

Are you aware there is a shortage of nurses right now in Malaysia? 

Recently, The Association of Private Hospitals requested the Minister of Health to source specialised nurses from overseas, as the shortage is causing delays in patient admittance. 

Even globally, statistics show that the healthcare industry is still facing a nurse staffing crisis, seen most evidently during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Therefore, it is obvious that there is a huge demand for specialised nurses right now. So whether you’re a nursing graduate or currently working in the healthcare industry—now is the ideal time for you to further your studies and fill up the vacancy spots after you graduate. 

How do I upgrade my nursing career?

For diploma nursing graduates, there are a few educational alternatives available that are necessary for you to advance into employment with greater specialisation in the healthcare sector. The most popular bachelor's degree programme is a traditional nursing degree, which lasts four years and is pursued full-time by students. But if you're a working professional, scheduling conflicts would make it nearly impossible for you to devote your time to both your education and your job.  

However, don't feel discouraged just yet. There are actually a few institutions who offer more flexible solutions, so you can still pursue further studies without sacrificing your job. Take MAHSA University for example, which offers two flexible study modes in their Bachelor in Nursing programme. The first one is called the Flexi Mode, which requires you to attend physical classes only two days within a month, while the rest of the lessons will be conducted online.

The other option they have is a fully online mode called Open Distance Learning (ODL), offered for both local and international students worldwide. MAHSA University is awarded ONLINE UNIVERSITY by the Ministry of Education, and it is acknowledged as the best choice to study nursing. 

So, not only are you able to study virtually and benefit from this flexibility, but you will also acquire knowledge from the best nursing school with reputable academic excellence. 

What is the Open Distance Learning (ODL) Mode? 

With the Open Distance Mode (ODL), students can complete their entire programme at their own pace and from any location they prefer. You will only need to spend 30% of your time studying online for the Bachelor of Nursing Sciences (ODL), with the other two-thirds of your time being spent on guided and self-directed learning. Through guided learning, you will learn foreign discussions for certain subjects that will expand your knowledge on intellectual exchange.

The programme will concentrate on health science topics in Years 1 and 2, then move on to medical and surgical subjects in Year 3. After you've completed Year 3, you will move on to managerial and research-based lessons in your final year to develop transferable skills and prepare yourself for more advanced nursing positions in the industry.

Exams will be evaluated through project-based assignments, where some subjects may call for group projects, individual tasks, or presentations. The best part about ODL is that the tests are conducted online, which will significantly minimise your need to apply for an exam or study leave as a working adult. On the other hand, if you're an international student, this will also significantly cut the cost of travelling to Malaysia to take the exam.

Can I shorten my study period?

Candidates with a minimum of 2 years of clinical working experience can fast-track their journey in the programme through credit transfers, which will shorten the duration of their studies. If you pass with B grades or higher on your exams, you may be eligible for a credit exemption of up to 50%; this means you can shorten your study period from four years to just two years altogether. 

However, even with that reduction, you will still need to put in a lot of effort and work with the programme coordinator to complete the mapping correctly given your academic standing.

What are my career options after degree? 

If you are a nurse who has some working experience, this is a great opportunity for you to be promoted into a managerial role, clinical research or specialised nurse. Apart from that, you can also become clinical instructors in universities, when you feel like venturing outside of the hospital walls sometime in the future.

Surely with MAHSA’s history of medical expertise and innovative teaching modes, it’s not hard to see why over 1,000 students around the globe are currently enrolled with MAHSA’s bachelor’s in nursing programme from countries like Saudi, Maldives, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, UK, and Australia. This is also your chance to broaden your horizons by working abroad, as there are currently around 700 alumni now from MAHSA that are working in Singapore.

If you would like to know how to enroll with this flexible learning programme, and whether you're qualified for it; our experienced educational counsellors can help you apply and check your qualifications. 

To talk to our counsellors, click on the link here.