Rivers State is home to some of the most active nursing training institutions in southern Nigeria. Whether you want a three-year RN certificate programme from a government school of nursing or a full five-year B.NSc. degree from a university, the List of Nursing School in Rivers State gives you a wide range of options — each accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and supervised by the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The List of Nursing School in Rivers State includes federal universities, state universities, private universities, government hospital-based schools, and private colleges — all operating under NMCN regulation. This guide profiles every major institution, covers their admission requirements, programmes offered, duration, and fees so you can choose the path that fits your goals.
Overview of Nursing Education in Rivers State
Rivers State sits at the heart of Nigeria’s South-South region, with Port Harcourt as its capital and one of the most medically active cities in the country. The state hosts the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), and several private hospitals — all of which provide clinical training grounds for nursing students.
The Rivers State Ministry of Health Nursing Services Division directly oversees admission processes, entrance examinations, and final qualifying examinations for all government-owned Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in the state. The NMCN regulates every institution, determines accreditation status, and sets the national minimum entry requirements that all nursing schools must enforce. Two routes exist to becoming a registered nurse in Nigeria through Rivers State institutions: the three-year Registered Nurse (RN) programme at a school of nursing, or the five-year Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc.) at an accredited university.
Complete List of Nursing Schools in Rivers State
The List of Nursing School in Rivers State below covers all categories — government schools of nursing, university departments, and private institutions — along with their type, location, programme offered, and accreditation status as confirmed by the NMCN and the Rivers State Ministry of Health:
| Institution | Type | Location | Programme | Duration | Qualification |
| Rivers State School of Nursing, Port Harcourt (D/Line Campus) | Government (State) | Diobu / D-Line, Port Harcourt | Basic Nursing | 3 Years | RN (Registered Nurse) |
| Rivers State School of Nursing, Obio-Akpor Campus | Government (State) | Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State | Basic Nursing | 3 Years | RN (Registered Nurse) |
| Rivers State School of Midwifery, Port Harcourt | Government (State) | Port Harcourt | Basic Midwifery | 18 Months | RM (Registered Midwife) |
| Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) School of Nursing | Government (State Hospital) | Eastern Bye-Pass, Port Harcourt | Basic Nursing / Post-Basic | 3 Years / 2 Years | RN / Post-Basic Certificate |
| University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) — Post-Basic Schools | Federal Teaching Hospital | Choba, Port Harcourt | Post-Basic Paediatric Nursing; Post-Basic Accident & Emergency Nursing | 2 Years each | Post-Basic Certificate (NMCN) |
| Department of Nursing Science, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | Federal University | Choba, Port Harcourt | B.NSc. Nursing Science | 5 Years | Bachelor of Nursing Science |
| Department of Nursing Science, Rivers State University (RSU) | State University | Diobu, Port Harcourt | B.NSc. Nursing Science | 5 Years | Bachelor of Nursing Science |
| Department of Nursing Science, Madonna University, Elele Campus | Private University | Elele, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State | B.NSc. Nursing Science | 5 Years | Bachelor of Nursing Science |
| Department of Nursing Science, PAMO University of Medical Sciences | Private University | Peter Odili Road, Port Harcourt | B.NSc. Nursing Science | 5 Years | Bachelor of Nursing Science |
| Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology (RIVCOHSMAT) | Government (State College) | Oro-Owo, Rumueme, Port Harcourt | Public Health Nursing (HND); Health-related HND programmes | 2 Years (HND) | HND Public Health Nursing |
All institutions listed above operate under NMCN oversight. Accreditation status is reviewed every five years for full accreditation and every two years for provisional accreditation. Candidates must always verify current accreditation status on the official NMCN website at nmcn.gov.ng before submitting any application.
Government Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in Rivers State
The government-owned schools in the List of Nursing School in Rivers State are the most widely attended and longest-established nursing training institutions in the state. They operate under the direct supervision of the Rivers State Ministry of Health and train the largest number of registered nurses annually.
Rivers State School of Nursing, Port Harcourt is the flagship state government nursing school, with campuses in Diobu (D-Line) and Obio-Akpor. It offers the three-year Basic Nursing programme leading to the Registered Nurse (RN) qualification. The school runs its entrance examination through the Rivers State Ministry of Health Nursing Services Division. Application forms are sold at designated Ecobank branches in Port Harcourt, and the form fee is typically ₦15,000. Candidates must hold five O’Level credits including Biology, English Language, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics from not more than two sittings.
Rivers State School of Midwifery, Port Harcourt offers the 18-month Basic Midwifery programme for candidates who already hold the Registered Nurse certificate. This school does not admit fresh school leavers directly — it is a post-RN programme for qualified nurses seeking to add a Registered Midwife (RM) qualification. Candidates need an RN certificate plus a minimum of one year post-qualification experience for eligibility.
Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) School of Nursing is attached to the Rivers State-owned specialist hospital on Eastern Bye-Pass, Port Harcourt. It offers both the basic three-year Registered Nurse programme and two-year Post-Basic Nursing specialisation courses. The school’s affiliation with BMSH — one of the largest and oldest specialist hospitals in south-eastern Nigeria — provides students with access to diverse clinical specialties including orthopaedics, urology, ophthalmology, and general surgery.
University Departments of Nursing Science in Rivers State
Three categories of universities appear in the List of Nursing School in Rivers State — federal, state, and private — each offering the five-year B.NSc. programme. The university route leads to a degree qualification and is governed by both the NMCN (for nursing accreditation) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) for degree programme accreditation.
Department of Nursing Science, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) is one of the most competitive nursing departments in southern Nigeria. UNIPORT is a federal university located in Choba, Port Harcourt, and its nursing programme operates under the Faculty of Clinical Sciences. Admission requires a minimum JAMB score of approximately 200–220, five O’Level credits (English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics), and a strong Post-UTME performance. UNIPORT’s clinical training base is the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) — a 1,000-bed federal tertiary hospital — giving nursing students access to complex, high-volume clinical cases.
Department of Nursing Science, Rivers State University (RSU) is the state university option for degree-level nursing in Rivers State. Located in Diobu, Port Harcourt, RSU’s nursing department is accredited by the NMCN and NUC. Admission follows the standard JAMB and Post-UTME process. Clinical training involves Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) and affiliated state hospitals. RSU offers a more affordable fees structure compared to private universities, while still delivering an NUC-accredited B.NSc. degree.
Department of Nursing Science, Madonna University, Elele Campus is one of the most established private university nursing programmes in Rivers State. Madonna University’s Elele campus, in Ikwerre Local Government Area, has a strong medical sciences focus. The nursing programme is both NMCN and NUC-accredited, and clinical training takes place at the Madonna University Teaching Hospital (MOUTH) in Elele. The university has produced a significant number of nurses now practising in NHS Trusts in the United Kingdom and healthcare systems across North America and Australia.
Department of Nursing Science, PAMO University of Medical Sciences is a private university located on Peter Odili Road, Port Harcourt, with a specialised focus on medical and health sciences. PAMO’s nursing programme is accredited by the NMCN and offers B.NSc. training in a dedicated medical sciences university environment. As a relatively newer university, PAMO invests heavily in simulation laboratories, modern lecture facilities, and clinical placement structures.
Post-Basic and Specialist Nursing Programmes in Rivers State
The List of Nursing School in Rivers State includes two highly regarded post-basic nursing schools at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) — programmes for already-qualified Registered Nurses seeking advanced specialist training.
| Post-Basic School | Host Institution | Duration | Entry Requirement | Qualification |
| Post-Basic School of Paediatric Nursing | UPTH, Choba, Port Harcourt | 2 Years | Valid RN certificate + 1 year post-qualification experience + O’Level credits (English, Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry) | Post-Basic Paediatric Nursing Certificate (NMCN) |
| Post-Basic School of Accident and Emergency Nursing | UPTH, Choba, Port Harcourt | 2 Years | Valid RN certificate + 1 year post-qualification experience (male candidates only — historical policy; confirm current policy with UPTH) | Post-Basic A&E Nursing Certificate (NMCN) |
| Public Health Nursing (HND) | RIVCOHSMAT, Rumueme, Port Harcourt | 2 Years | Valid RN or RM certificate + O’Level credits (English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) | HND Public Health Nursing |
Post-Basic programmes at UPTH are supervised by the Rivers State Ministry of Health Nursing Services Division. Final qualifying examinations for all post-basic programmes are conducted by the NMCN. Graduates of post-basic schools receive specialty designations that improve clinical posting options, salary scales, and international registration eligibility — particularly relevant for nurses pursuing NCLEX-RN (USA) or NMC registration (UK).
General Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in Rivers State
Before applying to any institution in the List of Nursing School in Rivers State, candidates need to understand the minimum national requirements set by the NMCN, as well as the institution-specific requirements that apply on top of those standards.
| Requirement | School of Nursing (3-Year RN) | University Dept of Nursing (5-Year B.NSc.) | Post-Basic Programmes |
| Minimum JAMB Score | Not required — entrance exam by school | 160 – 220+ depending on institution | Not required — professional qualification-based entry |
| O’Level Credits | 5 credits: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (max 2 sittings) | 5 credits: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (max 2 sittings) | 5 credits: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics + valid RN certificate |
| Minimum Age | 16 years by October 1 of admission year | 16 years by October 1 of admission year | Varies — typically 18+ with 1 year post-qualification experience |
| Entrance Examination | Written entrance exam conducted by school or Ministry of Health | JAMB UTME + Post-UTME screening | Interview + documentary review by institution |
| Additional Requirements | Medical fitness certificate; 3 passport photographs; state of origin certificate; birth certificate | JAMB registration; UNIPORT/RSU admission portal; medical fitness at screening | Valid NMCN practising licence; letter of reference; employment verification |
| Application Form Fee | ₦10,000 – ₦15,000 (payable at designated bank) | ₦2,000 – ₦3,000 (Post-UTME form on school portal) | ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 (payable through hospital/school portal) |
The NMCN’s national minimum: all candidates must hold five O’Level credit passes in Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at not more than two sittings. This applies uniformly to every nursing school in Rivers State regardless of whether it is government-owned, a university department, or a private college. Schools that admit candidates without meeting this standard risk losing their NMCN accreditation.
School Fees Comparison Across Nursing Schools in Rivers State
Fees vary significantly depending on the type of institution. Here is a comparative overview across all categories in the List of Nursing School in Rivers State to help you plan your finances:
| Institution | Category | Approx. Annual Fees (₦) | Total Programme Cost (Estimate) |
| Rivers State School of Nursing (D/Line / Obio-Akpor) | Government | ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 | ₦240,000 – ₦360,000 (3 years) |
| BMSH School of Nursing | Government Hospital | ₦70,000 – ₦100,000 | ₦210,000 – ₦300,000 (3 years) |
| RIVCOHSMAT (Public Health Nursing HND) | Government College | ₦60,000 – ₦90,000 | ₦120,000 – ₦180,000 (2 years) |
| Rivers State University (RSU) — B.NSc. | State University | ₦100,000 – ₦150,000 | ₦500,000 – ₦750,000 (5 years) |
| University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) — B.NSc. | Federal University | ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 | ₦400,000 – ₦600,000 (5 years) |
| Madonna University, Elele — B.NSc. | Private University | ₦500,000 – ₦800,000 | ₦2,500,000 – ₦4,000,000 (5 years) |
| PAMO University — B.NSc. | Private University | ₦600,000 – ₦900,000 | ₦3,000,000 – ₦4,500,000 (5 years) |
| UPTH Post-Basic Schools | Federal Hospital | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 | ₦300,000 – ₦500,000 (2 years) |
Government and federal institutions remain the most affordable pathway. For most students from Rivers State, the Rivers State School of Nursing offers the best combination of cost, quality, and proximity to clinical training facilities. Always confirm the exact fee schedule by contacting the school’s admissions office or visiting the Rivers State Ministry of Health portal, as fees are subject to annual review.
Career Paths After Graduating From a Nursing School in Rivers State
Whether you graduate from the three-year RN route or the five-year B.NSc. route in the List of Nursing School in Rivers State, the career doors available to you are substantial — locally and internationally:
| Career Path | Qualification Required | Key Steps |
| Clinical Nursing — Nigerian Hospitals | RN or B.NSc. | NMCN licensure → NYSC (degree holders only) → Clinical posting at federal, state, or private hospital |
| Midwifery | RN → Basic Midwifery (18 months) → RM | Post-RN midwifery programme at Rivers State School of Midwifery or other accredited school |
| Paediatric Nursing Specialist | RN → Post-Basic Paediatric (2 years) | UPTH Post-Basic School of Paediatric Nursing → NMCN certification → specialist clinical posting |
| UK NHS Nursing (via NMC Registration) | B.NSc. or RN (with CBT/OSCE) | NMC eligibility check → IELTS/OET → CBT exam → OSCE → UK nursing job offer → NMC registration |
| USA Nursing (via NCLEX-RN) | B.NSc. preferred; RN considered by state | CGFNS credential verification → NCLEX-RN exam → US state nursing board licence → employment |
| Community / Public Health Nursing | RN + HND Public Health Nursing or B.NSc. | RIVCOHSMAT HND route or degree → NMCN registration → PHC or NGO health work |
| Nursing Education / Lectureship | B.NSc. + M.Sc. Nursing | Postgraduate study at UNIPORT, RSU, or abroad → University/college lecturer in nursing |
| Hospital Nursing Administration | B.NSc. + management qualification | Senior clinical posting → promotion → Director of Nursing Services at hospital level |
How to Choose the Right School From the List
With so many options in the List of Nursing School in Rivers State, choosing the right institution comes down to four key factors: your qualification target, your JAMB score, your budget, and your timeline. Here is a quick decision guide:
- Choose a Government School of Nursing if: You want the fastest and most affordable path to becoming a Registered Nurse; your JAMB score is below 180; you do not require a degree; or you plan to work locally or later pursue post-basic specialisation.
- Choose UNIPORT or RSU if: You want a B.NSc. degree at a federal or state university; you score 200+ in JAMB; you want access to UPTH or RSUTH as your teaching hospital; and you prioritise government-subsidised fees.
- Choose Madonna University or PAMO University if: You can afford private university fees; you want a degree in a focused medical-sciences university environment; or you prefer the Madonna University/PAMO Teaching Hospital clinical infrastructure.
- Choose UPTH Post-Basic Schools if: You already hold an RN certificate and want to specialise in Paediatric or Accident & Emergency Nursing at one of the most active federal teaching hospitals in south-eastern Nigeria.
- Choose RIVCOHSMAT if: You hold an RN or RM certificate and want a Public Health Nursing HND to work in community health, NGO programmes, or advance toward public health nursing roles.
How to Apply to a Nursing School in Rivers State
The application process varies depending on the type of institution in the List of Nursing School in Rivers State. Here is how to approach each category:
- Government Schools of Nursing (Rivers State School of Nursing, BMSH): Purchase the application form at a designated bank (typically Ecobank branches in Port Harcourt). Pay the form fee (₦10,000 – ₦15,000), collect the form, complete it, and submit it with photocopies of all O’Level certificates, birth certificate, and passport photographs. Attend the entrance examination on the date announced by the Rivers State Ministry of Health. Successful candidates are shortlisted for an interview before final admission.
- Federal and State University Nursing Departments (UNIPORT, RSU): Register for JAMB UTME and select the university as your first choice, with Nursing Science as your course. After JAMB results are released, purchase the Post-UTME screening form on the university’s official portal (uniport.edu.ng or rsu.edu.ng). Attend the Post-UTME screening, submit your O’Level results, and await the admission list on JAMB CAPS and the university portal.
- Private Universities (Madonna University, PAMO University): Visit the respective university’s admissions portal and complete the online application form. Both institutions require JAMB for undergraduate admission. Submit your O’Level certificates, sit for the university’s Post-UTME or entrance examination, and confirm admission status through the school portal and JAMB CAPS.
- Post-Basic Schools (UPTH): Contact the UPTH School of Post-Basic Nursing directly. Collect and complete the application form, submit your RN certificate, NMCN practising licence, employment reference letter, and O’Level certificates. Attend the scheduled interview and await your admission letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are direct answers to the most common questions students ask about the List of Nursing School in Rivers State:
- How many nursing schools are in Rivers State?
The List of Nursing School in Rivers State includes approximately 10 major nursing training institutions covering government schools, university departments, a state college, and private universities. These span Basic Nursing (3-year RN), B.NSc. degree (5-year), midwifery, post-basic specialisation, and HND Public Health Nursing programmes.
- Which is the best nursing school in Rivers State?
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) ranks consistently as the most competitive and well-regarded institution for nursing in Rivers State, largely due to its affiliation with UPTH — a federal teaching hospital with one of the highest patient volumes in the South-South. For the three-year RN route, the Rivers State School of Nursing at D-Line is the most established government option.
- Does UNIPORT nursing require JAMB?
Yes. The Department of Nursing Science at the University of Port Harcourt is a JAMB-based university programme. You must register for JAMB UTME, score a competitive mark (typically 200 and above), and sit for the UNIPORT Post-UTME screening to be considered for the B.NSc. Nursing Science programme.
- Can I study nursing in Rivers State without JAMB?
Yes, through the government Schools of Nursing. The Rivers State School of Nursing, BMSH School of Nursing, and post-basic schools at UPTH do not require JAMB. Admission to these institutions is based on O’Level results and a school-administered entrance examination or interview conducted by the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
- What O’Level subjects do I need for any nursing school in Rivers State?
The NMCN national standard applies to every institution: five O’Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at not more than two sittings. No substitution is accepted for the core five subjects. NABTEB results cannot be combined with WAEC or NECO results in the same application.
- Is Madonna University nursing in Elele accredited?
Yes. The Department of Nursing Science at Madonna University’s Elele campus in Rivers State is accredited by both the NMCN and the National Universities Commission (NUC). Graduates are eligible to sit the NMCN final qualifying examination, register as nurses in Nigeria, and pursue international nursing registration in the UK (NMC), USA (NCLEX-RN), Canada, and Australia.
- How long is the nursing programme in Rivers State?
Duration depends on the route: three years for the Basic Nursing (RN) programme at government schools; 18 months for the Basic Midwifery (post-RN) programme; two years for post-basic specialist programmes at UPTH; two years for the HND Public Health Nursing at RIVCOHSMAT; and five years for the B.NSc. degree at universities. Adding one year of mandatory NYSC (degree holders only) and a one-year housemanship equivalent, the full journey from the List of Nursing School in Rivers State university route to independent professional nursing practice runs approximately six to seven years.
- What are the school fees at the Rivers State School of Nursing?
The Rivers State School of Nursing charges approximately ₦80,000 to ₦120,000 per year for basic nursing students. The total estimated programme cost over three years is ₦240,000 to ₦360,000, excluding accommodation. The application form costs approximately ₦15,000. Always confirm exact fees with the admissions office of the school or the Rivers State Ministry of Health Nursing Services Division, as these figures are reviewed periodically.
- Can I work internationally after graduating from a nursing school in Rivers State?
Yes, especially for B.NSc. degree holders from UNIPORT, RSU, Madonna University, or PAMO University. Nigerian nursing graduates with an accredited B.NSc. degree can pursue NMC registration for UK NHS employment (one of the most active routes currently), NCLEX-RN for USA licensure, and NNAS (National Nursing Assessment Service) for Canada. Diploma-level RN graduates from the three-year schools have a more complex path but some jurisdictions — particularly certain UK NHS Trusts — do consider experienced registered nurses with international qualifications.
- When do nursing schools in Rivers State open admissions?
Government school of nursing admission forms typically go on sale between May and August each year, following WAEC result releases. University nursing departments open Post-UTME forms between June and September after JAMB results are out. UPTH Post-Basic schools announce their admission cycles directly through the UPTH administration. The Rivers State Ministry of Health also announces nursing admission timelines at riversstatemoh.gov.ng. Prospective candidates should track these portals actively to avoid missing form sale windows.
Conclusion
Rivers State offers one of the most comprehensive nursing training ecosystems in southern Nigeria. This guide spans government schools offering affordable three-year RN programmes, federal and state university departments granting five-year B.NSc. degrees, private universities with modern medical infrastructure, post-basic specialist schools at UPTH, and a government health technology college. Whatever your qualification target and budget, Rivers State has a NMCN-accredited nursing institution that fits.
The key is to confirm current NMCN accreditation status before applying, ensure your O’Level results meet the five-credit minimum, and follow the correct application channel for the type of institution you are targeting. Whether your career goal is an NHS nursing post in the United Kingdom, a degree-based career in Nigeria’s federal hospitals, or a community health role in Rivers State, this list gives you a clear and complete starting point.
For the most current approved institution list, visit the official NMCN portal at www.nmcn.gov.ng. For admission timelines and government school forms, visit the Rivers State Ministry of Health at www.riversstatemoh.gov.ng.