Local higher education institutions to offer more nursing courses

Local higher education institutions will offer more nursing courses to enhance nurses' skills and training.

Speaking at this year's Nurses' Excellence Award Ceremony, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that currently, one in every 25 students chooses to enroll in nursing courses. He has also received many appeals from local students who intended to study nursing but were unable to do so.

In view of this, Ong Ye Kung said that the authorities are increasing the number of places for nursing courses in the Institute of Technical Education, polytechnics and universities.

At the same time, to further strengthen the education and training of nurses, the Institute of Technical Education will also offer a three-year Higher Nitec course for full-time assistant nurses; the Singapore Polytechnic will offer a five-year integrated bachelor's and master's degree in nursing; the National University of Singapore will launch two new postgraduate courses in integrated health and critical care to enable nurses to enhance their professional skills.

A total of 150 nurses won the Nursing Excellence Award this year.