Entry Requirements For Nursing Diploma Eased To Address Shortage

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The shortage of nurses at hospitals is projected to reach nearly 60% by 2030. (KKM pic)
PETALING JAYA: Admission requirements for the diploma in nursing programme for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates have been lowered from five credits to three to tackle the shortage of nurses.
In an Utusan Malaysia report, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad verified a circular making the rounds on social media regarding the relaxed entry requirements.
The circular said Malaysia was facing a critical shortage of nurses, which would have a negative impact on the healthcare system if not addressed.
“Yes, it is true… health director-general Dr Radzi Abu Hassan has informed me about the need for this (relaxed requirements),” said Dzulkefly.
“The matter was presented at a Malaysian Nursing Board meeting on Nov 28 last year, and the council members agreed to relax the entry requirements for the diploma in nursing programme for SPM graduates from five to three credits.”
The relaxed entry requirements will only apply to students in the 2025 and 2026 intakes.
Candidates were previously required to have five SPM credits, including for Bahasa Melayu, mathematics, and one science subject. They were also required to pass their English exam.
Under the new requirements, applicants will only need credits for Bahasa Melayu, mathematics, and one science subject, and a pass in two subjects including English.
Last May, Dzulkefly said the shortage of nurses at hospitals was projected to reach nearly 60% by 2030.
The International Council of Nurses recently called on the government to develop a decade-long plan with a focus on better wages, working conditions, safety, and career prospects in order to attract new nurses while retaining experienced staff.
The council’s chief executive, Howard Catton, told FMT last November that Malaysia’s shortage had been exacerbated by high-income nations hiring experienced nurses from Asia with better pay and working conditions.
The Malaysian Medical Council has seen a decline in the number of provisional registrations for nurses in recent years, from 6,147 students in 2017 to 3,867 students in 2021, 3,857 in 2022, and 3,247 in 2023. - FMT

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