Finding where to train as a nurse or midwife in Ghana comes down to one non-negotiable filter before location, cost, or campus life: accreditation. This guide rounds up the best nursing schools in Ghana that are recognized by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (GNMC/NMC), organized by programme, ownership, region, and fees, so you can build a shortlist based on facts rather than word-of-mouth.
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Whether you are planning to pursue a Registered General Nursing (RGN), Registered Midwifery (RM), Community Health Nursing, or a Bachelor of Nursing degree, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know. You’ll learn about the nursing education system in Ghana, GNMC accreditation, admission requirements, tuition fees, salaries, and the top nursing schools and universities to consider.
Jump to a section:
- Quick Answer
- Nursing Education System in Ghana: Pathways
- Types of Accreditation Status by GNMC
- What Is GNMC Accreditation?
- Why Study Nursing in Ghana
- 20 Best Nursing Schools in Ghana
- Compare Schools at a Glance
- Schools by Region
- Best Universities for Nursing
- Admission Requirements
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
- How to Apply
- After Graduation: Licensing & Working Abroad
- Average Nurse Salary
- FAQs
Nursing Education System in Ghana
Nursing and midwifery training in Ghana runs along several tracks, and knowing which one matches your goals is the first step before comparing the best nursing schools in Ghana.
- Nurse Assistant Clinical (NAC) Certificate (2 years): An entry-level auxiliary qualification offered by many private and state colleges, ideal for a fast route into the health workforce.
- Diploma level — Registered General Nursing (RGN), Registered Midwifery (RM), Registered Community Nurse (RCN) (3 years): The most common pathway, offered by public Nursing and Midwifery Training Colleges (NMTCs) and several private colleges nationwide.
- Bachelor’s degree — BSc Nursing/Midwifery (4 years): Offered by public and private universities, covering general, pediatric, and community-focused nursing tracks.
- Postgraduate — MSc and PhD in Nursing (2–4 years): Available at a handful of leading universities, with specializations in leadership, education, public health, and clinical practice.
Some colleges also run post basic specialties such as Ophthalmic Nursing, Critical Care and Peri-Operative Nursing, and Public Health Nursing, usually as post-basic add-ons for already-registered nurses.
Types of Nursing Schools’ Accreditation Status by GNMC
Every legitimate nursing or midwifery training institution in Ghana needs sign-off from two separate bodies, and understanding both matters when you’re comparing the best nursing schools in Ghana.
- National Accreditation Board (NAB) institutional accreditation: Confirms the institution itself is authorized to operate as a tertiary or training institution. Newer colleges often start with an interim or provisional authorization to operate while working toward full institutional accreditation.
- GNMC programme accreditation and credentialing: Confirms that a specific nursing or midwifery programme at that institution meets curriculum, staffing, and clinical-placement standards. GNMC periodically summons institutions to its Credentialing Forum for reaccreditation, and can approve, defer, or withdraw accreditation for individual programmes, meaning a school can be accredited for one course (say, RGN) but not yet for another (say, RPHN) it has newly introduced.
In practice, this means a school’s overall reputation doesn’t guarantee every programme it offers is currently accredited, always confirm the specific programme and intake year with GNMC directly.
Verify before you apply: GNMC publishes a “Find Accredited Institutions” lookup on its official site (nmc.gov.gh) where you can check a school’s current accreditation status by name. Since status is reviewed periodically and can change, this direct check takes a few minutes and protects you from enrolling in a programme that later turns out not to be accredited.
What Is GNMC Accreditation and Why Does It Matter?
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (GNMC), established under the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857), is the statutory regulator responsible for registering and licensing nurses and midwives, administering licensing examinations, and accrediting the institutions and programmes that train them. For anyone comparing the best nursing schools in Ghana, GNMC status determines three practical things: whether your diploma or degree will be recognized for professional licensing, whether you’re eligible to sit the GNMC licensing exam that leads to your Professional Identification Number (PIN), and whether hospitals and clinics, public and private, will accept your qualification for employment. Training at a school without current, valid accreditation for your specific programme can leave you unable to register as a nurse, which is why checking status before enrollment is essential rather than optional.
Why Study Nursing in Ghana
Ghana’s health system continues to face a nurse-to-patient ratio gap, keeping demand for GNMC-licensed graduates strong both domestically and abroad, Ghanaian-trained nurses are actively recruited into the UK, US, and Gulf markets after further verification. Public nursing colleges and universities charge markedly lower tuition than private alternatives, clinical placements happen at real teaching and regional hospitals such as Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye, and the GNMC licensing framework gives graduates of accredited programmes a credential that travels internationally. For school-leavers weighing career stability against training cost, nursing remains one of the more dependable and portable professional routes available in West Africa.
20 Best Nursing Schools in Ghana
Each entry below includes a brief introduction, the programmes on offer, programme duration, and estimated tuition, a practical starting shortlist of the best nursing schools in Ghana across both public and private ownership.
1. University of Ghana School of Nursing and Midwifery — Legon, Accra
Ghana’s oldest and most prestigious university, its nursing school is affiliated with Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and known for research on maternal mortality reduction. Programmes & duration: BSc Nursing (4 yrs); BSc Midwifery (4 yrs); MSc Nursing (2 yrs); PhD Nursing (3–4 yrs). Estimated fees: GHS 3,515–4,000/year (regular); GHS 8,294/year (fee-paying); MSc from GHS 12,958 (Year 1); international students USD 6,813–8,814/year.
2. KNUST School of Nursing — Kumasi
A technology-driven programme partnered with Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, with a research focus on telemedicine and health informatics. Programmes & duration: BSc Nursing (4 yrs); BSc Midwifery (4 yrs); MSc Nursing (2 yrs); Postgraduate Diploma (1 yr). Estimated fees: GHS 10,000–20,000/year (undergraduate); GHS 15,000–25,000/year (postgraduate).
3. University of Cape Coast School of Nursing and Midwifery — Cape Coast
Known for strong simulation labs and a community-health/public-health orientation. Programmes & duration: BSc Nursing (4 yrs); BSc Midwifery (4 yrs, rural health focus); MSc Nursing (2 yrs). Estimated fees: GHS 8,000–15,000/year (undergraduate); GHS 12,000–20,000/year (postgraduate).
4. Korle-Bu Nursing and Midwifery Training College — Accra
Directly attached to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana’s largest hospital, giving diploma students unusually strong clinical exposure. Programmes & duration: Diploma in Registered General Nursing — RGN (3 yrs); Diploma in Registered Midwifery — RM (3 yrs). Estimated fees: GHS 2,255/semester for first-years (~GHS 4,510/year); GHS 1,405/semester for continuing students (~GHS 2,810/year), plus GHS 500–1,000 in additional fees.
5. University for Development Studies (UDS) School of Nursing — Tamale
Trains through rural clinics to prepare graduates for underserved northern Ghana, with research on locally relevant conditions like malaria. Programmes & duration: BSc Nursing (4 yrs); BSc Midwifery (4 yrs); MSc Community Health Nursing (2 yrs). Estimated fees: GHS 8,000–15,000/year (undergraduate); GHS 12,000–18,000/year (postgraduate).
6. Narh-Bita College — Tema
A private college affiliated with Narh-Bita Hospital, known for small class sizes and hospital-based training. Programmes & duration: BSc Nursing (4 yrs); Diploma RGN (3 yrs); NAC Certificate (2 yrs). Estimated fees: GHS 10,000–15,000/year (BSc); GHS 8,000–12,000/year (Diploma); GHS 5,000–8,000/year (Certificate).
7. Central University College School of Nursing — Accra
A private, Christian-founded university emphasizing ethics and leadership alongside clinical training. Programmes & duration: BSc Nursing (4 yrs). Estimated fees: GHS 10,000–15,000/year, plus a GHS 100 application fee.
8. Kintampo College of Health and Well-Being — Kintampo
A public, multi-disciplinary health-training college with one of the most affordable fee structures on this list. Programmes & duration: Diploma RGN (3 yrs); NAC Certificate (2 yrs); BSc Community Health Nursing (4 yrs). Estimated fees: GHS 3,852/year (Diploma); GHS 4,682/year (BSc), plus GHS 2,400 feeding fee.
9. Sunyani Nursing and Midwifery Training College — Sunyani
One of the most budget-friendly public colleges in the country, popular with cost-conscious applicants. Programmes & duration: Diploma RGN (3 yrs); Diploma RM (3 yrs). Estimated fees: GHS 1,500/year tuition, plus GHS 660 in additional fees.
10. St. Karol School of Nursing — Weija, Accra
A private school offering flexible scheduling alongside a standard BSc curriculum. Programmes & duration: BSc RGN (4 yrs). Estimated fees: GHS 10,000–15,000/year.
11. Valley View University — Oyibi, Accra
A private, Seventh-day Adventist-founded university with RGN and RM/RMN tracks. Programmes & duration: BSc/Diploma RGN, RMN, RM (3–4 yrs depending on level). Estimated fees: Roughly GHS 9,000–14,000/year, in line with comparable private universities.
12. Pentecost University College — Sowutuom, Accra
A private, faith-based institution offering both nursing and midwifery tracks. Programmes & duration: RGN, RM (3–4 yrs). Estimated fees: Roughly GHS 9,000–14,000/year.
13. Nursing & Midwifery Training School, Korle-Bu — Accra
A state-run school distinct from the Korle-Bu NMTC listed above, also benefiting from teaching-hospital placement. Programmes & duration: RGN, RM (3 yrs). Estimated fees: Roughly GHS 2,000–4,500/year, typical of state colleges.
14. Nursing and Midwifery Training College — Pantang, Greater Accra
A state college with dedicated RM and NAC tracks. Programmes & duration: RM, NAC (2–3 yrs). Estimated fees: Roughly GHS 1,800–4,000/year.
15. Presbyterian Nursing and Midwifery Training College — Agogo, Ashanti
A long-established state college affiliated with KNUST, offering Diploma-level General Nursing and Midwifery. Programmes & duration: Diploma in General Nursing, Diploma in Midwifery, Post-Basic Midwifery (3 yrs). Estimated fees: Roughly GHS 2,000–4,500/year.
16. SDA Nurses Training College — Kwadaso, Ashanti
A state college run with Seventh-day Adventist Church affiliation, offering RGN and RM tracks. Programmes & duration: RGN, RM (3 yrs). Estimated fees: Roughly GHS 2,000–4,500/year.
17. Holy Family Nursing and Midwifery Training College — Berekum, Bono
A state college offering RGN, RM, and Midwifery (MID) programmes. Programmes & duration: RGN, RM, MID (3 yrs). Estimated fees: Roughly GHS 1,800–4,200/year.
18. Nursing and Midwifery Training College — Koforidua, Eastern Region
A state college offering combined RGN and RM training in the Eastern Region. Programmes & duration: RGN, RM (3 yrs). Estimated fees: Roughly GHS 1,800–4,200/year.
19. Nurses Training College — Bolgatanga, Upper East
A state college serving Ghana’s Upper East Region with a standard RGN track. Programmes & duration: RGN (3 yrs). Estimated fees: Roughly GHS 1,500–3,800/year, among the lower-cost options nationally.
20. Wisconsin International University College — Accra
A private university college offering RGN, RCN, and RM programmes with an international curriculum influence. Programmes & duration: RGN, RCN, RM (3–4 yrs). Estimated fees: Roughly GHS 10,000–16,000/year.
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Compare Ghana’s Best Nursing Schools at a Glance
A quick side-by-side view of all 20 schools for easy comparison:
| SN | School | Ownership | Region | Top Programme | Duration | Est. Fees/Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Ghana | State | Greater Accra | BSc Nursing | 4 yrs | GHS 3,515–8,294 |
| 2 | KNUST School of Nursing | State | Ashanti | BSc Nursing | 4 yrs | GHS 10,000–20,000 |
| 3 | University of Cape Coast | State | Central | BSc Nursing | 4 yrs | GHS 8,000–15,000 |
| 4 | Korle-Bu NMTC | State | Greater Accra | Diploma RGN/RM | 3 yrs | GHS 2,810–4,510 |
| 5 | University for Development Studies | State | Northern | BSc Nursing | 4 yrs | GHS 8,000–15,000 |
| 6 | Narh-Bita College | Private | Greater Accra | BSc/Diploma RGN | 3–4 yrs | GHS 5,000–15,000 |
| 7 | Central University College | Private | Greater Accra | BSc Nursing | 4 yrs | GHS 10,000–15,000 |
| 8 | Kintampo College of Health & Well-Being | State | Bono East | Diploma/BSc | 3–4 yrs | GHS 3,852–4,682 |
| 9 | Sunyani NMTC | State | Bono | Diploma RGN/RM | 3 yrs | GHS 1,500 |
| 10 | St. Karol School of Nursing | Private | Greater Accra | BSc RGN | 4 yrs | GHS 10,000–15,000 |
| 11 | Valley View University | Private | Greater Accra | RGN/RMN/RM | 3–4 yrs | GHS 9,000–14,000 |
| 12 | Pentecost University College | Private | Greater Accra | RGN/RM | 3–4 yrs | GHS 9,000–14,000 |
| 13 | Nursing & Midwifery Training School, Korle-Bu | State | Greater Accra | RGN/RM | 3 yrs | GHS 2,000–4,500 |
| 14 | NMTC, Pantang | State | Greater Accra | RM/NAC | 2–3 yrs | GHS 1,800–4,000 |
| 15 | Presbyterian NMTC, Agogo | State | Ashanti | Diploma RGN/RM | 3 yrs | GHS 2,000–4,500 |
| 16 | SDA Nurses Training College, Kwadaso | State | Ashanti | RGN/RM | 3 yrs | GHS 2,000–4,500 |
| 17 | Holy Family NMTC, Berekum | State | Bono | RGN/RM/MID | 3 yrs | GHS 1,800–4,200 |
| 18 | NMTC, Koforidua | State | Eastern | RGN/RM | 3 yrs | GHS 1,800–4,200 |
| 19 | Nurses Training College, Bolgatanga | State | Upper East | RGN | 3 yrs | GHS 1,500–3,800 |
| 20 | Wisconsin International University College | Private | Greater Accra | RGN/RCN/RM | 3–4 yrs | GHS 10,000–16,000 |
Fee figures for schools #11–20 are estimates based on typical state vs. private tuition bands; always confirm the current figure with the specific institution.
Nursing Schools in Ghana by Region
GNMC-accredited nursing and midwifery training colleges are spread across all 16 regions of Ghana, though Greater Accra and Ashanti host the largest concentration of institutions. Here’s a regional snapshot to help you search closer to home:
Greater Accra Region
- University of Ghana School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Korle-Bu Nursing and Midwifery Training College
- Central University College School of Nursing
- St. Karol School of Nursing
- Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Pantang
- Wisconsin International University College
Ashanti Region
- KNUST School of Nursing
- Presbyterian Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Agogo
- SDA Nurses Training College, Kwadaso
- Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Kumasi
- Garden City University College, Kumasi
Bono / Bono East Region
- Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Sunyani
- Holy Family Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Berekum
- Catholic University College, Fiapre
- Nurses Training College, Techiman Krobo
Ahafo Region
- Midwifery Training School, Goaso
- College of Nursing, Ntotroso
- Community Health Nurses Training School, Tanoso
Eastern Region
- Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Koforidua
- Holy Family Nurses Training College, Nkawkaw
Volta / Oti Region
- Nurses Training College, Keta
- Midwifery Training School, Hohoe
- Midwifery Training School, Kete Krachi
Central Region
- University of Cape Coast School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Cape Coast
- Nurses Training College, Ankaful
- Community Health Nurses Training College, Winneba
Western / Western North Region
- Holy Eucharist University College, Half Assini
- Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Sefwi Wiawso
- College of Health, Sefwi Asafo
Northern / North East / Savanna Region
- University for Development Studies, Tamale
- Nursing and Midwifery Training School, Tamale
- Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Yendi
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Nalerigu
- Nurses Training College, Damongo
Upper East / Upper West Region
- Nurses Training College, Bolgatanga
- Presbyterian Nurses Training College, Bawku
- Nurses Training College, Wa
- Nurses Training College, Jirapa
If your region isn’t listed above, GNMC’s institution finder is the fastest way to confirm current accredited schools near you.
List of Best Universities Offering Nursing in Ghana
For applicants set on a full bachelor’s or postgraduate degree rather than a diploma, these universities consistently top the list of the best nursing schools in Ghana at degree level:
1. University of Ghana
Introduction: Ghana’s oldest and most prestigious university, based in Legon, Accra, with a School of Nursing and Midwifery affiliated to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and known for research into maternal mortality reduction. Programme: BSc Nursing; BSc Midwifery; MSc Nursing; PhD Nursing. Duration: BSc — 4 years; MSc — 2 years; PhD — 3–4 years.
2. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
Introduction: A science- and technology-focused public university in Kumasi, partnered with Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, with research strengths in telemedicine and health informatics. Programme: BSc Nursing; BSc Midwifery; MSc Nursing; Postgraduate Diploma. Duration: BSc — 4 years; MSc — 2 years; Postgraduate Diploma — 1 year.
3. University of Cape Coast
Introduction: A public university in Cape Coast known for strong simulation labs and a community-health and rural-care orientation in its nursing training. Programme: BSc Nursing; BSc Midwifery; MSc Nursing. Duration: BSc — 4 years; MSc — 2 years.
4. University for Development Studies (UDS)
Introduction: A public university based in Tamale, built specifically to address healthcare disparities in northern Ghana, training students through rural clinics. Programme: BSc Nursing; BSc Midwifery; MSc Community Health Nursing. Duration: BSc — 4 years; MSc — 2 years.
5. Central University College
Introduction: A private, Christian-founded university in Accra that emphasizes ethics and leadership alongside clinical nursing training. Programme: BSc Nursing. Duration: 4 years.
6. Valley View University
A private, Seventh-day Adventist-founded university with campuses at Oyibi, Techiman, and Kumasi, offering both degree and diploma-level nursing and midwifery tracks. Programme: BSc/Diploma RGN; RMN; RM. Duration: Diploma — 3 years; BSc — 4 years.
7. Pentecost University College
A private, faith-based university college in Sowutuom, Accra, offering combined nursing and midwifery training under a Christian institutional ethos. Programme: RGN; RM. Duration: 3–4 years depending on the specific track (diploma vs. degree).
8. Wisconsin International University College
A private university college with campuses in Accra and Kumasi, offering an internationally influenced curriculum across several nursing specializations. Programme: RGN; RCN; RM; PHN (at the Kumasi campus). Duration: 3–4 years depending on the specific track.
9. University of Energy and Natural Resources
A public university based in Sunyani, primarily known for energy and natural-resources programmes, which also runs an RGN nursing track. Programme: RGN. Duration: 3–4 years.
General Admission Requirements
Requirements vary by institution and study level, but most best nursing schools in Ghana apply a similar baseline set by GNMC and individual admissions boards:
For Certificate/Nurse Assistant Programmes
- Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) or equivalent, depending on the institution
For Diploma Programmes (RGN, RM, RCN)
- Senior Secondary/West African School Certificate Examination (SSSCE/WASSCE) results with at least a pass or credit (institution-dependent) in three core subjects, English, Mathematics, and Integrated Science
- Credit passes in three relevant elective subjects, following each programme’s approved subject combination
For Bachelor’s Degree Programmes (BSc)
- WASSCE with credit passes in English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and relevant elective science subjects
- A competitive aggregate score for university admission
- For some universities, a diploma in nursing/midwifery for direct-entry or top-up routes
Requirements Across All Levels
- Successful indexing with GNMC, confirming the applicant’s data and entry qualifications before admission
- Passing the relevant GNMC Licensing Examination after graduation to receive a Professional Identification Number (PIN)
- Requirements and cut-off aggregates change yearly, so always confirm directly with the specific school before applying
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Tuition at Ghana’s best nursing schools in Ghana ranges from under GHS 2,000/year at some state colleges to over GHS 20,000/year at the priciest private universities, so financial aid is worth investigating early:
- Government/Ministry of Health bursaries: Some state-run Nursing and Midwifery Training Colleges offer subsidized tuition or feeding allowances, particularly for community health and public health nursing tracks aimed at underserved regions.
- University-specific scholarships: Public universities such as the University of Ghana and KNUST run needs-based and merit-based scholarship schemes through their financial aid offices — check each university’s admissions or scholarships office directly.
- Faith-based institution bursaries: Private, church-affiliated colleges (Central University College, Pentecost University College, Presbyterian and SDA training colleges) sometimes offer reduced fees or sponsorships tied to church membership or community service commitments.
- External and NGO scholarships: Health-sector NGOs and development partners occasionally fund nursing scholarships tied to rural service bonds — students commit to working in an underserved district for a set period after graduation in exchange for reduced or waived fees.
- Student loans: The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and Students Loan Trust Fund both cover tertiary nursing programmes at accredited public and select private institutions.
Because scholarship availability changes by year and institution, the fastest route is to ask each school’s admissions or financial aid office directly what’s currently open when you apply.
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How to Apply to a Nursing School in Ghana
Applying to any of the best nursing schools in Ghana generally follows the same core sequence, regardless of whether you’re targeting a certificate, diploma, or degree programme:
- Sit and pass your WASSCE (or BECE for certificate-level programmes). Make sure your results include the required core and elective subject credits for your target programme before applying.
- Choose your programme and institution. Decide between certificate, diploma, or degree level, and shortlist schools using the tables above — factor in region, ownership, fees, and whether the specific programme currently holds GNMC accreditation.
- Complete the school’s application form. Most institutions run this online through their admissions portal, or through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s centralized system for university-level programmes; state NMTCs often have their own dedicated application windows announced by the Ministry of Health.
- Submit required documents. This typically includes your WASSCE/BECE result slip, a valid national ID or birth certificate, passport-sized photographs, and any application fee receipt.
- Attend an interview or entrance assessment, if required. Several colleges — particularly diploma-level NMTCs — conduct interviews or basic aptitude checks as part of shortlisting.
- Receive your admission letter and complete GNMC indexing. Once admitted, the institution submits your details to GNMC for indexing, which confirms your entry qualifications are on record ahead of your licensing exam years later.
- Pay tuition and register for the semester. Confirm the current fee schedule directly with the school, since fees are revised yearly and may include separate charges for accommodation, feeding, and student association dues.
- Begin orientation and clinical placement scheduling. Most schools pair classroom instruction with hospital-based clinical rotations from early in the programme.
Application windows vary by institution; public universities typically open applications between April and August for the following academic year, while state NMTCs often follow Ministry of Health-announced intake periods, so it’s worth checking each target school’s website a few months ahead of your intended start date.
After Graduation: Licensing and Working Abroad
Completing a GNMC-accredited programme is only the first step, registration and licensing come next:
- GNMC Licensing Examination: Graduates must sit and pass the relevant GNMC licensing exam (held in February/March, June/July, August, and November/December) for their cadre, Registered General Nurse, Registered Midwife, Registered Community Nurse, or Nurse Assistant, to receive a Professional Identification Number (PIN) and practice legally in Ghana.
- Working within Ghana: Licensed graduates can register with public hospitals, private clinics, mission hospitals, and NGOs; some also move into public health, community nursing, or specialized post-basic tracks such as critical care, peri-operative, or ophthalmic nursing.
- Working abroad: A meaningful share of graduates from the best nursing schools in Ghana go on to work internationally after further verification, this typically means passing destination-country licensing exams such as the NCLEX-RN (United States), registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council UK (NMC UK) via its Test of Competence, or meeting Gulf-state or Canadian provincial licensing requirements. Each pathway has its own English-language, credential-verification, and sometimes bridging-course requirements, so researching the specific destination country’s process early, ideally before graduation, makes the transition smoother.
Average Nurse Salary in Ghana
Reported nurse salaries in Ghana vary by employer, region, and experience, but a consistent picture emerges from graduate outcomes across the schools above: newly registered nurses in Ghana commonly start in the range of roughly GHS 2,000–3,500 monthly in the public sector, with graduates from research-intensive university programmes or those recruited into private hospitals and NGOs often reporting GHS 2,800–5,000 monthly. Nurses who move abroad after further licensing verification, a common path for graduates of accredited Ghanaian programmes, typically report significantly higher earnings than the domestic range. As with most healthcare professions, additional qualifications (BSc-to-MSc upgrades, specialization in critical care, public health, or midwifery) and years of service are the biggest levers for increasing pay over a career.
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Conclusion
Ghana’s nursing training landscape spans well-resourced public universities, teaching-hospital-affiliated diploma colleges, and a large network of private institutions across all 16 regions, and GNMC accreditation is the one filter that should never be skipped when comparing options. Whether you’re weighing an affordable state college like Sunyani NMTC, a teaching-hospital-based diploma at Korle-Bu, or a full BSc at the University of Ghana or KNUST, confirm the school and specific programme’s current GNMC and NAB status directly before applying or paying fees, accreditation can change year to year, and confirming protects both your money and your future licensing. Use the tables above as your starting shortlist of the best nursing schools in Ghana, then narrow down by region, programme, and cost.
FAQs
What is the best nursing school in Ghana? There’s no single official ranking, but the University of Ghana School of Nursing and Midwifery, KNUST School of Nursing, and Korle-Bu Nursing and Midwifery Training College are among the most established and consistently GNMC-accredited institutions in the country.
How do I check if a nursing school is GNMC-accredited? Use the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana’s online “Find Accredited Institutions” portal, or contact GNMC directly — accreditation status is reviewed and can change from year to year, and a school can be accredited for one programme but not another.
What’s the difference between GNMC accreditation and NAB accreditation? NAB (National Accreditation Board) accredits the institution itself to operate as a tertiary or training body, while GNMC accredits the specific nursing or midwifery programme and regulates licensing — both matter, and a legitimate nursing programme needs both.
Can I study nursing in Ghana with only BECE results? Basic certificate/Nurse Assistant programmes may accept BECE-level qualifications at some institutions, but diploma (RGN, RM) and degree (BSc) programmes require WASSCE/SSSCE results with credits in core and elective subjects.
How long does nursing training take in Ghana? Nurse Assistant certificates typically take 2 years, diploma programmes (RGN/RM) take 3 years, and BSc degree programmes take 4 years, with postgraduate MSc programmes adding 2 more years.
Are private nursing schools in Ghana recognized by GNMC? Yes, provided they hold current GNMC programme accreditation and NAB institutional accreditation — ownership type (state or private) doesn’t by itself affect the validity of the qualification, but accreditation status does.
What documents do I need to apply to a nursing school in Ghana? Typically your WASSCE/SSSCE result slip, a valid ID, passport photographs, and a completed application form for GNMC indexing; some schools also require an interview or medical fitness report.
Are scholarships available for nursing students in Ghana? Yes — options include university-run needs- and merit-based scholarships, faith-based institution bursaries, NGO-funded rural service bond scholarships, and government student loans through GETFund or the Students Loan Trust Fund; availability varies by year, so check directly with your target school’s financial aid office.
Can graduates of Ghanaian nursing schools work abroad? Yes, many do, but it requires additional licensing beyond GNMC registration — commonly the NCLEX-RN for the United States or NMC UK registration for the United Kingdom — along with credential verification and sometimes bridging coursework specific to the destination country.
