Nursing is among the most desired professions in the world today. In case you are seeking to pursue a career in the healthcare sector, there are numerous opportunities that you can consider. Nursing courses in Sri Lanka have been increasing at a high rate over the last decade, and many of them are now offering pathways to work in other countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the Middle East. 

If you have completed your O/Levels or are currently working in the healthcare industry and want to advance your career, there is sure to be a course which would meet your requirements. Therefore, let us now discuss some of the possible career paths open to you upon the completion of your education.

Why Is Nursing Such a Good Career Choice Right Now?

The number of trained nurses continues to be short across the globe. This trend is long-standing and has been exacerbated over the past few decades. Sri Lankan nurses are routinely employed by many countries, such as Australia, Britain, Canada, and those in the Gulf region, due to the high regard for the quality of nursing education in the country. 

Therefore, a diploma or a bachelor’s degree in nursing in Sri Lanka not only plays its role in the country; it can also contribute greatly to the employability of an individual in a foreign country. In addition, nurses earn very good paychecks. A person graduating in nursing in either the United Kingdom or Australia earns several times higher than their peers in Sri Lanka.

What Types of Nursing Courses Are Available in Sri Lanka?

There are various nursing courses in Sri Lanka at different levels that one can pursue. Underlined below is a simple breakdown: 

Certificate in Health Studies (Pathway to Nursing)

It serves as the initial stepping stone to those who desire to join the nursing profession after they have passed their O/Levels. It is a temporary preparatory programme which prepares you to the next stage of nursing education the nursing diploma. 

Diploma in Nursing (NVQ Level 6)

It is the most preferred qualification by nurse trainees in Sri Lanka. The nursing diploma typically takes a period of three years and the NVQ Level 6 curriculum recognised by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) is its basis. This includes all general patient care and clinical procedures and is recognised as a nurse registration purpose. 

Higher Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Nursing

The higher diploma in nursing is regarded as an upgrade of the ordinary diploma, which is supposed to be enjoyed by students who would appreciate a more challenging course. Some education providers do offer a higher diploma as part of their degree-granting courses, such as BSc courses, which are recognised globally. 

BSc (Hons) in Nursing

The nursing education in Sri Lanka can now be accessed from a number of institutes through collaborations with foreign universities. A BSc in Nursing is regarded as the best choice if you want to work as a nurse abroad, in particular, in the UK or Australia. Programs are available that will allow you to get most of your credits in Sri Lanka. 

Entry Requirements for Nursing Courses in Sri Lanka

The requirements are slightly different based on the institution and course levels, but as follows:

• Certificate or foundation programs: You will be expected to have at least five passes in O/Level exams, which should include Science, Maths, and English. If your performance in English is not good enough (C and above), most institutions will require that you take a placement test.
• Diploma programs: In addition to the five passes in O/Levels, institutions may require at least one or two passes in the A/Levels. There are some institutions that take into consideration the results of a student in A/Levels only if they successfully pass an interview.
• Higher diploma programs: Institutions expect students to have passed the A/Levels in any science stream (such as Biology, Chemistry, etc.). For top-up programs leading to degree certification, the entry requirement will be a nursing diploma.

It is always advisable to confirm the entry requirements directly from the institution itself since they may change depending on which intake you choose.

International Career Opportunities After a Nursing Course in Sri Lanka

This is what renders the nursing courses in Colombo so appealing. It has a few well-known institutes which have links with universities and health care institutions in other countries, so that when you get off the plane, your certificate will still be useful. 

Here are some of the top countries that employ nurses:

• Australia: Easily one of the most in-demand destinations, with the government-run Visa Program being specifically designed to attract nurses. In case you have an internationally recognised diploma or degree in Australia, then you can be registered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). 
• United Kingdom: In UK, the National Health Service (NHS) is always on the hunt after nurses in Sri Lanka. A BSc Honours degree in Nursing from a University in UK, will put you in great position when it comes to employment by the NHS. 
• Middle East:  The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman are always in need of nurses. Sri Lankan nurses are highly regarded in the Gulf States and their salaries are usually tax-free. 
• Canada and New Zealand: Both Canada and New Zealand have a long record of liberal immigration policies towards healthcare professionals, and nurse education from Sri Lanka is becoming more widely accepted.

What to Look for When Choosing a Nursing School in Sri Lanka

As you make your decision, there are some factors that you may need to take into account.

• Accreditation: Make sure that your course is accredited either by TVEC or any recognised accrediting body abroad. It is what will make your degree portable in other nations.
• Clinical training: Practical training is more valuable than theory lessons. Look for institutions with collaborations with reputable hospitals where you will get practical training among actual patients.
• International university partnerships: Select those institutions which collaborate with foreign institutions. This gives you an easy way to get a degree through their partnership programs and not begin again in a new nation.
• Graduate outcomes: Inquire as to where the previous students of this institution graduated. An institution whose graduates serve in hospitals in the UK, Australia, and the Gulf has done something right.
• Location and facilities: If you are an individual based outside of Colombo, consider the facilities for accommodation and other support services. Moving for education is a big decision.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Nursing Career

Nursing is a profession in which you can have the true security of the profession, the opportunity to do meaningful work in a job every day, and, should you choose the correct path, a real opportunity to build a life abroad, should that be what you want. There are some quite excellent healthcare training institutions offering nursing courses in Sri Lanka, and the best of them have, over the years, developed the links and channels that open international careers to them. 

Want to know what your opportunities are? Visit IIHS to find out which nursing courses, entry requirements and international pathways can help find you better opportunities in the healthcare field abroad.