NMCN Accredited

Post Basic Nursing

Post-Basic Programme1 yearNMCN

Programme Overview

The Post Basic Nursing programme is a one-year, NMCN-accredited specialist programme for Registered Nurses who wish to develop advanced competencies in a chosen clinical specialty. It is one of the most respected routes to specialist nursing practice in Nigeria.

ECONS currently offers specialisations in Paediatric Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Perioperative Nursing, and Community Health Nursing. Each specialisation combines intensive theoretical study with supervised clinical placement in tertiary hospitals and specialist centres.

Graduates are awarded a Post Basic Nursing Certificate recognised by NMCN, and are eligible for specialist registration in their chosen field. This significantly enhances career prospects, earning potential, and eligibility for senior clinical roles.

Key Facts

LevelPost-Basic
Duration1 year
Regulatory BodyNMCN
AccreditationNMCN
SIWESCompulsory
ModeFull-time
Application Fee₦25,000
Established2026

Entry Requirements

  • Current NMCN registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Midwife (RM)
  • Minimum of 2 years post-registration clinical experience
  • Letter of recommendation from current or most recent employer
  • Up-to-date annual practising licence from NMCN
  • Application and screening interview as scheduled by ECONS
Note: Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission. All applicants are subject to ECONS screening. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Programme Curriculum

  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Pharmacotherapeutics in Specialist Practice
  • Research Methods & Evidence-Based Nursing
  • Leadership & Professional Development
  • Clinical Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning
  • Health Informatics & Documentation

Career Paths

Specialist Nurse

Hold a recognised specialist nursing title and lead clinical care in your chosen specialisation within tertiary hospitals or specialist centres.

Critical Care Nurse

Manage patients in intensive care units (ICU), high dependency units (HDU), and emergency departments with advanced monitoring and intervention skills.

Paediatric Nurse Specialist

Provide expert nursing care for infants, children, and adolescents in paediatric wards, neonatal units, or children's outpatient departments.

Perioperative Nurse

Serve as scrub nurse, circulating nurse, or anaesthetic nurse in surgical theatres, ensuring patient safety across the perioperative continuum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specialisations are currently offered?
ECONS currently offers Paediatric Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Perioperative Nursing, and Community Health Nursing. Available specialisations are subject to minimum enrolment numbers per intake.
Can I apply if I have less than 2 years of experience?
No. A minimum of 2 years post-registration clinical experience is an NMCN requirement for Post Basic programmes. Applications without this will not be considered.
Will I need to take a leave of absence from my job?
The programme is full-time and requires on-site attendance for clinical placements. Most candidates arrange study leave or sabbatical with their employers.
Does this qualify me for a higher salary band?
Yes. Post Basic specialist certification is recognised by the Nigerian government's Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) for salary reclassification in public health institutions.

Ready to Join the Post Basic Nursing Programme?

Applications for 2026/2027 are open. Submit your application before July 31.