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Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse

Before you become a registered nurse in Malaysia, you must have completed your SPM or an equivalent qualification. Also, you probably would need to go through a pre-university course like STPM, A-Level, or a Foundation in Science. Preferably, you can also take up a Diploma in Nursing course. When you complete a pre-university programme like a Diploma or Foundation in Science, you can proceed to a Degree in Nursing (Bachelor of Nursing). When you complete the degree, you need to register with the Nursing Board before you can practice as a registered nurse. Now, let's break the above information into steps and details.    

Step 1:  Complete an Accredited Nursing Programme

To become a registered nurse in Malaysia, you must graduate from an accredited nursing course at the university. Your options include nursing diplomas, associate degrees, or a bachelor's degree. An associate degree would take two years to acquire. A bachelor’s degree would take four years to complete, or two years for students in an associate to bachelor's registered nurse programme.  

Step 2: Sit for and Pass the Malaysian Nursing Board Exam

To become a registered nurse, you must sit for and pass the Malaysian Nursing Board Examination. The examination is conducted by the board to recognise future nurses who have completed their programme at the university. The exam is done ten times a year. Nursing students who intend to take the exam must complete the application form two months before the exam date. The results are usually notified as pass or fail, with the passing mark being between 50% and 100%. Students who fail the exam are allowed to repeat the exam three times only.

Step 3: Register with the Malaysian Nursing Board

The Nursing Board was created to protect the health and welfare of patients by assuring that only licensed nurses are rendering competent and safe nursing care. This is achieved by defining and outlining the standards for safe nursing care and issuing licenses to practise nursing. The Malaysian Nursing Board (MNB) was established to align with The Nurses Act, and the Nurses Registration Ordinance was enacted to control the practice of nursing. Therefore, the MNB is responsible for the registration of all categories of nurses that trained locally and overseas. Student nurses who pass the Malaysian Nursing Board Examination can visit the board to register with the Board.  

Step 4: Get Your Annual Practising Certificate (APC)

As proof of completing the requirements needed to become a full-fledged nurse, you must get your Annual Practising Certificate (APC) from the Nursing Council. The Malaysian Nursing Council is expected to define practising, to determine whether a nurse has attained the required standard of continuing competence and whether a nurse has qualified to receive a practising certificate. As soon as you have completed your application for your APC, having fulfilled every other requirement, and made the necessary payment, you will be issued your Annual Practising Certificate, and your details will show on the Register of Practising Nurses in Malaysia. In completing the four steps, you are officially a Registered Nurse in Malaysia and can practice in hospitals, clinics, schools, government organisations, nursing homes, etc.

The Bottom Line

As a registered nurse, if you decide to become an advanced practice registered nurse and specialise in your knowledge, you will need a Master's Degree. After you acquire your Master's Degree, you can apply for roles as a certified nurse specialist, nurse anaesthetists, nurse practitioner, and nurse-midwives. Nurses who want to advance further can choose to enter a doctoral programme. DNP or PhD programmes are perfect for those intending to work as scientific researchers or university professors in nursing sciences. Lastly, registered nurses can also undertake further certifications in areas like critical care, acute care, or nursing management. For more information, feel free to get in touch with our professional counsellors. Ms. Yaya Mobile: +6012-497 3060 Email: nurbaya@aimst.edu.my

Career Options for Pharmacy Graduates in Malaysia

For students who just completed their SPM or Foundation in Science, and are thinking about getting a Pharmacy Degree in Malaysia, and maybe thinking about the career opportunities available in this field, opportunities abound for pharmacy graduates in private and public hospitals as well as other parastatals. As a hospital pharmacist in Malaysia, you can earn as much as RM 59,180 yearly, with opportunities to learn and grow in your profession. Here are the units that you could work in a hospital.

• Daycare
• 24-hour Pharmacy
• Outpatient Department (OPD)
• Specialist's Clinics
• Ward supply
• Satellite pharmacy
• Aseptic pharmacy
• Drug information
• Oncology (Cytotoxic Drugs)
• Clinical pharmacokinetics
• Logistics or Integrated Store

Other opportunities include specialising or managing a unit or department such as Oncology, OPD, or becoming a Chief Pharmacist at a state hospital (after serving for a couple of years). Hospital pharmacists are also involved in aseptic preparations—for example, parenteral nutrition, oncology pharmacy, and nuclear pharmacy. For pharmacy graduates who choose to work in private hospitals, depending on the size and services offered by the private hospital, you can also learn and work your way to top management positions. Opportunities are also available to serve as a Public Health Pharmacist to work in health clinics or primary care at all districts. The services offered in primary care are different from a general hospital, except for Out-patient Department and Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic. Another career option available to hospital pharmacists is a Hospital Information System, also known as the Pharmacy Information System. This path is appealing to graduates who are interested in technology — available in both private and public hospitals. Pharmacy Information System has to do with integrating information in both the clinical and non-clinical departments of the hospital. The job is primarily IT-based, but still requires someone with clinical experience. Finally, there are a plethora of career options for graduates with a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy who intend to work in a public or private hospital in Malaysia.   As you already know, the labour market is a competitive place. Therefore, if you must get a job in today's world, it is incredibly crucial to get the relevant degree(s) in Pharmacy as well as work experience to show your potential employers how enthused you are about your profession, and that you can apply the knowledge and skills you've learned in school in the workplace. At AIMST University, some courses are tailored to give you a competitive edge in the job market. Pharmacy degrees ranging from Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) to Master of Science (Pharmacy) to Master of Pharmacy (clinical pharmacy) to Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacy) are available to equip you with the knowledge and experience needed to get you to the top of your career.  

1. Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons)

With the acceptable academic requirements and qualification such as A-Levels, STPM, AIMST Foundation in Science/ Matriculation/Foundation in Science, Matriculation/ Pre-medical or Pre-Pharmaceutical Studies, Diploma in Pharmacy, etc., you can enrol to pursue a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) Degree at AIMST University.  

2. Master of Science (Pharmacy)

At AIMST, before you enrol for your Master of Science Degree, you must first get a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy. The Master of Science degree is aimed at equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills in planning, constructing, and conducting pharmaceutical research.  

3. Master of Pharmacy (Clinical Pharmacy)

To acquire a Master of Pharmacy (Clinical Pharmacy) Degree, you need a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy. The Master of Pharmacy (Clinical Pharmacy) Degree is designed to equip students with enhanced skills in evidence-based practice, rational use of medications, practice-based research, and provision of top-grade clinical pharmacy services.  

4. Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacy)

To enrol for a Ph.D. in Pharmacy course at AIMST University, you must have completed your Master's Degree programme. The course will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to conduct original research in pharmacy and other related fields. As you can see, career options abound for Pharmacy graduates in Malaysia, including private and public hospitals, especially when you have the required degree(s), skills, and knowledge needed to serve. To acquire more information, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly and helpful counsellors. Ms. Yaya Mobile: +6012-497 3060 Email: nurbaya@aimst.edu.my

FREE WEBINAR BY FACULTY OF ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSION – UNDERSTANDING SCOLIOSIS

INTERNATIONAL E-CONFERENCE ON BIOTECHNOLOGY, BIOINFORMATICS & BIOMEDICINE (IECBBB-2020)

EDUCATION FAIR 4U. LET’S MEET AT!!

Weil Hotel, Ipoh on 8 August 2020 (12pm-5pm)

Temple Hall, Buntong on 8 August 2020 (10am-3pm)

Autocity, Juru on 8 August 2020 (4pm-9pm)

STPM & SPM LEAVERS LET’S MEET UP AT!!

Kulim Central on 30 July 2020 (10am-10pm)

Queensbay Mall, Penang on 30 & 31 July (10am-10pm)