Bachelor of Science in Nursing (UPGRADING)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Upgrading) is an upgrading programme designed for registered nurses who wish to advance their professional knowledge, clinical competence, leadership capacity and research skills while continuing to work.

The programme builds on prior nursing education and experience to prepare competent, compassionate and ethical nurses capable of delivering evidence-based, patient-centred care across diverse healthcare settings. It integrates advanced clinical nursing, community health, maternal and child health, mental health, research, nursing education, informatics, leadership and health services management.

Learning is through a blended learning model delivered mainly online through the LMS, supported by structured course materials, discussions, simulations, case-based activities, assignments, assessments, and academic support. This shall be complemented by face-to-face skills sessions, relevant biomedical science practicals, and supervised clinical placements in approved health facilities to ensure learners acquire and demonstrate required nursing competencies.

The programme is aligned with the needs of working nurses and supports professional advancement without requiring learners to leave employment. It promotes critical thinking, cultural competence, interdisciplinary collaboration, health advocacy, innovation and lifelong learning.

Who The Programme is Designed For

The programme is intended for Kenya Registered Community Health Nurses (KRCHN), Kenya Registered Nurse Midwives (KRN/M) and Kenya Registered Nurses (KRN) who are registered by the Nursing Council of Kenya, or the equivalent professional regulator in the applicant’s country of origin.

Career Prospects in Nursing

Graduates will be prepared for professional growth and expanded responsibilities in areas such as:

• Advanced clinical nursing and care coordination
• Maternal, newborn and reproductive health nursing
• Community and public health nursing
• Nursing leadership, ward and unit management
• Nursing education and curriculum instruction
• Nursing informatics and digital health
• Mental health and psychiatric nursing
• Oncology and palliative nursing
• Health services management and quality improvement
• Nursing research and evidence-based practice

The programme strengthens the capacity of registered nurses to contribute to safer care, improved patient outcomes, healthcare innovation and health equity in Kenya and beyond.