Nursing is more than just a profession—it’s a meaningful journey dedicated to care, empathy, and human connection. If you’re exploring a healthcare career in Malaysia, becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) can open the door to a stable, impactful future.
This article walks you through the full process, from academic requirements to licensing, and offers practical insight into life as a nurse in Malaysia.
Why Nursing?
Malaysia is experiencing a steady rise in demand for nurses due to:
- An ageing population
- Increasing private hospital expansion
- The country’s growing role in medical tourism
Whether in urban hospitals, community clinics, or critical care units, nurses play a vital role in Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem. With job stability, career advancement opportunities, and meaningful work, nursing remains a top choice for school-leavers and mature students alike.
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Entry Requirements
To begin your nursing education in Malaysia, you must have completed the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or its equivalent with minimum 5 credits, including:
- Bahasa Malaysia
- Mathematics or Additional Mathematics
- Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or General Science)
- English
- One additional subject of your choice
These credits ensure you are academically prepared for both the scientific and human aspects of nursing.
Step 2: Choose Your Nursing Pathway
In Malaysia, there are two recognised academic routes to becoming a Registered Nurse:
Option A: Diploma in Nursing
- Duration: 3 years (full-time)
- Pathway: Most common route for SPM holders
- Where: Offered by approved private and public nursing colleges, including:
- Mahsa University
- International Medical College
- KPJ Healthcare University College
- Kolej Sains Kesihatan Bersekutu (Ministry of Health)
Curriculum includes:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Community Health
- Mental Health & Geriatric Care
- Clinical placements in hospitals
Graduates are eligible to sit for the Malaysian Nursing Board (LJM) Licensure Examination.
Option B: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing)
- Duration: 4 years (full-time)
- Pathway: Ideal for those aiming to advance into leadership, education, or research
- Where: Offered by institutions such as:
- Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
- IMU, Mahsa University, Nilai University
This degree combines intensive academic learning with supervised clinical practice across various departments.
Step 3: Sit for the Malaysian Nursing Board Exam (LJM)
After completing your nursing studies, you must pass the Lembaga Jururawat Malaysia (LJM) examination to be recognised as a Registered Nurse (Jururawat Terdaftar).
The LJM exam evaluates:
- Theoretical knowledge
- Clinical reasoning
- Practical nursing skills
Once you pass, you will be awarded an Annual Practising Certificate (APC), which enables you to legally practise nursing in Malaysia.
Step 4: Begin Your Nursing Career
With your APC in hand, you are now officially a Registered Nurse. Career opportunities are broad and include:
- Public hospitals under the Ministry of Health (MOH)
- Private hospitals such as Pantai, Gleneagles, KPJ, Columbia Asia
- Specialist centres (e.g., paediatrics, oncology, rehabilitation)
- Community health services
- Elderly care centres or home nursing services
Most employers offer:
- Shift allowances and medical benefits
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities
- Career progression pathways into management or specialisation
Step 5: Specialise or Advance Your Career
Once you’ve gained experience, you can pursue Post Basic Training—short-term certificate programmes (6–12 months) that allow you to specialise in areas such as:
- Intensive Care Nursing (ICU)
- Paediatric Nursing
- Renal Nursing
- Midwifery
- Orthopaedics
- Emergency & Trauma Care
You may also return to study for a Bachelor’s (if you started with a diploma), or further advance into a Master’s in Nursing, especially if you aim to become a nurse educator, researcher, or nurse manager.
Can You Enter Nursing as a Mature Student?
Yes! Many institutions now accept working adults or those changing careers. Some private colleges offer:
- Flexible class schedules
- Weekend classes
- RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) pathways
This opens the door for those who may have missed the traditional academic route.
Your Future in Healthcare Begins Today
Choosing to become a Registered Nurse in Malaysia is both a noble and practical decision. With structured educational pathways, high employability, and opportunities for growth, nursing continues to be a future-proof career.
Whether you’re fresh out of school or exploring a new path later in life, nursing offers a chance to make a difference—with both your hands and your heart.
