Review of Alternative Pathways and Bridging Nursing Programmes for Qualified Singaporean Applicants

9 Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether stringent academic criteria for nursing diplomas have resulted in otherwise qualified Singaporeans with strong interest in nursing being denied places; and (b) whether the Ministry will review these criteria and provide alternative pathways, such as bridging programmes, to meet healthcare needs.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Having the passion to serve in healthcare is always the top-most criteria for nursing education programmes. At the same time, we need to ensure that nursing students are able to cope with the rigour of the programme. The current entry requirements try to ensure that, without being too stringent. The O-level cut-off point for the polytechnic nursing diploma programmes is ELR2B2 aggregate of 28 points. Through the Early Admissions Exercise, the polytechnics also take in applicants primarily based on their aptitude, motivation and a strong interest in nursing. There are also alternate pathways, such as going to the Institute of Technical Education to be trained as an Enrolled Nurse, before working and upgrading to become a Registered Nurse or mid-career switches, through our skills re-development programmes.