Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse in Malaysia

In Malaysia, you need to finish your SPM or an equivalent certification before becoming a registered nurse. You’ll almost certainly need to do a pre-university course such as STPM, A-Level, or a Foundation in Science. You should also consider enrolling in a Diploma in Nursing Education.

You can pursue a degree in nursing after completing a pre-university programme such as a Diploma in Nursing Education. Then, you must register with the Nursing Board once you have completed your degree before you practise as a registered nurse.

Below is a more detailed guide on how to become a registered nurse in Malaysia.

Step 1:  Accredited Nursing Programme

The first step to becoming a registered nurse in Malaysia is completing an accredited nursing programme such as Diploma in Nursing Education, or a bachelor’s degree.

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

The next step after finishing your accredited nursing program is to pass the Malaysian Nursing Board Examination. The board administers the test in order to recognize future nurses who have finished their studies at universities. The test is administered 10 times a year.

Step 3: Register with the Malaysian Nursing Board

The Nursing Board was established in order to secure patients’ health and well-being by ensuring that only licenced nurses are nursing them. This is accomplished through establishing and clarifying the criteria for safe nursing care, as well as providing nursing licensure.

The Malaysian Nursing Board (MNB) was created in accordance with the Nurses Act, and the Nurses Registration Ordinance was passed to regulate nursing practise.

As a result, the MNB is in charge of registering all types of nurses who studied both locally and internationally. 

Step 4: Get Your Annual Practising Certificate (APC)

The Nursing Council will provide you an Annual Practising Certificate (APC) as confirmation that you have met all of the requirements to become a full-fledged nurse.

The Malaysian Nursing Council is supposed to define practising, as well as evaluate whether a nurse has met the minimum level of ongoing competence and is eligible for a practising certificate.

The Bottom Line

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.