List of School of Nursing in Rivers State and Their Cut Off Mark 2026/2027
List of School of Nursing in Rivers State and Their Cut Off Mark 2026/2027
If becoming a nurse is your goal and Rivers State is your home — or your chosen destination for training — this article is built specifically for you. Here you find the complete list of school of nursing in Rivers State and their cut off mark for the 2026/2027 session, covering every major accredited institution, their entry requirements, what the entrance examination demands, fees, programme duration, and what your career looks like after graduation.
This is not a surface-level overview. Every section gives you direct, practical information that helps you take the right steps at the right time.
Why Rivers State Is One of Nigeria’s Top Destinations for Nursing Training
Rivers State sits at the heart of Nigeria’s oil economy, and with that economic activity comes a well-funded and expanding healthcare infrastructure. Port Harcourt — the state capital — hosts federal teaching hospitals, state specialist hospitals, and some of the most active private healthcare facilities in southern Nigeria.
For nursing students, this translates to rich clinical training environments, experienced faculty, and a strong job market after graduation. Nurses trained in Rivers State are in demand locally — in hospitals, oil and gas company clinics, offshore medical teams, and international NGOs. They are equally competitive for international licensing in the UK, Canada, and the United States.
The combination of quality training and strong post-graduation opportunities makes Rivers State one of the smartest choices for nursing education in Nigeria.
List of School of Nursing in Rivers State and Their Cut Off Mark
The list of school of nursing in Rivers State and their cut off mark below covers institutions that are accredited by or affiliated with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). Only schools on this list can produce graduates who qualify to sit the national licensing examination and legally practice as nurses in Nigeria or pursue international registration.
1. School of Nursing, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt
Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State Cut Off Mark: 60/100 Programme Offered: Basic Nursing (RN)
UPTH is the flagship federal teaching hospital in Rivers State and one of the most respected medical centers in southern Nigeria. Its School of Nursing operates in a large, active hospital environment that exposes students to high volumes and varieties of clinical cases — from emergency care to specialized surgical and medical wards.
The cut off mark at UPTH is the highest on the list of school of nursing in Rivers State and their cut off mark because the school attracts applicants from across Rivers State and neighboring states every year. Competition is fierce, and only the best-prepared candidates secure admission.
Entry Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics
- Minimum age of 17 years
- Entrance examination score of 60 and above
- Medical fitness certificate from a government-approved hospital
2. School of Nursing, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt
Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State Cut Off Mark: 55/100 Programme Offered: Basic Nursing (RN) and B.NSc Nursing Science
RSUTH is the state-owned teaching hospital attached to Rivers State University. Its nursing school offers both a basic nursing certificate programme and a degree pathway — giving students the flexibility to choose based on their long-term career plans.
This institution stands out on the list of school of nursing in Rivers State and their cut off mark because it combines university-level academic resources with an active teaching hospital environment. Students who want a degree while training in a hospital setting will find this option particularly compelling.
Entry Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits in relevant science subjects
- JAMB UTME score of 180 and above (for the B.NSc degree programme)
- Entrance examination score of 55 and above
- Minimum age of 17 years
3. School of Nursing, Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), Port Harcourt
Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State Cut Off Mark: 50/100 Programme Offered: Basic Nursing (RN)
Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital is one of the oldest and most recognized government hospitals in Rivers State. Its nursing school operates under the Rivers State Ministry of Health and gives students a solid foundation in clinical nursing within a busy specialist hospital setting.
Government ownership keeps training costs lower here than at federal institutions, making BMSH a practical option for students who want quality training without the financial pressure of a federal school.
Entry Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits including English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics
- Age: 17 years minimum, 35 years maximum
- Entrance examination pass mark of 50 and above
- Medical certificate confirming fitness for training
4. School of Nursing, Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology (RSCOHSAMT), Rumuola
Location: Rumuola, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Cut Off Mark: 50/100 Programme Offered: Basic Nursing (RN) and Community Health
RSCOHSAMT is a state-run institution dedicated to producing healthcare workers across multiple disciplines. Its nursing programme is structured and well-supervised, with students gaining clinical experience in affiliated hospitals across Port Harcourt.
For students who want a government-supported training environment focused entirely on healthcare education, this college offers a focused and structured pathway.
Entry Requirements:
- Five O’Level credits in science subjects
- Entrance examination pass mark of 50
- Age requirement of 17 to 35 years
5. School of Midwifery, Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt
Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State Cut Off Mark: 50/100 Programme Offered: Basic Midwifery (RM)
This midwifery school specializes in training Registered Midwives who focus on maternal health, labour and delivery management, antenatal care, and newborn nursing. It runs alongside the nursing school at BMSH and is primarily open to qualified Registered Nurses seeking specialization, with some intake sessions open to eligible direct-entry candidates.
Graduates of this programme are consistently in high demand in government maternity units, private hospitals, and international reproductive health organizations.
6. School of Nursing, Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Port Harcourt
Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State Cut Off Mark: 50/100 Programme Offered: Basic Nursing (RN)
Kelsey Harrison Hospital is a private hospital in Port Harcourt with a nursing training programme known for clinical discipline and strong mentorship. Students here benefit from consistent hands-on ward experience and direct supervision by senior nursing professionals.
7. School of Nursing, Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Okolobiri (Bayelsa — Serving Rivers State students)
Note: While NDUTH is located in Bayelsa State, it actively recruits students from Rivers State and forms part of the regional nursing training ecosystem. Confirm current catchment area and NMCN status directly.
8. Private and Emerging Nursing Institutions in Rivers State
Several private hospitals and healthcare groups in Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State are at various stages of seeking NMCN accreditation. Before registering with any institution not on the confirmed NMCN list, verify their accreditation status through the NMCN website or office. An unaccredited school’s certificate has zero standing for nursing licensure or employment — in Nigeria or abroad.
Summary Table: List of School of Nursing in Rivers State and Their Cut Off Mark
| School | Location | Cut Off Mark | Programme |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPTH School of Nursing | Port Harcourt | 60/100 | Basic Nursing (RN) |
| RSUTH School of Nursing | Port Harcourt | 55/100 | RN / B.NSc Nursing |
| BMSH School of Nursing | Port Harcourt | 50/100 | Basic Nursing (RN) |
| RSCOHSAMT School of Nursing | Rumuola, Port Harcourt | 50/100 | Basic Nursing (RN) |
| BMSH School of Midwifery | Port Harcourt | 50/100 | Midwifery (RM) |
| Kelsey Harrison Hospital School of Nursing | Port Harcourt | 50/100 | Basic Nursing (RN) |
This table gives you a fast comparison. Always contact each school directly for updated cut off marks before submitting any application, as figures can shift between sessions.
General Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in Rivers State
Every school on the list of school of nursing in Rivers State and their cut off mark operates within the NMCN-approved framework for entry requirements. Here is what every applicant needs to prepare:
- O’Level Results: Minimum of five credits in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and GCE results are all valid. Results must typically be within the last five years.
- Age: Minimum of 17 years at the time of admission. Most schools set a maximum age limit of 35 years.
- Medical Fitness Certificate: A certified report from a recognized hospital confirming physical and mental readiness for nursing training.
- Entrance Examination: Every school on this list conducts its own qualifying exam. No route into nursing school bypasses this test.
- JAMB UTME: Mandatory for degree-linked programmes (B.NSc) at RSUTH. Not required for basic nursing certificate programmes at most schools.
- Character Reference: Required by some schools — typically a letter of good standing from a teacher, employer, or community leader.
What the Nursing Entrance Examination Covers
The entrance examination is the defining step in securing any admission offer on the list of school of nursing in Rivers State and their cut off mark. Each school designs its own exam, but the core subject areas are consistent across all institutions.
Subjects and topics regularly tested:
- English Language — reading comprehension, essay writing, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence construction
- Biology — human anatomy and physiology, major body systems, genetics, reproduction, and ecology
- Chemistry — basic organic and inorganic chemistry, chemical bonding, and reactions
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs — Nigerian health policies, public health news, and civic knowledge
- Nursing Aptitude — situational reasoning, patient care ethics, and healthcare decision-making scenarios
Practical steps to prepare and pass:
- Obtain and study NMCN past questions thoroughly — question patterns repeat across years and institutions.
- Master the major human body systems: circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive, reproductive, and endocrine. These topics appear in every nursing entrance exam without exception.
- Practice English comprehension passages daily for at least four to six weeks before your exam date.
- Read Nigerian health news consistently in the period leading up to your examination.
- Take timed mock exams to build speed and reduce exam-day anxiety.
- Form a small study group with other candidates — explaining concepts to others reinforces your own understanding.
- Rest properly the night before the exam. Sleep is not wasted preparation time; it is essential to cognitive performance.
Cost of Nursing Training in Rivers State
Fees vary significantly depending on the institution type:
- Federal Teaching Hospital (UPTH): Approximately ₦120,000 – ₦280,000 per session, reflecting federal standard facilities and faculty
- State-owned schools (BMSH, RSUTH, RSCOHSAMT): Approximately ₦60,000 – ₦180,000 per session
- Private schools (Kelsey Harrison Hospital): Approximately ₦150,000 – ₦350,000 per session
Additional costs to budget for beyond tuition:
- Nursing uniforms, caps, and required accessories
- Prescribed textbooks and clinical reference materials
- NMCN registration and licensing examination fees after programme completion
- Accommodation and feeding — particularly relevant if you are relocating to Port Harcourt
Always request a full, official fee schedule from each school’s administration office before accepting any offer. Do not rely on informal sources for fee figures.
Duration of Nursing Programmes in Rivers State
Understanding how long each programme takes helps you plan your education and personal timeline with clarity:
- Basic Nursing (RN): 3 years — a structured combination of classroom theory and supervised clinical ward rotations
- Basic Midwifery (RM): 18 months — primarily available to qualified Registered Nurses seeking specialization
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc): 5 years — offered through RSUTH and Rivers State University’s affiliated degree programme
Every programme on this list of school of nursing in Rivers State and their cut off mark includes a significant clinical rotation component. Time spent in active hospital wards is where theoretical knowledge transforms into real-world nursing competence — and it is what employers and international licensing bodies look for most.
Your Career Path After Graduating From a Nursing School in Rivers State
Completing your programme is a major achievement — but it is not the endpoint. Here is the structured career path that follows graduation from any school on the list of school of nursing in Rivers State and their cut off mark:
Stage 1 — NMCN Licensing Examination Every graduate must pass the national board exam conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria before they can legally practice. This examination tests clinical knowledge, professional standards, and nursing reasoning.
Stage 2 — NYSC Mobilization After obtaining your nursing licence, you participate in the National Youth Service Corps programme, usually deployed to health facilities in your state of posting.
Stage 3 — Employment Rivers State’s rich healthcare landscape — federal hospitals, state facilities, private clinics, oil and gas company medical units, and international NGOs — provides a strong local job market for licensed nurses.
Stage 4 — International Opportunities Nurses trained in NMCN-accredited Nigerian schools qualify to pursue registration abroad. The UK NMC pathway, Canada’s provincial nursing licensing boards, and the USA NCLEX examination are the most well-trodden international routes. UPTH-trained nurses have a particularly recognized reputation in these international processes.
Stage 5 — Advanced Studies You can progress to a B.NSc degree, Postgraduate Diploma, Master of Science in Nursing, or a PhD — opening doors into nursing education, clinical specialization, healthcare management, and research.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the cut off mark for nursing school in Rivers State?
Cut off marks across the list of school of nursing in Rivers State and their cut off mark range from 50 to 60 out of 100. UPTH holds the highest cut off at 60, RSUTH at 55, while government and private schools generally set theirs at 50. Always aim above the cut off — passing by just one mark is not enough when competition is high.
Q2: Is JAMB required for nursing school admission in Rivers State?
For basic nursing certificate programmes (RN), JAMB is generally not required — the school’s entrance examination is the qualifying gateway. For the B.NSc degree programme at RSUTH, a JAMB UTME score of 180 and above is compulsory.
Q3: Can I apply to more than one nursing school in Rivers State at once?
Yes — and this is the smartest approach. Every school runs its own independent application and examination process. Registering for multiple schools in the same admission cycle significantly improves your chances of receiving at least one offer.
Q4: How do I verify that a nursing school in Rivers State is NMCN-accredited?
Check the NMCN official website or call their office in Abuja. Ask the school directly to show you their current accreditation certificate. Never pay fees to any institution that cannot confirm active NMCN accreditation — an unaccredited certificate is worthless for licensing, employment, or international registration.
Q5: Which school of nursing in Rivers State is the most reputable?
UPTH holds the strongest reputation due to its federal status, high clinical volume, and internationally recognized training environment. For degree-level training, RSUTH is the strongest option. For affordability with government backing, BMSH and RSCOHSAMT are solid choices.
Q6: When does the 2026/2027 nursing admission process begin in Rivers State?
Most schools start advertising and distributing application forms between January and May 2026, with entrance examinations typically scheduled between June and August 2026. Visit each school’s administration office or check hospital noticeboards regularly for exact dates.
Q7: Do nursing schools in Rivers State accept male applicants?
Every institution on the list of school of nursing in Rivers State and their cut off mark accepts male candidates on equal terms with female applicants. Male nurses are increasingly in demand across Nigerian hospitals, oil and gas sector medical teams, and international healthcare placements. Gender is never a barrier to nursing admission.
Conclusion
You now have a complete and current list of school of nursing in Rivers State and their cut off mark for the 2026/2027 session. From the highly competitive UPTH with its 60/100 cut off to the accessible BMSH and RSCOHSAMT schools, Rivers State gives nursing aspirants multiple strong pathways into the profession.
Your action plan is clear — confirm your O’Level results now, begin entrance examination preparation immediately, verify NMCN accreditation before paying any fees, and apply to more than one school to maximize your chances.
Nursing in Rivers State is a path to a career that is stable, globally respected, and deeply meaningful. The 2026/2027 admission cycle is already approaching. The time to prepare is not tomorrow — it is today.
