Post-Basic Nursing: The Ministry of Health Ghana has officially opened admissions for six post-basic specialised nursing programmes at selected health training institutions across the country.

The initiative forms part of the government’s healthcare strengthening agenda under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), aimed at improving specialised healthcare delivery and addressing the growing burden of complex diseases in Ghana.

According to an official announcement issued on March 4, 2026, applications will run from March 3 to March 26, 2026, giving qualified nurses the opportunity to upgrade their professional training in critical specialised fields.

Post-Basic Nursing: Specialised Nursing Programmes Available

The Ministry has introduced six specialised areas of nursing, designed to enhance the capacity of healthcare professionals in managing complex and chronic medical conditions.

The programmes include:

• Critical Care Nursing
• Emergency Nursing
• Cardiology Nursing
• Nephrology Nursing
• Endocrinology Nursing
• Oncology Nursing

These areas focus on treating life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, cancer, kidney failure, and diabetes, which are increasingly becoming major public health concerns in Ghana.

Training Institutions and Locations

The specialised programmes will be conducted at five accredited institutions across three major cities in Ghana.

The training centres include:

• Peri-Operative and Critical Care School – Korle Bu
• Nursing and Midwifery Training College – Korle Bu
• Nursing and Midwifery Training College – Kumasi
• Nursing and Midwifery Training College – Tamale
• Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) School – Kumasi

Many of these institutions are affiliated with leading health facilities such as Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, which serves as one of the country’s premier training and referral centres.

Why the Programme Is Important

The Ministry of Health explained that the expansion of specialised nursing training is a response to two major challenges in Ghana’s healthcare system:

Rising Non-Communicable Diseases

The country has experienced a steady rise in conditions such as:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Kidney failure

These conditions require highly trained specialists who can deliver advanced care.

Migration of Health Professionals

Ghana continues to experience migration of skilled healthcare workers to other countries in search of better opportunities. Expanding specialised training locally is expected to strengthen the workforce and improve service delivery nationwide.

Admission Requirements

Applicants interested in the programme must meet several professional and academic requirements.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a diploma in one of the following fields:

• Registered General Nursing
• Midwifery
• Registered Mental Health Nursing

Professional Requirements

Applicants must also:

• Complete one-year rotation, internship, or national service
• Have at least two years of relevant work experience
• Possess a valid PIN from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana
• Be medically fit
• Be not more than 40 years old

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official Ministry of Health admission portal:

➡ https://register.healthtraining.gov.gh

Application Fee

Applicants are required to pay GH¢150.00 to obtain a voucher containing a unique PIN and serial number, which will be used to complete the application process.

Candidates must also upload scanned copies of:

• Academic certificates
• Professional certificates
• Residential address
• Ghana Post digital address

The online portal allows applicants to track the progress of their application after submission.

Programme Duration and Certification

The specialised training programme will run for four semesters.

Upon successful completion, graduates will:

• Receive a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree awarded by University of Cape Coast
• Qualify for associate membership of the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives
• Receive professional licensure from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana

Admitted candidates will also be granted study leave to enable them complete the programme without interruption.

Final Thoughts

The Ministry of Health’s decision to introduce new post-basic nursing specialisations marks a significant step toward strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system. By equipping nurses with advanced skills in critical areas such as oncology, cardiology, and emergency care, the initiative is expected to improve patient outcomes and expand the country’s capacity to manage complex health conditions.

With healthcare demands rising and specialised expertise becoming increasingly important, programmes like these will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Ghana’s medical workforce.

Source: MoH

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