Why Study Nursing Program in China

Basic nursing education in China comprises three levels: Diploma; Advanced Diploma; and Baccalaureate Degree. The Diploma is offered by schools of health with graduates drawn from junior high schools and enrolment is for a three-year nursing program designed to teach technical skills. The Advanced Diploma is offered by colleges and universities with graduates drawn from high schools and schools of health; enrolment is for a three-year associate nursing program offering general training alongside nursing theory and skills. The Baccalaureate Degree is offered by universities for graduates drawn from high schools; students enroll in a five-year Bachelor of Nursing program providing a broad nursing foundation with associated sciences. This program equips students to work at an advanced level of nursing in higher ranking hospitals or in management positions.

The Master of Nursing programs facilitate the development of expertise in either clinical practice or in research. The Doctoral nursing programs which aim to train nurses in education, research, and management is also a popular program for foreign students. Because of increased number of universities offered nursing programs taught in English, the number of foreign students registered in these schools is also increased. 

The main reasons for a foreigner to Study Nursing in China

Globally, educating those who will take care of the sick becomes one fundamental need within each health care system. Thus, one theme unifying nurses of all nations is that of their place as the “backbone” of primary health and hospital services in their respective countries. In order to continue to attract foreign students many universities and college in China have open English taught nursing programs. Providing internships in prestigious hospitals is also the additional opportunities for foreign students who study nursing in China. 

Why do you need to consider China for your nursing studies, the following are some main reasons to study nursing in China:

1.  Low cost nursing education and affordable leaving expenses 

Studying and living in China is cheaper than studying and living in European countries, U.S., Japan, South Korea and even in many African countries. Like any other health programs at international level, nursing curriculum and books used by European or American universities are almost similar by those used by Chinese nursing schools. Foods and accommodation in China are affordable for a foreign student. Affordable tuition fee in China give most young people from all over the world a hope of achieving their everyday dream of becoming qualified nurses. 

2. Scholarship Opportunities  

About 40,600 foreign students received Chinese government scholarships every year. Most of Chinese universities have established scholarship for excellent foreign students in each level, means that you may start as self funding student and in middle of your studies you may get a scholarship. The other option is that starting undergraduate with self funding, then as you already familiar with everything in China you can apply for Chinese government scholarships for your postgraduate studies, note that many more foreigner students use this option.

3. Exploration Chine’s ancient and modern civilization

Studying nursing in China is an excellent opportunity to explore China's unique blend of ancient and modern civilization, as well as its scenic beauty and bustling nightlife. Chinese culture and people are extremely diverse and multicultural, consisting of 56 different ethnicities. You'll run into unique customs as you travel to different parts of China, but everyday life, believe it or not, will be just as new and fulfilling.

4. Increased employment prospects

There is a severe shortage of nurses in China (only one nurse per thousand in population), and Chinese nurses alone cannot fill the gap; therefore, international graduate students from Chinese universities are most needed in many Chinese hospitals, Community health centers and Clinics. The employment rate for nurse’s graduates both Chinese and Foreigners reached about 100 % in most Chinese cities. 

Like in any other country of course, all nurses take the same national exam for a certificate as a registered nurse. After becoming registered nurses, they have better employment opportunities and they enter into prestigious urban hospital positions with some job security. They also have the additional opportunities depending on their experience and career success. 

5. Quality of Education and International Recognition

By the end of 2015, there were more than 200 bachelor degree nursing programs, and more than 60 masters’ degree programs. There were also more than 10 doctorate nursing degree programs that were started in 2015. Bachelor degree programs are equivalent to postsecondary education in united state and require 4–5 years of study.

Core courses for bachelor’s degree program include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, medical nursing, surgical nursing, pediatrics nursing, obstetrics and gynecology nursing, community nursing, psychiatric nursing/ mental health nursing, and other nursing courses. This curriculum is almost similar to US nursing schools, European nursing school and Australia nursing schools. Buy the end of the program, students can practice in the most prestigious hospitals and they can continue their education in master’s programs or doctoral programs in nursing. These programs follow a curriculum similar to that of nursing schools in the United States. While the education infrastructure is large in terms of number of schools and qualified teachers, the number of admission seeking in nursing schools for foreign students are relatively increased every year. As many nursing schools started to recruit foreign students in English taught programs, it is more likely that China will become an important global source of nurses in the coming years.