Singapore, most commonly known as the “Tiger of Asia,” is known for its impeccable economy. Even if Singapore is a small country, Singapore has an excellent reputation and is significantly advanced in its economy, technology, and others. Singapore was one of the first countries infected by the virus, COVID-19. However, Singapore’s fast and early response has earned praise from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The early COVID-19 response has helped many people who live in Singapore cope and be safe from the virus. This pandemic has shown how flexible and ready Singapore is regarding health issues. Included in the country’s early response was extensive surveillance in identifying where the virus came from and effective contact tracing to contain those already infected and prevent further transmission of the virus. This was made possible because of the healthcare professionals, one of which is the nurses.
The number of nurses and midwives from 2016 to 2020 is about 42,000 – 75 percent of which are all Registered Nurses (RN) while the rest are midwives and Enrolled Nurses (EN). RN and EN undergo training and perform a different scope of practice. EN works under the supervision of the RN. Over the years, the number of registered nurses employed in Singapore has increased due to the increased demand. Below are the steps on how to become a nurse in Singapore!
How to Become a Nurse in Singapore
Step 1. (Foreign Trained Nurses and Midwives) Obtain an Offer of Employment with Eligible Healthcare Institutions
The SNB will only consider the application for registration/enrollment of foreign-trained nurses or midwives if they have an offer from an employer. So, if you wish to work in Singapore, you must first apply to hospitals or institutions in Singapore and have an offer to be eligible to work in the country.
The Human Resource (HR) Specialist must inquire with SNB on their eligibility to employ qualified foreign nurses for them to be able to proceed with your offer. Once approved by the SNB, your employer or HR can already submit your application for registration/enrollment via an online application.
Step 2. Prepare Required Documents for Eligibility for Application for Enrollment/Registration
To be eligible for application for enrollment/registration for a nurse in Singapore, the SNB will require you to submit the following documents:
- Completion of a nursing program that is equivalent to an accredited pre-registration / pre-enrollment program as assessed by the SNB in Singapore
- A current nursing license issued in the country of origin
- Nursing registration from the country you were trained
- Relevant clinical nursing practice in the country of origin for the past five years
All documents submitted shall be kept by the SNB as proof of your registration/enrollment and shall no longer be returned. Requests for copies of the submitted documents will not be allowed.
Step 3. Submit All Documents via the Online Application
After confirming that you are eligible for application for registration/enrollment, the SNB will require you to submit the following documents:
- Passport
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Transcript of Records from the school/college/university where you took your nursing program. His should include the breakdown of hours or weeks spent for theory and clinical practice.
- Training certificates or Graduation Certification/Diploma
- Nursing Registration Certificate
- Copy of current nursing license
- References from previous employer/s (i.e., certificate of employment written by the Head of Nursing Department or Nursing Director stating the period of work, area of practice, and work performance)
These documents should be original or certified true copies. These must be notarized by the Justice of Peace, Notary Public, or employer. The notarization must be in English.
Step 4. Pay the Required SNB Fees
There will be fees that need to be settled before you can work as a nurse in Singapore. First is the Application Fee for Registration/Enrollment, which shall be paid upon online application. Second is the registration/Enrollment Fee which shall be settled upon approval of the application. And lastly, the Application for Practicing Certificate Fee will also be paid upon approval. For the full and complete breakdown of fees, please see the SNB Fees page.
Step 5. Accomplish and Finish the Application Process
After approval of documents and payment of all necessary SNB Fees, complete the application for registration/enrollment by taking and passing the licensure examination, competency assessment, and/or placed on provisional registration/enrollment.
Step 6. Wait for the Result of Your Application
The SNB will assess your application. The applicant is to follow up on the result with his/her employer or the HR of the healthcare institution where he got an offer. The SNB sends and informs the institutions regarding the outcome of the registration applications.
We hope that this article on Steps on How to Become a Nurse in Singapore was helpful. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
