Differences Between Degree and Diploma Nursing in Ghana

**Photo: Nursing hierarchy in Ghana**
*Photo Credit: PatsTune*

Nursing education in Ghana offers two main pathways to qualify as a Registered General Nurse (RGN). A diploma in general nursing is a three-year program run by Nursing Training Colleges (e.g., Cape Coast, Tamale, Korle-Bu). A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing) is a four-year university degree, introduced around 2010, with specialisation options (e.g. general nursing, midwifery, mental health). Both programs combine classroom learning and clinical practice, and graduates must pass the national licensure exam to register as RGNs. Key differences include:

Duration: Diploma – 3 years; Degree – 4 years (full-time study).
Curriculum: Diploma programs concentrate on core nursing and clinical skills. Degree programs cover the same fundamentals plus extra coursework in research, management, and leadership theory.
Institutions: Diplomas are offered at accredited nursing colleges (Ministry of Health or faith-based). Degrees are awarded by universities (e.g. University of Ghana, KNUST, Central University).

Regardless of path, both diploma and degree students train to be RGNs. The Nursing & Midwifery Council explicitly defines Registered General Nurses as those who have “undergone a three-year (Diploma) or four-year (Degree) course in nursing in accredited institutions”.

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Clinical Roles and Responsibilities

Both diploma and degree RGNs deliver essential patient care in hospitals and communities. They perform similar core duties: administering medications, taking vital signs, wound care, health education and family support. However, the degree curriculum’s greater emphasis on critical thinking and leadership may equip BSc nurses for broader roles. For example, degree-prepared nurses often engage in quality improvement, research projects, and mentorship.

In practice, degree RGNs may assume higher-level positions sooner: many start in or quickly advance to roles like Senior Staff Nurse or Nursing Officer, whereas diploma RGNs typically begin as Staff Nurses. (Promotions depend on experience, not just education, but surveys show degree holders fast-track leadership ranks.) All RGNs, regardless of diploma or degree, remain licensed general nurses capable of clinical decision-making within their scope.

Salary and Allowances

Under Ghana’s single-spine salary structure, pay is tied to rank/step rather than entry qualification. In the latest scales, all new diploma RGNs start at Salary Level 15H as a Staff Nurse. This level carries a basic monthly pay of about GHS 2,673.20, and all new degree RGNs start at Salary Level 17H as a Nursing Officer. This level carries a basic monthly pay of about GHS 3,577. A diploma nurse advances from Staff Nurse to Senior Staff Nurse in three years and then to Nursing Officer after 5 years. After a few years and promotions, both diploma and degree nurses earn higher salaries. For example, a promoted Nursing Officer (often a degree RGN or an experienced staff nurse) is placed at Level 18L, with a basic pay of around GHS 4,529.

Nurses also receive allowances (housing, uniform, risk/hazard, etc.) set by public-service policy. These additional payments are generally standardised by rank or duty station, not by diploma vs degree. In summary, diploma and degree RGNs have the same starting pay, and differences in salary emerge through promotions and rank rather than initial qualification.

Career Progression

Both diploma and degree RGNs have clear paths for advancement. Diploma nurses can become degree nurses in Ghana by upgrading their education by enrolling in top-up programs (earning a BSc Nursing) at universities. Degree nurses are eligible for graduate studies (MSc or MPhil in Nursing at KNUST, UG, etc.) once they have a BSc and work experience. Specialised training is available to all RGNs: e.g. midwifery, critical care, oncology nursing certificates via Ghana’s post-basic schools.

In the workplace, promotion follows experience and further training. Generally, diploma RGNs begin as Staff Nurse and progress (Senior Staff Nurse → Nursing Officer → Senior Nursing Officer, etc.). Degree RGNs often enter or move rapidly into higher grades. As one study observed, diploma nurses “start as a Staff Nurse, get promoted to Senior Staff Nurse, and then to Nursing Officer,”. In contrast, straight degree nurses often enter at the Senior Staff Nurse or Nursing Officer level. Ultimately, both can reach senior roles (e.g. Principal Nursing Officer or Director of Nursing Services), typically requiring a master’s degree or significant experience. Professional associations like the Ghana Registered Nurses & Midwives Association support nurses’ continuing education and leadership development.

Comparison Table

Aspect	Diploma RGN	Degree (BSc) RGN
Training Duration	3 years full-time study	4 years full-time study
Curriculum Focus	Core nursing practice and clinical skills	Includes core nursing + advanced theory, research, management
Institutions	Nursing/Midwifery Training Colleges (government & mission)	Universities (e.g. University of Ghana, KNUST, Central University)
Entry Requirements	WASSCE (SSSCE) with passes in core subjects	WASSCE (SSSCE) with higher grades; diploma holders need good GPA to upgrade
Entry Rank	Typically Staff Nurse	Often Senior Staff Nurse or Nursing Officer (faster promotion)
Starting Salary	Level 15H (~GHS 2,673.20mo)	Level 17H (~GHS 3,577 mo) Same specialisations, plus research or management roles
Promotions	Progress through ranks with experience	Can attain higher ranks more quickly (e.g. Nursing Officer)
Further Study	May pursue BSc top-up, post-basic certifications (midwifery, etc.)	Eligible for MSc/MPhil/PhD, leadership/management courses
Specialization	Post-basic diplomas (e.g. Midwifery, Mental Health)	Same specializations, plus research or management roles

Official Ghanaian nursing education and policy documents report that both diploma and degree nurses complete licensing to become RGNs. The Ministry of Health describes the diploma program as 3 years in ~15 colleges. Entry-level salaries (Level 15H) were confirmed in the 2024 recruitment plan. Academic studies note the typical rank and promotion differences by qualification.