Top 16 Philippine Nursing Schools In 2024

Looking for the top Philippine Nursing Schools? the you are at the right article. The Philippines is known for providing many skilled health professionals worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 70 percent of newly licensed Filipino nurses look for jobs globally every year. In this article, we will cover the best Philippine Nursing Schools, their acceptance rates, and more. Let’s get started.

Why Should You Become a Nurse?

When you become a nurse in the Philippines, you will find job stability and a wide range of opportunities. Here are ten reasons why nursing could be the right career choice for you.

1. Nurses Make a Real Difference 

As a nurse, you have the power to make a real difference in people’s lives. You offer hope. It is true especially during tough times. You will be there to counsel patients and families, whether it’s after a tough diagnosis or celebrating good news. Patients would trust you and often see you as a close friend.

2. Financial Aid Opportunities

Dealing with student debt can feel like a huge weight on your shoulders. Even with repayment programs, it might take you years to clear those school loans. 

But if you are pursuing nursing, there are plenty of ways to finance your education without stacking up too much debt. This will help you to save money and invest in study resources. 

Being a nurse, your job involves handling complex data and processing them into simple information so that it can be easily explained to the patients and their families. You can invest in educational resources like the laptops for nursing students which can handle this heavy workload.  

You have got options to lower your overall debt. You can achieve this by applying for nursing scholarships and grants offered by different groups. 

Financial aid is there for students going after associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or even DNP degrees. Also, many hospitals run tuition reimbursement programs for their staff who want to earn their ADN or BSN.

You should not let the idea of paying for nursing school stress you out too much. There are ways to manage the costs without getting buried in debt.

3. Job Opportunities

Getting into the nursing field does no’t have to take forever. With an ADN, you can become a registered nurse in just two years after passing the NCLEX-RN exam and getting your license. 

If you decide to go back to school for your bachelor’s degree later on, you can do it while still earning a steady income.

ADN programs are known for being some of the best-paying associate degrees. But if you aim for a BSN degree, you will open up even more doors for your career.

4. Nurses Can Choose Their Specialty

Nurses play an important role in healthcare. They offer a wide range of specialties to choose from. This keeps your work interesting. You can specialize in areas like gerontology or pursue unique roles like a flight or transplant nurse.

It is easy for nurses to switch between specialties. For example, if you start as a dialysis nurse, you can later become a traveling nurse. Being an experienced nurses you would get to choose your assignments.

If you are aiming to become a labor and delivery nurse, you should gain hands-on experience and continue education. It is important before transitioning to a new role.

5. Nurses Work in a Stable Industry

As the entire boomer generation is going to hit 65 by 2030, there is a growing need for nurses to care for older adults with chronic health conditions. About 85% of seniors have one chronic illness, and 60% have two chronic illnesses. 

Because of this demand, job opportunities for nurses are expected to increase faster than usual. This growth includes 118,600 nurse practitioner (NP) jobs and 177,400 registered nurse (RN) jobs.

6. Excellent Benefits

Hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices often provide great benefits to attract and retain skilled nurses. When you work as a travel nurse, you may enjoy additional perks for stepping into urgent roles.

As a travel nurse, you need to adjust to life in a new city. Travel nurses also receive hazard pay. These benefits can cover travel expenses and provide allowances for housing, meals, and other expenses.

7. Transferable Career Skills

Nursing offers the opportunity to adapt your professional life to fit your lifestyle. For example, you can find work in a variety of locations and work environments. You may choose to work full or part-time and day or night shift. 

You can also work shifts as short as four hours or as long as 12 and make more money in shift differentials. In your first year of nursing school, you will develop and hone nursing skills like critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills. 

You will also develop the ability to remain calm and focused in an emergency. These skills can help you transition from clinical nursing to other non-bedside options. This includes nursing administration, nonprofit management in nursing, public health nursing, correctional facilities.

8. Collaboration With Different Healthcare Professionals

Nurses have a special role in healthcare because they spend a lot of time with patients. This means they need to work closely with other healthcare professionals to make sure patients get the best care possible and improve their health.

As a bedside nurse, you need to understand what each healthcare team member suggests for the patient’s care. To do this well, you must have strong skills in organization and critical thinking. So, you can see how each suggestion fits into the overall care plan.

You will also explain the care plan and instructions to patients and their families in a way that is easy for them to understand. This helps everyone involved feel more confident and informed about the patient’s treatment and recovery.

9. Leadership Opportunities

As you care for patients, you will gain skills that can help you when you apply for a charge nurse role. Charge nurses are responsible for assigning patient care and supervising the staff, making changes as needed during the shift.

If you are good at leading in nursing, you could move up to administrative positions like unit managers, clinical nurse leaders, patient care directors, or chief nursing officers.

You can also explore leadership roles in clinical practice, such as advanced practice nurses, clinical nurse specialists, or case managers.

10. Nurses Are The Backbone of the Telemedicine Movement

During 2020, telehealth nursing became more important as healthcare providers started treating patients at home to stop COVID-19 from spreading.

The need for remote monitoring of patients, whether in the ICU or at home, keeps increasing. Remote monitoring helps hospitals or doctor’s offices save money without compromising patient care.

Nurses play an important role in telehealth by consulting with patients. They take their medical histories, and organize care at home. They are the main source of health advice and monitoring.

How To Choose the Right Nursing School?

When you are choosing Philippine Nursing Schools, there are many factors to consider. Let’s take a closer look at what is important:

1. Reputation and Ranking

It is important to check how good a college is before you decide to enroll. You can look up college rankings to help you make your decision. But please remember, the best nursing school for you is the one that meets your needs, not just the one with the highest rank.

2. Specialized Programs and Opportunities

If you are thinking about college, consider what you want to study. You should check if they offer the major you are interested in and explore any special classes that catch your interest.

3. Alumni Network and Industry Connections

After you finish college, if you have connections you can boost your job search. A strong alumni network means you will have more people who can support you in the future. Some colleges also have close relationships with hospitals. This could increase your chances of getting a job there.

4. Cost, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

College can cost a lot of money. So, it is important to check if they offer scholarships or other ways to lower the cost. You should consider this to make sure you can afford it.

List of the 16 Best Philippine Nursing Schools

Here are some of the best Philippine Nursing Schools. In this section, we will talk about the courses offered, acceptance rates and tuition fees of the best Philippine Nursing Schools . Please note that the tuition fee costs and other variables can change with time. 

We have tried our best to provide the most updated information. But, you must always check the university’s official website for confirmation. With that being said, let’s have a look at the best Philippine Nursing Schools.

1. University of Santo Tomas

The University of Santo Tomas has a high acceptance rate of 90%. To apply, you need to have graduated from high school or an equivalent program approved by the Government Bureau of Private Schools. Also, you will need to pass an entrance examination. The academic year runs from June to March, split into two semesters: June to October and November to March.

In terms of research, the university has published over 3,000 scientific papers covering various fields.

If you are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Santo Tomas, the tuition fee is  PHP 50,000.

• Location: Manila, Philippines 
• Acceptance rate: 90%

2. University of the Philippines Los Banos

The University of the Philippines is situated in Los Banos. It has an acceptance rate of 15%. To apply, you need to have finished high school and passed an entrance examination. The academic calendar runs from June to March, with a Summer Session from April to May.

The university has a strong research profile, with over 4,500 scientific papers published across various fields.

If you are interested in attending the University of the Philippines Los Baños, please keep in mind that it operates as a non-profit institution. They receive funding through a public-private partnership.

• Location: Los Banos, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 15%

3. Adventist University of the Philippines

Adventist University of the Philippines operates under Christian beliefs. It is privately funded. You have a 79% chance of being accepted to this university. You need to graduate from high school to apply.

Their research covers various fields, with 315 scientific papers published and 455 citations received. For the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the tuition fee is  PHP 45,000 per semester.

• Location: Cavite City, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 79%

4. Visayas State University

At Visayas State University, the acceptance rate is high at 82%. To apply, you will need to fill out an application form and provide documents like your school records, photos, and birth certificate. The university operates on a semester system. It means the academic year is divided into two main terms.

Visayas State University is a non-profit institution funded through a public-private partnership. In terms of research, the university has contributed over 1,000 scientific papers covering various fields.

• Location: Baybay, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 82% 

5. Angeles University Foundation

At Angeles University Foundation, 80% of applicants get accepted. To enroll, you just need to finish high school and pass the admission test called AUFCAT.

Their academic year starts in June and ends in March, with breaks from June to October and November to March. This university is privately funded and has Christian roots. They offer programs up to the bachelor’s level.

In terms of research, the Angeles University Foundation has contributed 388 scientific papers covering various subjects.

• Location: Angeles, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 80%

6. Philippine Normal University

Philippine Normal University operates as a non-profit institution through a public-private partnership. Their research spans various fields, with 706 scientific papers published and 895 citations received.

You have a 50% chance of being accepted to this university. The admission to this is extremely competitive. Also, Philippine Normal University offers financial aid programs and on-campus housing options. 

• Location: Manila, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 50%

7. Cebu Normal University

Cebu Normal University is a non-profit institution that operates as a public-private partnership. They offer programs up to the bachelor’s degree level.

Their research covers a wide range of topics, with 452 scientific papers published and 382 citations received.

You can study in languages such as Filipino, English, and Spanish.

If you are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the tuition is  PHP 300. Other charges per semester cost around  PHP 4,000.

• Location: Cebu, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 77%

8. Mapua University

Mapua University is a private institution that operates for profit. They offer programs up to the doctoral level. Their research covers various fields, with 2,404 scientific papers published and 13,236 citations received. 

You can apply for admission based on competitive criteria. The university has an acceptance rate of 78%.

• Location: Manila, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 78%

9. University of the Philippines Manila

The University of the Philippines Manila does not share its acceptance rates. It is because they have programs where you only need to meet the requirements to get in. You don’t have to compete with others for admission. 

To apply, you need to graduate from a recognized high school or equivalent and take the entrance exam called UPCAT. 

The academic year runs from June to May, split into three terms: June to October, November to March, and April to May.

The university has a strong research profile, with over 4,800 scientific papers published across various fields like Medicine, Biology, Pathology, Genetics, and more. 

If you are interested in studying there, the tuition fees per semester are  PHP 20,000 for a Bachelor’s Degree,  PHP 25,000 for a Master’s Degree, and  PHP 30,000 for a Doctorate Degree. 

Also, the University of the Philippines Manila provides financial aid programs and housing options on campus.

• Location: Manila, Philippines 
• Acceptance rate: 51%

10. De La Salle University

De La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 35%. To get in, you need to graduate from high school and pass an entrance exam. The academic year runs from June to April, divided into three terms: June to August, September to December, and January to April.

In terms of research, the university has published over 6,500 scientific papers covering various fields. De La Salle University offers financial aid programs and housing options on campus.

If you are considering studying there, here are the tuition costs per term:

– Undergraduate Programs:  PHP 70,000 –  PHP 100,000

– Graduate Programs:  PHP 40,000 –  PHP 60,000

– Doctoral Programs:  PHP 60,000 –  PHP 80,000

• Location: Manila, Philippines 
• Acceptance rate: 35% 

11. Ateneo de Manila University

Ateneo de Manila University has an acceptance rate of 42%. To apply, you need to have completed high school and passed an entrance examination. The academic calendar runs from June to March, with summer classes from April to May.

In terms of research, the university has published over 3,000 scientific papers across various fields.

If you are interested in pursuing medicine programs at Ateneo de Manila University, the tuition ranges from  PHP 150,000 to  PHP 200,000.

• Location: Quezon, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 42%

12. University of the Philippines Diliman

The University of the Philippines Diliman has an acceptance rate of 12%. To get in, you will need to compete for admission. The academic calendar follows a semester system.

The university is a non-profit organization that receives funding through a public-private partnership.

In terms of research, the University of the Philippines Diliman has a strong profile, with over 8,900 scientific papers published in various fields.

• Location: Quezon, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 12% 

13. West Visayas State University

At West Visayas State University, the acceptance rate is 66%. To get in, you need to graduate from high school and pass an entrance examination. For specific programs like Nursing or Medicine, you might need to take additional tests.

The academic year runs from June to May, divided into three terms. This university is a non-profit organization funded through a public-private partnership. 

They offer programs up to the doctoral level and teach in both Filipino and English. Regarding research, West Visayas State University has contributed 374 scientific papers across various fields.

• Location: Iloilo, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 66%

14. University of Asia and the Pacific

At the University of Asia and the Pacific, about 66% of students who apply get accepted. To join, you just need to finish high school or its equivalent and pass an entrance exam.

Their academic year runs from August to May, with breaks from August to December and January to May.

This university is privately funded. They offer programs up to the doctorate level. Their research covers various fields, with 564 scientific papers published and 4,411 citations received.

• Location: Pasig, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 66%

15. Mindanao State University

Mindanao State University is a non-profit institution operating under a public-private partnership. They offer programs up to the doctoral level.

Their research covers various fields, with 947 scientific papers published and 2,321 citations received. You can apply for admission after graduating from high school and passing the entrance examination.

The academic calendar runs from June to March, with breaks from June to October and November to March. If you are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the tuition fee is  PHP 12,000.

• Location: Marwai, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 53%

16. Liceo de Cagayan University

Liceo de Cagayan University is a Christian institution. They receive private funding and offer programs up to the bachelor’s level.

Their research covers various fields, with 562 scientific papers published and 143 citations received. You have an 80% chance of being accepted to this university.

• Location: Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
• Acceptance rate: 80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Every year, many students from all over the world choose to enroll in the best Philippine nursing schools. You can learn and refine your abilities in this demanding and growing profession. 

Since the 1950s, Filipino health workers have been training and working abroad. This career opportunity to work and gain experience abroad made them gain recognition for their professionalism. They are known for their compassion, and skills.

The Philippines is the top exporter of nurses worldwide. Being a nurse in the Philippines, you play an important role in the global healthcare field. 

While selecting the best Philippine Nursing schools, you must check its ranking and reputation. You should check if they are offering the course that you are looking for. You should check for the financial aid and scholarships along with the alumni network. This will give you a great head start to your career in the healthcare field.