Medical Courses in Kenya and their Requirements [2024 Intake]

Last updated on January 18th, 2024 at 07:59 am

This article contains a list of medical courses in Kenya and their requirements, so read on to the end.

Health-related courses are without a doubt the most competitive and marketable courses in Kenya today.

Most of these courses are likely to guarantee you a job after you complete your studies, either in the public or private sector.

So, is your passion in the medical field? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.

Now, in this article, we will list all of the medical courses in Kenya and their requirements—that is, certificate, diploma, as well as degree-level medical courses.

So, let’s get to it…

 

Table of Contents

Medical courses in Kenya and their requirements

Degree Medical courses in Kenya

1.     Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)

This is undeniably the most marketable course in Kenya as of now and for a long time.

Not to mention that it is one of Kenya’s highest-paying medical programs.

Entry requirements:

KCSE mean grade C+ (plus); however, the course is very competitive, and you may need a higher grade to enroll in the course at some universities.

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • Biology – B (plain)
  • Chemistry – B (plain)
  • Physics/Mathematics – B (plain)
  • Kiswahili/English – B (plain)

Alternative cluster subjects combination:

  • Biological Sciences – B (plain)
  • Physical Sciences – B (plain)
  • Mathematics – B (plain)
  • English/Kiswahili – B (plain)

Or,

Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery from a recognized institution and be a registered clinical officer.

Or,

Be a holder of any degree in Biological Sciences from a recognized university.

Furthermore, you can pursue a master’s degree in medicine or surgery, as well as a PhD.

Where to study:

  • University of Nairobi (UoN)
  • Mount Kenya University (MKU)
  • Jomo Kenyatta University of Technology and Agriculture
  • Egerton University
  • Maseno University
  • Kenyatta University School of Medicine
  • Moi University

 

2.     Bachelor of Science in Dental Technology

This is a medical field that focuses on the health of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, and oral mucosa.

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C+ (plus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • Biology – C+ (plus)
  • Chemistry – C+(plus)
  • Physics/Mathematics – C+(plus)
  • Kiswahili/English – C+ (Plus)

It’s worth noting that you can advance to a Master’s in Dental Technology or a Doctorate in Dentistry.

Where to study:

  • Mount Kenya University

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3.     Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences

The course equips students with the scientific knowledge needed to excel in laboratory science. It generally prepares students to work as medical laboratory technicians.

Entry requirements:

KCSE mean grade C+ (plus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • Biology – B (plain)
  • Chemistry – B (plain)
  • Kiswahili/English – B (plain)
  • Mathematics/Physics – C+ (plus)

Alternative cluster subjects combination:

  • Biological Sciences – B+ (plus)
  • Physical Sciences – B+ (plus)
  • Mathematics – C+ (plus)
  • English/Kiswahili – B (plain)

Or,

Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science from any accredited institution.

Where to study:       

  • JKUAT
  • Maseno University
  • Chuka University
  • Technical University of Mombasa
  • Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
  • University of Kabianga

 

4.     Bachelor of Pharmacy

This course aims to improve pharmacists’ roles in patient care.

In addition, the program aims to meet the growing demand for highly trained drug use experts in both the public and private sectors.

Entry requirements:

KCSE mean grade C+ (plus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • Biology – C+ (plus)
  • Chemistry – C+ (plus)
  • Physics/Mathematics – C+ (plus)
  • Kiswahili/English – C+ (plus)

Where to study:

  • Kisii University
  • JKUAT School of Medicine
  • University of Nairobi

 

5.     Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine

In this course, students will learn how to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat diseases, disorders, and injuries in animals.

Entry requirements:

KCSE mean grade C+ (plus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • Biology/ Biological Sciences – C+ (plus)
  • Chemistry – C+ (plus)
  • Physics/Mathematics/ Agriculture – C+ (plus)
  • English/Kiswahili – C (plain)

Or,

A KCSE mean grade of C (plain) with a Diploma in Animal/Human Health, Agriculture or Medical Laboratory Technology from a recognized institution.

The good news is that you can progress all the way to the PhD level (Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine).

Where to study:

  • University of Nairobi
  • JKUAT
  • Egerton University

 

6.     Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine

This is a medical course that focuses on direct patient diagnosis and drug administration.

Entry requirements:

KCSE mean grade C+ (plus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • Biology – C+ (plus)
  • Chemistry – C+ (plus)
  • Physics/Mathematics – C+ (plus)
  • English/Kiswahili – C+ (plus)

Alternative cluster subjects combination:

  • Biological Sciences – C+ (plus)
  • Physical Sciences – C+ (plus)
  • Mathematics – C+ (plus)
  • English/Kiswahili – C+ (plus)

Or,

Diploma in Clinical Medicine from a recognized institution and be registered with the COC (Clinical Officers Council).

Where to study:

  • Egerton University
  • JKUAT
  • Mount Kenya University

 

7.     Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A nursing degree opens up numerous opportunities in both the private and public sectors in Kenya and even abroad.

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C+ (plus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • Biology/Biological Sciences – C+ (plus)
  • Chemistry – C+ (plus)
  • English/Kiswahili – C+ (plus)
  • Mathematics/Physics – C+ (plus)

Or,

Diploma in Nursing from a recognized medical training institution and must be a registered nurse with at least 2 years of working experience.

Where to study:

  • Kenyatta University
  • Egerton University
  • University of Nairobi
  • Moi University
  • Maseno University
  • JKUAT
  • Chuka University

 

8.     Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is primarily concerned with the treatment and healing of injuries, disabilities, and pain using various techniques.

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C+ (plus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C+ (plus)
  • Biology – C+ (plus)
  • Mathematics/Physics – C+ (plus)
  • Chemistry – C+ (plus)

Where to study:

  • Moi University

 

9.     Bachelor of Science in Radiography

This program prepares you to work as a radiographer. A radiographer’s job is to specialize in imaging human anatomy in order to assist other health professionals in diagnosing and treating patients.

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C+ (plus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • Biology – C+ (plus)
  • Chemistry/Mathematics – C+ (plus)
  • English/Kiswahili – C+ (plus)
  • Physics – C+ (plus)

Alternative cluster subjects combination:

  • Biological Sciences – B- (minus)
  • Physical Sciences – B- (minus)
  • English/Kiswahili – C+ (plus)

Where to study:

  • JKUAT School of Medicine

 

10.Bachelor of Science in Public Health

This course primarily prepares you for jobs in health promotion and disease prevention, as well as administrative positions in public health sectors.

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C+ (plus)

Cluster subject requirements:

  • Biology – C (plain)
  • Chemistry – C (plain)
  • English/Kiswahili – C- (minus)
  • Mathematics/Physics – C- (minus)

Or,

Diploma in Public Health from a recognized institution

Furthermore, after completing your undergraduate degree, you can pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH).

Where to study:

  • Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  • Meru University of Science and Technology

 

 

Medical courses in Kenya and their requirements

Diploma medical courses

Now that we’ve looked at degree medical courses, we’ll look at diploma medical courses and their requirements in this section.

The following are the top medical diploma programs in Kenya.

1.     Diploma in Medical Engineering

It is important to note that the primary responsibility of medical engineers is to repair and maintain the machines and devices used in hospitals and medical centers.

Entry requirements: KCSE mean Grade C (plain)

Cluster subject requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C (plain)
  • Mathematics – C (plain)
  • Physics/Physical Sciences – C (plain)
  • Chemistry/Electricity/Metal Work/Technical Drawing, or Biology/Biological Sciences – C- (minus)

Or,

If you are upgrading, you should have a Certificate in Medical Engineering from a recognized institution.

 

2.     Diploma in Medical Imaging Sciences

Entry requirements: KCSE mean Grade C (plain)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English – C (plain)
  • Physics – C (plain)
  • Chemistry – C (plain)
  • Biology – C (plain)
  • Mathematics – C (plain)

Alternative cluster subject combination:

  • English – C (plain)
  • Physical Sciences – C+ (plus)
  • Biological Sciences – C+ (plus)
  • Mathematics – C (plain)

 

3.     Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences

Entry requirements: KCSE mean Grade C (plain)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C (plain)
  • Biology/Biological Sciences – C (plain)
  • Chemistry/Physical Science – C (plain)
  • Physics/Physical Sciences – C (plain)
  • Mathematics – C (plain)

To advance from the certificate level to the diploma level, you must have a Certificate in Medical Laboratory Sciences from a recognized institution and be registered with the KMLTTB.

 

4.     Diploma in Dental Technology

Entry requirements: KCSE mean Grade C (plain)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C (plain)
  • Physics/Physical Sciences or Chemistry – C (plain)
  • Biology/Biological Sciences – C- (minus)
  • Metal Work/Physic/Physical Science/Chemistry/Mathematics – C- (minus)

 

5.     Diploma in Clinical Medicine & Surgery

Entry requirements: KCSE mean Grade C (plain)

Cluster subjects:

  • English/Kiswahili – C (plain)
  • Biology/Biological Sciences – C (plain)
  • Chemistry/Physical Science – C- (minus)
  • Mathematics/Physics/Physical Sciences – C- (minus)

 

6.     Diploma in Nursing

Entry requirements: KCSE mean Grade C (plain)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C (plain)
  • Biology/Biological Sciences – C (plain)
  • Chemistry/ Mathematics, or Physics/Physical Science – C-(minus)

 

7.     Diploma in Pharmacy

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C (plain)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C (plain)
  • Chemistry/Physical Science – C (plain)
  • Biology or Biological Sciences – C (plain)
  • Physics/Physical Sciences or Mathematics – C (plain)

 

8.     Diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics

Entry requirements: KCSE mean Grade C- (minus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – D+
  • Biology/Biological Sciences – D+
  • Chemistry/Physical Science – D+
  • Home Science/Agriculture/Mathematics/Physics/physical sciences/General Science – D (plain)

 

9.     Diploma in Public Health

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C (plain)

Cluster subject requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C (plain)
  • Biology/Biological Sciences – C (plain)
  • Chemistry, or Physics/Physical Sciences – C- (minus)
  • Mathematics – C- (minus)

Or,

Certificate in Environmental Health Sciences from any accredited institution plus two-years working experience.

 

10.Diploma in Mortuary Science

For the record, KMTC is the only institution in the country that offers this program.

To enroll in this program, you only need a KCSE mean grade of C- (minus), and there are no minimum subject requirements.

 

11.Diploma in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine

This course is designed to train and equip aspiring physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C (plain)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C (plain)
  • Biology – C (plain)
  • Mathematics/Physics/Chemistry – C- (minus)

Also, you can enroll for a diploma if you have a Certificate in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine/Certificate in Orthopaedic Plaster Technology from any accredited institution.

 

 

Medical courses in Kenya and their requirements

Certificate medical courses

Now, if you do not meet the requirements for a diploma course, you can enroll in a certificate program and later advance to the diploma or degree level.

Here are some of the certificate medical courses that are available:

1.     Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C- (minus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C- (minus)
  • Biology/Biological Sciences – D (plain)
  • Mathematics – D- (minus)
  • Chemistry/General Science/Computer Studies/Agriculture/Home Science/Economics/Geography/Commerce and Business Studies, or Physics/Physical Sciences – D+ (plus)

 

2.     Certificate in Nutrition & Dietetics

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade D+ (plus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English or Kiswahili – D+ (plus)
  • Biology /Biological Sciences – D (plain)
  • Chemistry/Physical Science – D (plain)
  • Home Science/Physics/Agriculture/Mathematics/General Science – D (plain)

 

3.     Certificate in Medical Engineering

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C- (minus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C- (minus)
  • Mathematics – D (plain)
  • Physics/Physical Sciences – D- (minus)
  • Chemistry/Electricity/Metal Work/Technical Drawing, or Biology/Biological Sciences – D (plain)

 

4.     Certificate in Public Health

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C- (minus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C- (minus)
  • Biology/Biological Sciences – D+ (plus)
  • Mathematics – D (plain)
  • Home Science/Physics, Chemistry/Agriculture/Building Construction/Technical Drawing/Electricity/Wood Work – D (plain)

 

5.     Certificate in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C- (minus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C- (minus)
  • Biology/ Biological Sciences – C- (minus)
  • Mathematics/Chemistry/Woodwork/Metal work/Technical Drawing/Home Science/Agriculture/Computer Studies, or Physics/Physical Science – D+ (plus)

6.     Certificate in Community Health Nursing

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C- (minus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – C- (minus)
  • Biology/ Biological Sciences – C- (minus)
  • Chemistry/Mathematics, or Physics/Physical Sciences – D+ (plus)

 

7.     Certificate in Community Health Assistant

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade C- (minus)

Cluster subjects requirements:

  • English/Kiswahili – D+(plus)
  • Biology/Biological Sciences – D (plain)
  • Mathematics/Chemistry/Agriculture/Home Science, or Physics/Physical Sciences – D (plain)

 

8.     Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician

Entry requirements: KCSE mean grade of C- (minus)

 

More information on medical courses in Kenya and their requirements

When it comes to medical-related certificate and diploma courses, KMTC is undoubtedly the best in Kenya.

Needless to say, KMTC is renowned as one of Kenya’s leading medical colleges, and as such, it makes the single largest contribution to the health sector, owing to the diverse range of courses it offers (over 76 medical courses).

Furthermore, unlike many other tertiary learning institutions in the country, it allows students with lower grades to enroll in medical certificate programs and later upgrade.

Public universities, on the other hand, such as Kenyatta University, the University of Nairobi, Moi University, Maseno University, Egerton University, and JKUAT, are the best for degrees, master’s, and PhD medical courses.

Nonetheless, there are a few private universities that provide the best medical education.

Among the top-rated private universities in the country are:

  • Mount Kenya University
  • Kenya Methodist University Medical School
  • Uzima University Medical School
  • Agha Khan University Medical School

 

Wrap up on medical courses in Kenya and their requirements

As we’ve seen, there are numerous medical courses to choose from.

Hopefully, this article will assist you in making an informed decision, keeping in mind the requirements for medical courses.

Good luck!

 

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