Mental health awareness is growing globally, and Kenya is no exception. As cases of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders increase, the demand for qualified psychiatric nurses is rising. If you are passionate about helping people with mental health challenges, pursuing a Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing, Mental Health & Psychiatry at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) is a great career choice.
This article provides everything you need to know about this specialized nursing diploma, including:
✅ Entry requirements
✅ Campuses offering the course
✅ Career opportunities for graduates
✅ Step-by-step guide on how to apply via KUCCPS
Why Choose a Career in Mental Health Nursing?
Mental health nursing is a high-demand profession due to the increasing number of people seeking psychiatric care in Kenya. According to the Ministry of Health, mental illnesses affect one in four Kenyans, yet there is a shortage of qualified mental health professionals.
A diploma in Nursing, Mental Health & Psychiatry will allow you to:
✔ Work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, and NGOs
✔ Offer counseling and support to patients with mental illnesses
✔ Specialize in areas such as substance abuse, forensic psychiatry, and geriatric mental health
✔ Have a rewarding and impactful career that changes lives
If you have a compassionate and patient nature, this career path is perfect for you!
KMTC Diploma in Nursing, Mental Health & Psychiatry: Entry Requirements (2025 Intake)
To qualify for this diploma, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
1. KCSE Mean Grade Requirement
- Minimum KCSE Mean Grade: C (plain)
2. Mandatory Subject Requirements
- English or Kiswahili: C (plain)
- Biology or Biological Sciences: C (plain)
- Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Physical Science: C- (minus)
⚠ Note: A subject may only be counted once in this section.
Campuses Offering KMTC Diploma in Nursing, Mental Health & Psychiatry (2025 Intake)
KMTC offers this specialized nursing diploma in selected campuses across Kenya. Here are the available institutions for the 2025 intake:
| Campus Name | County | Programme Code |
|---|---|---|
| KMTC Mathare Campus | Nairobi | 4935K05 |
| KMTC Murang’a Campus | Murang’a | 4990K05 |
| KMTC Port Reitz Campus | Mombasa | 5050K05 |
These campuses provide top-tier training facilities, clinical exposure, and hands-on experience in psychiatric care settings.
How to Apply for the KMTC Diploma in Nursing, Mental Health & Psychiatry (2025 Intake)
All applications are submitted via the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal. Follow these simple steps to apply:
Step 1: Log in to the KUCCPS Portal
- Visit KUCCPS Website
- Click on “Student’s Portal”
- Enter your KCSE Index Number, Year of Examination, and Password
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred KMTC Campus
- Search for Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing, Mental Health & Psychiatry
- Select your preferred KMTC campus from Mathare, Murang’a, or Port Reitz
- Ensure you meet the minimum entry requirements
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Fill in the application form
- Pay the KUCCPS application fee via M-Pesa or bank deposit
- Confirm your details and submit your application before the deadline
📅 Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
What to Expect in the KMTC Nursing, Mental Health & Psychiatry Program
This three-year diploma program covers both theoretical knowledge and practical training in:
🧠 Psychiatric patient care
💊 Medication administration for mental illnesses
🗣 Counseling and psychotherapy techniques
🏥 Clinical rotations in psychiatric hospitals
🛑 Substance abuse management
👥 Community mental health programs
Students undergo clinical attachments at major mental health facilities, including Mathari National Teaching & Referral Hospital.
Career Opportunities for Mental Health Nurses in Kenya
After completing the KMTC Diploma in Nursing, Mental Health & Psychiatry, you can work in:
🏥 Public and private hospitals
🏛 Mental health institutions (e.g., Mathari Hospital)
🌍 International NGOs and humanitarian organizations
👨⚕ Rehabilitation and addiction recovery centers
🚑 Emergency psychiatric response units
💡 Private practice (Psychiatric Nursing Consultant)
Further Studies & Specialization Opportunities
Mental health nursing offers many opportunities for career growth. After your diploma, you can:
📚 Upgrade to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
🎓 Specialize in areas like:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health
- Geriatric Mental Health (Elderly Care)
- Addiction & Substance Abuse Nursing
- Trauma & PTSD Counseling
Why Study Mental Health Nursing at KMTC?
KMTC is Kenya’s leading medical training institution, producing highly skilled nurses and healthcare professionals. Here’s why you should choose KMTC:
✅ Accredited & Recognized: Approved by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) and Ministry of Health
✅ High Employability Rate: Graduates get quick job placements in hospitals and NGOs
✅ Hands-on Training: Students train in real hospital settings with expert psychiatric nurses
✅ Affordable Fees: Government-subsidized tuition with sponsorship opportunities
✅ Flexible Career Path: Option to upgrade, specialize, or work abroad
If you’re looking for a meaningful and well-paying career in healthcare, KMTC is the best place to start!
Application Deadline & Contact Information
📅 Deadline: February 14, 2025
Don’t miss this opportunity! Apply now via KUCCPS to secure your spot.
📞 Need Assistance?
Call KUCCPS Contact Centre:
📱 0205137400 / 0723954927
🌍 Website: www.kuccps.ac.ke
