Official List Medical Courses in Kenya and their Requirements

Choosing the right medical course in Kenya can open up various career opportunities in the health sector.

Suppose you want to apply for a bachelor’s degree program at any public or private university in Kenya. In that case, you’ll need a C+ in your KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education). But that’s not all—you’ll also have to meet the specific subject requirements for the course you want to study.

For instance, if you aim for a medical degree, you must score B- or higher overall. Plus, you’ll need a C+ or better in key subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, and English or Kiswahili. Your subject grades matter just as much as your overall score!

Medical courses are way more challenging and have more admission requirements than other non-medical courses in Kenya, even in different parts of the world.

In this article, we will examine the best medical courses in Kenya, their requirements, and fees.

What are Medical Courses?
Requirements to Study Medical Courses in Kenya
Best Medical Courses for Students in Kenya
Colleges Offering Medical Courses in Kenya
Free Online Medical Courses in Kenya
How Much Does it Cost to Study Medical Courses in Kenya?
FAQs
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

What are Medical Courses?

Medical courses are specialized programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to work in healthcare. They are considered to be among the most challenging courses in the world.

These courses range from diploma to degree programs and are offered by various institutions across Kenya.

Requirements to Study Medical Courses in Kenya

Knowing the entry requirements is essential before enrolling in a medical course. The qualifications vary depending on the course level, whether it’s a certificate, diploma, or degree program.

Some general requirements for studying medical courses in Kenya include:

A KCSE grade of at least C (for diploma and certificate courses) or B+ (for degree programs).
Strong grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
English proficiency is also required for most medical courses.

Specific courses may have additional requirements, so it’s important to check with the college or university offering them.

Best Medical Courses for Students in Kenya

Kenyan universities offer many medical courses for B+, B plain, and B- students. The most prestigious medical programs are:

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBChB
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Radiography
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

#1. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBChB

The MBChB is the main medical course most medical schools in Kenya offer. It’s a six-year program, and you’ll need at least a C+ in your KCSE to get in.

However, the catch is that you’ll also need an average of B- in four key subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, and English or Kiswahili.

After you graduate with an MBChB, you’ll have many career options. You could work as a doctor or surgeon or even specialize in laboratory medicine. All public universities in Kenya offer this program, so you have plenty of choices!

#2. Bachelor of Pharmacy

The Bachelor of Pharmacy is a four-year degree created to address the shortage of pharmacists in Kenya. The goal is to improve the role of pharmacists in patient care.

Attending the best Pharmaceutical Science colleges will be beneficial. If you’re interested in learning how medicine impacts patients and want to develop the skills to advise people on medication use, this course is for you.

To get in, you’ll need a C+ at KCSE and a C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, and English or Kiswahili. It’s a solid path to make a difference in the medical field!

#3. Bachelor of Dental Surgery

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery is a five-year degree offered by a few universities in Kenya. It is one of the best marketable medical courses in Kenya. It’s perfect for students who want to learn more about oral health care, conduct health research, and manage oral conditions and diseases.

To apply, you’ll need at least a C+ at KCSE and a B- in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, and English or Kiswahili. If you’re passionate about dental health, this could be your course!

#4. Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine

The Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine might be your calling if you love animals. This course teaches you how to prevent, diagnose, and treat animal diseases and injuries. Once you complete the program, you’ll become a veterinarian.

All public medical schools in Kenya offer this course. You’ll need a C+ at KCSE, with at least a C+ in Biology or Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics/Physical Sciences, or Agriculture to qualify. It’s a rewarding career path for animal lovers!

#5. Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences is a four-year course offered by most public universities in Kenya. It gives students the scientific knowledge they need to become skilled in laboratory science. You’ll learn about lab tests, medical forensics, diagnostic virology, and epidemiology.

You’ll need at least a C+ in your KCSE to get in. You’ll also need a B in Biology, Chemistry, and English or Kiswahili, plus a C+ in Mathematics or Physics.

#6. Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine

The Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine is a degree that trains clinical officers. This course combines theory from biomedical sciences with hands-on skills in areas such as clinical medicine, paediatrics, surgery, and reproductive medicine.

To join this program, you only need a C+ in KCSE. It is available at many public and private universities across Kenya, such as Egerton University, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, and Kirinyaga University College.

#7. Bachelor of Science in Nursing

If you scored a B plain, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is one of the best marketable medical courses you can apply for.

This program teaches the science and principles of nursing, preparing you to become a nurse and helping you advance your career in areas like nursing science, leadership, and research.

To enrol, you’ll need at least a C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and English or Kiswahili.

#8. Bachelor of Science in Radiography

The Bachelor of Science in Radiography is a four-year clinical course that trains students to become radiographers. Radiographers are specialists in imaging the human body to help diagnose and treat patients. They might take X-rays and other medical images to assist doctors in spotting diseases or injuries.

To get into this program, you’ll need a C+ in KCSE, plus a C+ in Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, and English or Kiswahili. Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology is one of the best schools offering this degree.

#9. Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

The Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy is a four-year medical degree designed to teach you how to help people stay healthy and functional. You’ll learn how to provide care that helps patients regain or maintain their ability to move and function.

To join this course, you’ll need a C+ in your KCSE and a C+ in English or Kiswahili, Biology, Mathematics or Physics, and Chemistry. Moi University is one of the best places in Kenya to study physical therapy.

#10. Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

A Bachelor of Science in Microbiology gives you the knowledge and skills to understand bacteria, viruses, and how they work. You’ll also get hands-on experience working in a microbiology lab, learning the basic principles of microorganisms.

You only need a C+ at KCSE to enrol. Plus, you’ll need a C+ in Biology or Biological Sciences and a C+ in two other subjects like Chemistry, Geography, Agriculture, or Physics/Physical Sciences, along with a C in Mathematics.

Colleges Offering Medical Courses in Kenya

Numerous institutions offer marketable medical courses in Kenya, both public and private. Some top colleges include:

Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)
Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences
University of Nairobi
Kenyatta University
Moi University
Mount Kenya University
Aga Khan University
Daystar University
Nairobi Women’s Hospital College
St. Paul’s University
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)

Free Online Medical Courses in Kenya

If you’re looking for affordable options, several free online medical courses are available in Kenya.

These courses are ideal for individuals seeking basic healthcare knowledge or wanting to improve their skills without attending physical classes. Some platforms that offer free medical courses include:

Coursera
Udemy
edX
Alison

These platforms provide certificates upon completion, and although these courses might not replace full-time programs, they can help boost your qualifications or knowledge in specific medical fields.

How Much Does it Cost to Study Medical Courses in Kenya?

The cost of medical courses in Kenya varies depending on the course and the institution. Here is a general idea of the fees:

Certificate and Diploma Medical Courses in Kenya: Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000 annually.
Degree Medical Courses in Kenya (MBChB, BSc Nursing, etc.): Ksh 250,000 to Ksh 1,200,000 annually.

Public universities tend to be more affordable compared to private institutions. Students should also consider additional costs, such as registration fees, textbooks, and practical training expenses.

FAQs

How long is a medical course in Kenya?

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBCHB) course is full-time and extended over six academic years, 204 weeks spread over 30 weeks for the first and second years and 36 weeks each for the third to sixth year of study. This is a total of 8,160 hours.

What is the shortest medical course?

Earning your diploma in medical assisting can help you start your career as a medical assistant in as little as 10 months, or you can earn your associate degree in as little as 16-20 months to pursue roles with greater responsibility.

What grade is required to study Medicine in Kenya?

A minimum of K.C.E Division II OR C+ (plus) mean grade in K.C.S.E and C+ in the four cluster subjects. The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) program is online—month of September every year.

What is the easiest medical course?

The easiest and shortest medical degrees to get are in phlebotomy, physical therapy, and dental hygiene. Easier medical degrees and jobs may have lower starting pay, but they can progress to healthcare careers that pay well.

How much does it cost to study Medicine and surgery in Kenya?

Students opting to pursue medicine in private universities will pay Sh510,000 yearly at Mount Kenya University (MKU) and Sh592,500 at Uzima University. Surgeons and medical doctors in Kenya earn an average of Sh500,000 monthly, with those in private practice receiving higher perks.

Conclusion

There are several marketable medical courses in Kenya for students who scored B+, B Plain, or B-. Some of the best options include the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science in Dental Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine.

If you want to become a clinician, you can also go for a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine. These are all great paths if you’re passionate about healthcare!

References

Tuko.co.ke – Best medical courses for B+, B Plain, and B- students in Kenya
Tuko.co.ke – List of medical courses with D+ offered in Kenyan colleges
Jambonews.co.ke – Top 10 Marketable Medical Courses in Kenya

Official List Medical Courses in Kenya and their Requirements | 2024 Fees

Table of contents

What are Medical Courses?

Requirements to Study Medical Courses in Kenya

Best Medical Courses for Students in Kenya