Provide patient care, administer treatments, and support doctors in hospitals, clinics, and community health centres. Nursing remains one of Jamaica's most stable and in-demand professions.
Salary Breakdown
Nurse 1 (HPC/RN 1) - advertised at $3,241,533 per annum (MOH&W, December 2025). Ward nursing under a Nurse Manager after NCJ registration.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($3,959,021 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.
Show deduction breakdown
- Gross (annual)
- $3,959,021 JMD
- NIS (3%)
- −$118,770 JMD
- NHT (2%)
- −$79,180 JMD
- Education Tax
- −$86,405 JMD
- PAYE Income Tax
- −$484,472 JMD
- Net (annual)
- $3,190,191 JMD
Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Career Path Roadmap
- 1
High School & CXC Subjects
Pass CSEC Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, and at least one additional science subject. Strong science foundation is essential.
5 years (Forms 1-5) - 2
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
Complete a 4-year BScN degree at an accredited Jamaican nursing school. Includes clinical rotations at hospitals. CAPE or equivalent required.
4 years - 3
Registration with Nursing Council of Jamaica
Pass the NCJ licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Must also complete a mandatory internship period.
6 - 12 months - 4
Staff Nurse (Entry Level)
Work as a staff nurse in a hospital ward, clinic, or community health centre. Gain hands-on experience in patient care and clinical procedures.
2 - 3 years - 5
Charge Nurse / Specialisation
Specialise in areas like paediatrics, critical care, or mental health. Pursue postgraduate diplomas or certifications in your chosen specialty.
3 - 5 years - 6
Senior Nursing Manager / Educator
Move into management (Nursing Officer / Matron) or education. May require a Master's in Nursing or Healthcare Administration.
5+ years
Required Education
- CSEC/CXC Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English (minimum 5 subjects)
- CAPE or equivalent for university entry
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Registration with the Nursing Council of Jamaica (NCJ)
Common Local Certifications
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- HEART/NSTA - NVQ-J Level 2 in Geriatric Care (Qualifications Registry of Jamaica)
Where to Train
Local Institutions Offering Programs
- University of the West Indies School of Nursing - Mona and Western campuses (Nursing Council approved)
- Caribbean School of Nursing, University of Technology, Jamaica - Papine and Montego Bay campuses (Nursing Council approved)
- Northern Caribbean University (Nursing Council approved)
- Excelsior Community College, School of Nursing (Nursing Council approved)
- Brown's Town Community College, School of Nursing (Nursing Council approved)
- Knox Community College, School of Nursing (Nursing Council approved)
- Sigma College of Nursing and Applied Sciences (Nursing Council approved)