How to Choose Between GNM, BSc Nursing, and General Nursing — What Fits You Best?

Choosing which nursing path to follow can be confusing. There are all these differences, benefits, and opportunities in pursuing a GNM, BSc Nursing, or General nursing, to name a few paths. What is best for you and your nursing future will depend on what your goals are, what are your strengths, and what you want to do in the future.

This article will provide a comparison of nursing career paths to guide you in the right direction to a nursing program that fits your personal and professional nursing goals. We even aim to make the article simple to read for students and parents.

Understanding the Options

GNM Nursing course

GNM is short for General Nursing and Midwifery. It is a three-year diploma education program that prepares students to provide direct patient care and develop clinical skills, including midwifery. Many students will pursue this course to begin their careers more quickly. The GNM Nursing course focuses on the primary domains of practical nursing, community health, maternal and child health, and crisis and emergency management.

Upon completion of the GNM course, students enter the workforce in hospitals, diagnostic clinics, nursing homes, and public health settings. Additionally, later on, students are able to complete further studies to advance their careers.

BSc Nursing

BSc Nursing, in this context, refers to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which is a four-year undergraduate education program. This course of study prepares students with a much broader knowledge, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, nursing research, theory and clinical skills, and leadership skills.

BSc Nursing prepares graduates for more career options in nursing. Graduates can provide direct patient care, as well as advanced career opportunities in hospital administration, clinical research, teaching and education, and advanced clinical specialties. Graduates who complete a BSc Nursing program are also able to complete a post-graduate education course of study in order to advance their careers and education, like an MSc Nursing program or a PhD program in Nursing.

General Nursing

The term General Nursing is frequently interchangeable with the GNM diploma. Generally, General Nursing gives emphasis to in shifts where there is direct exposure and practice of nursing and midwifery principles.

When you think about the comparison to this program to the BSc Nursing program, think of General Nursing or GNM as a diploma pathway and the BSc Nursing as a degree pathway. Both avenues will offer a solid nursing education, but the BSc program will provide more advanced education and career options.

Key Differences to Think About

Length of Time and Study Time

• GNM / General Nursing: About 3 years + internship or practicing hours.
• BSc Nursing: About 4 years of education which consists of theory, laboratories, and clinical practice.

If you want to get work sooner, consider the GNM Nursing course but if you can take a little extra time and would like take a deeper dive into the nursing practice, consider the BSc Nursing Program.

Course Content

• GNM concentrate on practice nursing skills, patient care, community health, and maternal health.
• BSc Nursing provide advanced subjects like critical care, research methods, pharmacology, nursing management, and in specialized fields.

BSc nursing may appeal to someone who values practicing in academic rigor, and longevity in career growth.

Career Opportunities

Opportunities in nursing are varied depending on the path:

• With a GNM diploma, you can work as a staff nurse, a community health nurse or a midwife. After, you can return to school for Post Basic, or bridge programs to gain a higher qualification.
• With a BSc in Nursing, you have opportunities for leadership roles, specialized nursing, management in hospitals, research and teaching.

If your goal includes advancement in your career, overseeing, working on an international stage or in specialized fields, a BSc will be more robust.

Requirements

• The GNM Nursing course typically has a requirement of 10+2 focusing on science subjects (that is: physics, chemistry and bio), based on the institution, often with a requirement of 40% in each of the science courses.
• The BSc Nursing program generally has a requirement of higher academic marks (45% or more) and more advanced preparation in the sciences.

Regardless, it is important to confirm the eligibility criteria for any chosen college or institution prior to applying.

Tuition Costs and Financial Planning

• The GNM nursing course may cost less, usually because the program length is shorter.
• The BSc Nursing program has a higher cost, although this may be offset by higher salaries and career advancement.

Weigh your decision based on the cost of the program versus a long-term return on investment regardless of your decision of GNM versus BSc Nursing.

Personal Preference is Important

Selecting your nursing course will depend on your own preferences and strengths. Consider the following:

• Do I enjoy being hands-on, providing patient care over theory and research?
• Am I ready to spend the next four (4) years studying at a higher level?
• Am I planning to have a career in a different country, or specialized hospitals, or in a leadership role in nursing?

If you prefer hands-on nursing, and not to wait a long-time to finish school, then the GNM Nursing course may suit you better than the BSc Nursing. On the other hand, if you want to specialize in a nursing role that encompasses research, administration, or a leadership position, BSc Nursing would fit that area better aligned for a nursing profession for you.

How Healthcare Academies Offer These Courses

Numerous healthcare academies provide the GNM Nursing course along with BSc Nursing. The GNM courses foster practical skills, clinical exposure and community health experience. In contrast, the BSc Nursing course involves research, leadership and advanced theory.

The ability to view both degrees at one institute can help students compare succinctly to help them find their specific path.

Steps to Choose Your Path

Define Your Career Goals: Reflect on where you see yourself in five to ten years. If you aspire to leadership and higher studies, a degree may be beneficial.

Determine Your Strengths: Do you excel at providing hands-on care or are you a theoretical scholar?

Study Local Expectations: Some hospitals, organizations and regions may prefer a degree holder in an advanced role. Review the regulations for your area. 

Plan Your Finances: Consider tuition fees, scholarships and funding options at both courses for GNM and BSc.

Consider Future Option Flexibility: Starting with GNM will not lock you into that option indefinitely. Many institutes provide post-basic or bridge courses to upgrade GNM to BSc Nursing.

Seek Opinions: Consult professionals, educators and current students. Their perspectives will provide invaluable lessons about day-to-day life and available opportunities.

Making the Decision 

Both General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) nursing and undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing science (BSc Nursing) programs are valid and worthwhile. The right choice is determined by your goals, finances, and style of learning.

• Due to their hands-on skills development, your choice is GNM if your goal is to enter the workforce quickly and learn and experience practical nursing sooner than a BSc program.
• Choose BSc nursing because the goal is to develop your career, gain opportunities for specialization, pursue research, or seek potential leadership positions.

Both GNM nursing and BSc nursing will lead to a rewarding nursing career, as nursing is fulfilling, respected, and constantly needed.

Conclusion

Deciding between options GNM, BSc nursing, and General Nursing is about far more than the period before graduating or the cost of study. Your goals, the strengths you identify in yourself, and your interests are the more important factors when evaluating your options. The choices available for either both a diploma or degree with nursing is a valuable option around a nursing career.

If you aim to gain the practical knowledge and experience in a shorter time period, choose GNM nursing. If you want to further your studies, work in advanced practice, or have opportunities internationally, choose BSc nursing.

You must take the time to research, communicate with those in the field, and question the factors from your own self-assessment. The right choice and course of study, with your choices, will prepare you for a valued and successful practice with nursing that meets your individual career aspirations.