Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does the course entail?

The EN to SN conversion course entails students to complete a 16 month series of lectures, tutorials, and clinical placements. Please click here to view course information.

2. Where are the lectures held?

Venues for lectures vary according to available classrooms. The three main venues which at present are available are at the Faculty of Health Sciences at MDH, Fatima Ward lecture room at SVPR and the Lecture Room at MCH. Selected students will be notified of the venues when they are handed the monthly time-table.

3. Who lectures on the course?

The course is made up of a number of modules where different lecturers deliver their lectures according to their specific module. Each module however is under the responsibility of a module leader or subject coordinator. Please click here  to go to the module leaders’ page.

4. How are students assessed during the course?

Students are assessed through a series of assignments, group work, and presentations. Students are also assigned a preceptor who will monitor their progress during the course especially the practical aspect of it. A final examination will be the last assessment students will have. Click here to see examination rules.

5. Do I have to do clinical placements outside my clinical area?

Yes. These placements are necessary as they are basic requirements for students who are European members to be recognized and work anywhere within the European Union countries when they finish the course. Students are only exempted from particular placements if, during the course, happen to be working in an area necessary as a course placement.

6. Where are the clinical placements?

Please click here to see the course layout.

7. Are there any guidelines while doing the clinical placements?

Yes, please click here to see the Clinical Placements Guidelines.

8. Do I need to fill forms while I’m doing my clinical placements?

Yes, you need to have a form for every clinical placement you do. There is space on the clinical placement form for the person in charge of the ward or area to endorse it every time you do a number of hours in that area. The original forms have to be handed in to the secretary at FHS in room 30, while (where applicable) a copy of each form should be handed to your salary personnel to calculate your salary accordingly. These forms will be handed to you by the secretary before your initial placements, however you can go here if you want to download the forms. The course coordinator will clarify any queries you might have on this matter during your orientation period.

9. What shall I do if I cannot attend lectures?

For any reason whatsoever you should always report any form of absenteeism to Ms. Vanessa Mangion (Course Administrative Assistant) by phoning on 21223336 or Mr. Vince Saliba (Course Coordnator) either before or on the day you are not attending the lectures. In the case of sickness you are obliged to hand in a copy of the sickness certificate to Ms. Vanessa Mangion on the first occasion that you return to your lectures. To be justified, any other form of absenteeism should be supported by relative documentation and handed to Ms. Vanessa Mangion before the end of the particular month the absenteeism was made. Proof of justifiable absenteeism will render you excused, otherwise you will be marked absent in the monthly attendance reports sent to your respective salary offices. Please note that course regulations stipulate that students are to attend to at least 80% of formal lecturing time in each semester. This means that whatever the absenteeism, if  you miss more than 20% of formal lecturing time in any semester, you will need to repeat the semester after negotiating with the course coordinator.

10. When will I be selected to pursue the course?

The criteria for selection is under the responsibility of the Selection Board. Candidates are selected under the main criterion of nursing experience. Candidates can check their selection progress by phoning at the Nursing Service Directorate on 21223336 and ask for further instructions or send an email on dns@gov.mt stating in their email their name, surname, ID number and place of work.

11. Who runs the course?

The course is run by the Nursing Service Directorate and is under the responsibility of the Health Department. A board of Studies is appointed to device, approve and monitor adherence to standards and procedures, to monitor and decide on student progress, and to approve examination boards.

12. Are there any Course Regulations available?

Yes, you can find these by clicking here.

13. How do I apply to pursue the course?

Calls for applications are issued periodically and are advertised on the Government Gazette, local news papers and through a DH Circular.

14. Does the course entail any fees?

Yes, Maltese citizens and EU members, who at the time of selection, are working in a state hospital, residence or institution are to pay a non-refundable initial fee of  €116.50 for the whole course. Enrolled nurses who, at the time of selection,  do not have a Maltese citizenship, are Non EU members, are unemployed,  or who work in the private sector, are to pay a non-refundable initial fee of  €582 for the whole course.