In today’s fast-paced world of rapid transformation in healthcare, nurses must continually enhance their expertise and adapt to evolving demands. With technology advancing at an unprecedented pace, traditional, campus-based education is no longer accessible to everyone, particularly for working adults balancing professional duties, personal commitments, and lifelong learning aspirations. As a result, the demand for flexible online education has surged, and the nursing profession stands at the forefront of this shift. Meeting this need, the IMU University offers a Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) (ODL-Open and Distance Learning) part-time programme designed specifically for working nurses seeking academic advancement without sacrificing their professional commitments.

This flexible programme, introduced in February 2023, aligns with the Malaysia Education Blueprint’s emphasis on digital literacy and lifelong learning. Provisional accredited by the Malaysian Nursing Board, Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), and approved by the Ministry of Higher Education, it allows registered nurses to upgrade their diploma to a bachelor’s degree through a three-and-a-half-year online learning model.

Designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of healthcare professionals, the curriculum combines interactive online lectures, e-tutorials, and clinical training, ensuring both academic depth and practical proficiency. Students are equipped with comprehensive resources including guided readings, quizzes, virtual libraries, interactive skill videos, gamification and online discussion forums to facilitate learning and enrich their educational experience.

The programme has gained strong momentum, currently enrolling five cohorts of nurses from diverse healthcare institutions nationwide. Its increasing popularity is bolstered by IMU’s recent accolade- the 6-Stars Exemplary Champion in Employers’ Choice of University at Talentbank’s 2025 Employers’ Choice Awards.

More information on the award in this article: IMU University Recognised with 6 STARS – Exemplary Champion at Talentbank’s 2025 Employers’ Choice Award

Many students praised the programme’s flexibility and relevance. Chai Bui Inn, a registered staff nurse from Johor Bahru, currently in her semester 6, described it as a “refresher and upgrading course” that enhanced both her clinical skills and theoretical understanding, especially in unfamiliar specialised clinical practice areas. “This programme has significantly expanded my knowledge and enhanced my clinical skills. I particularly value the ODL delivery format, as I prefer the online learning mode over the conventional face-to-face classroom approach.”

Staff Nurses Chiang Pei Lin and Tan Careen from Penang expressed gratitude for the opportunity to study in part-time ODL degree while working. “We find this programme exceptionally well-suited to the needs of full-time working nurses like us, as its flexible teaching-learning modes and scheduling accommodate our professional commitments. The programme’s structure and delivery are highly motivating. The e-learning portal is user-friendly, and the interactive content keeps us engaged,” they shared, noting how the programme supports career progression.

Staff Nurse Chong Mun Cheng and Kee Chai Sin, both semester 6 students, emphasized the value of face-to-face interaction during practical assessment where they attended physically at campus. “The well-equipped Clinical Skills & Simulation Centre enhances our hands-on learning. Most importantly, the opportunities for peer learning and the support provided by our lecturers are the primary reasons we choose to attend campus, despite the option to complete all assessments online.”

Jivitha Nair A/P Muraleetharan, inspired by her ward manager who is also enrolled in the programme, finds the flexible schedule ideal for her shift work where she can plan and adjust her timing accordingly without the need to take many days off or annual leave from her work to study. Staff Nurse Jivitha also expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to interact directly with her colleagues and lecturers, despite the programme being conducted online. She also noted that the access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities significantly supported her throughout her studies at IMU.

Similarly, Wee Khgar Hoon, an Operating Theatre nurse, highlighted how the programme’s flexibility accommodates her on-call duties while working full-time in a large hospital. Although balancing work and study presents challenges, Staff Nurse Wee finds the academic workload is manageable, as she is able to schedule her study time flexibly without compromising her professional responsibilities or personal leisure.

With healthcare systems evolving at breakneck speed, IMU’s Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) ODL programme offers a transformative opportunity for nurses to elevate their qualifications, improve patient care, and shape their future in healthcare leadership.