Higher Diploma in Nursing (SWD)

The Higher Diploma in Nursing (HD(N)) at Tung Wah College equips students with essential nursing knowledge, clinical skills and a strong sense of compassionate care. Through lectures, simulation training and extensive clinical placements, students are well prepared for frontline practice and become eligible to apply for enrolment as Enrolled Nurses in Hong Kong. Graduates should be employed as EN (General) in the welfare sector for a continuous period of no less than 3 years after satisfactory completion of the Programme. Graduates may also articulate to degree‑level studies, opening up pathways to diverse roles across the healthcare sector.

1. To develop students’ competence in health promotion, maintenance and restoration, and prevention of illness through the delivery of primary, secondary and tertiary health care in hospital and community settings; 
2. To equip students with effective communication skills for providing individualized care and for fostering teamwork; 
3. To develop student’s understanding of psychosocial, cultural and environmental dimensions of health and illness; 
4. To equip students with critical, creative and analytical problem-solving skills; and 
5. To foster the development of students' general qualities for all-roundness, such as the capacity for lifelong learning, independent and reflective learning, and professionalism-related values.

Dr. Agnes YIP 

Email: agnesyip@twc.edu.hk

• DHSc(N), School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 
• MScN, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 
• BNurs, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University 
• Fellowship of Hong Kong Academy of Nursing & Midwifery (Education) 
• Registered Nurse (Hong Kong) 

* Alternate Chinese course for “non-Chinese speaking” students only

The applicant must be:

• Aged 18 or above by the time the Training Programme commences;
• A Hong Kong permanent resident with the right of abode in Hong Kong;

AND

1. (For HKDSE candidates from 2024/25 onwards) Have obtained Level 2 or above for Chinese Language, English Language and Mathematics and have “Attained (A)” for Citizenship and Social Development plus one Elective under Category A and Category B at Level 2 (“222A2”) in HKDSE; OR
2. (For HKDSE candidates before 2024/2025) Have obtained Level 2 or above for Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and any two other subjects in Category A and B at Level 2 (“22222”) in HKDSE; OR
3. Have completed secondary school Form 5 education in Hong Kong for applicants with Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) results; OR
4. Have graduated from Diploma of Applied Education or Diploma Yi Jin and have successfully completed the Math Plus elective course; OR
5. Having obtained an equivalent qualification*

# Priority will be accorded to applicants who have successfully completed the two-year Diploma Programme and obtained the diploma under the “Navigation Scheme for Young Persons in Care Services” (launched since 2015) or the “First-hire-then-train” Pilot Scheme (launched from 2013 to 2016) of the SWD or those who are currently working full time in non-governmental organisations or private organisations providing elderly, rehabilitation, family and child care, youth or correctional services, and who aspire to continue serving in the welfare sector as ENs after graduating from the Programme.

* The qualification must have fulfilled the minimum entry requirements for training of Enrolled Nurses as set by the NCHK.

The programme is recognised by The Nursing Council in Hong Kong (NCHK) as a pre-enrolment nursing training programme. Graduates are eligible to apply for enrolment as Enrolled Nurses (EN) “登記護士” under the Nurses Registration Ordinance (Cap 164) of Hong Kong.

• Trainees are required to sign an undertaking to work as Enrolled Nurse (General) in non-governmental or private organisations providing elderly, rehabilitation, family and child care, or correctional services recognized by the SWD for a continuous period of no less than three years after completion of the training.
• Qualified ENs can become case managers if they are employed in the elderly care and rehabilitation services.

We pledge professionalism, pride, unity and lifelong belonging together. At the ceremony, students publicly affirmed their ethical commitments, pledged to uphold nursing standards and celebrated the strength of their learning community. The event deepened their sense of professional identity, responsibility and mutual support, inspiring a shared dedication to patient care and lifelong learning within the HD(N) cohort.

Students sign, track progress, and encourage each other together. A shared board gathers students’ signatures and study timelines, celebrating milestones. Progress fuels resilience and teamwork, reminding everyone to persevere, support peers, and advance step by step toward nursing goals.

Students find guidance and answers in HD(N) Support Forum sessions. Sessions help navigate coursework, offer experienced teacher guidance, and answer fundamentals. Over 97% recommend them to Year 1 nursing students.

The Bachelor of Health Science (Hons) in Nursing has a minimum requirement of DSE result 3322+2, is subsidised under the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) and is a 5-year programme with 1480 hours clinical practicum. The Higher Diploma in Nursing has a minimum requirement of DSE results 222+22, is subsidised by the Social Welfare Department, is a 2-year programme with 1600 hours clinical practicum, and includes clinical placements in residential or community settings. Graduates of the Bachelor will obtain RN licensure, whereas graduates of the Higher Diploma will obtain EN licensure.

Yes. Students will be under supervision in all clinical practicums. In the first clinical practicum, students will be supervised by College academic staff and in subsequent practicums by experienced clinical mentors to help them learn hands-on skills and apply knowledge in real clinical settings.

Yes. According to Nursing Council of Hong Kong requirements, students must fulfill 1600 hours including night shifts over the 2-year study period, and are required to work shifts (morning, afternoon, and night) based on clinical venue operations.

HD(N) (SWD) graduates will be qualified to apply for the professional license of EN recognised by the NCHK, can be employed in community and residential care settings, may become case managers if employed in elderly care and rehabilitation services, and must undertake employment in the welfare sector for a continuous period of no less than 3 years after satisfactory completion of the training.

The HD(N) programme is designed to impart professional nursing knowledge and skills needed to deliver healthcare services for clients in both hospitals and residential care/community settings, with opportunities to practise in a variety of settings.

Yes. Upon fulfilling employment requirements in the welfare sector after completing the Programme, students may consider further study in the Bachelor of Health Science (Hons) in Nursing (senior year entry) for RN licensure at the College or pursue similar programmes locally or overseas.