Bridging Courses in Kenya: KMTC and Other Colleges

Bridging Courses in Kenya: KMTC and Other Colleges.

Bridging courses in Kenya are short-term programs designed to assist students in meeting minimum entry requirements for diploma or degree programs.

Although KMTC does not offer bridging courses, other certified institutions provide them. These courses enable students who did not achieve the required grades in specific subjects to enhance their scores and qualify for further education.

Highlights

• Every academic program at KMTC requires a minimum of four KCSE subjects.
• The level of training dictates the specific points needed in each subject, along with the required mean grade.
• Bridging courses typically last between 3 to 6 months.
• They serve as qualification criteria for diploma or degree program admissions.

Availability of Bridging Courses at KMTC

KMTC previously provided bridging courses for students who had not met the required qualifications in cluster subjects. However, the institution no longer offers these courses. Students interested in bridging courses in Medicine must enroll in other institutions.

Upon completing the program, students receive a KNEC or KCSE Bridge Certificate, which qualifies them to apply for medical courses. Instead of bridging courses, KMTC offers short and upgrading programs. These courses are specifically designed for students who have completed a certificate program and wish to advance to diploma level.

For instance, students with a Certificate in Community Health Nursing can pursue a Diploma in Community Health Nursing at KMTC. This qualification allows them to register with the Nursing Council of Kenya.

Bridging Course in Nursing in Kenya

A bridging course in nursing is a short-term program tailored for students who have not met the minimum entry requirements for nursing programs. It provides them with an opportunity to improve their grades in crucial subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or English, making them eligible for diploma or degree programs in nursing.

Bridging Courses Available in Kenyan Colleges

Several Kenyan institutions of higher learning provide bridging courses in Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and English. These programs apply to students pursuing arts and sciences courses.

Bridging Courses for Nursing

Bridging courses for nursing cater to students who did not attain the required qualifications for diploma or degree programs in nursing. These courses help them improve their grades in essential subjects, enabling enrollment in accredited nursing programs.

KMTC and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) offer bridging courses in the sciences, including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Physics

Cost and Availability of Free Bridging Courses at KMTC

KMTC does not provide free bridging courses. However, some institutions offer programs that help students improve their KCSE results to meet higher education requirements.

KNEC bridging programs are among the available options, allowing students to retake and enhance their scores in specific subjects.

Examples of Bridging Courses and Where to Study

Certificate in Bridging Biology

Biology is a key requirement for pursuing a medical-related course. It is also one of the most crucial bridging courses for nursing in Kenya. Students must attain at least a C- (minus) in Biology at KCSE to qualify for a medical certificate program.

For a Certificate in Community Health Nursing at KMTC, a C- (minus) in Biology and an overall KCSE grade of C- (minus) are required. Students can apply for a Certificate in Bridging Biology at:

• Chuka University
• Bridge College
• University of Kabianga
• University of Eldoret
• Nairobi Aviation College

A KCSE mean grade of C- (minus) and at least a D- (minus) in Biology are needed to enroll. The program lasts six months, after which students can apply for a Certificate or Diploma course at the respective institution.

Certificate in Bridging Chemistry

A pass in Chemistry at KCSE is required to enroll in a Diploma, Higher Diploma, or Degree in Pharmacy. Since Chemistry is a key requirement for pharmacy-related programs, students must obtain a higher grade to apply.

To enroll for a Diploma in Pharmacy at KMTC, students need a mean grade of C (plain) at KCSE and a C (plain) in Chemistry and other cluster subjects. However, students who scored a D (plain) in Chemistry at KCSE can bridge the subject at institutions offering bridging courses, such as:

• University of Kabianga
• Bridge College
• Karatina University
• Chuka University
• Nairobi Aviation College

The program takes between two to six months. Most colleges offer both full-time and part-time study options.

Certificate in Bridging English

Higher education institutions in Kenya require students to have passed English at KCSE. Even if the minimum KCSE grade is met, English proficiency remains mandatory since it is the primary language of instruction.

Some institutions accept Kiswahili as a substitute for English. KMTC requires a minimum grade of C- (minus) in English for certificate programs and a C (plain) for diploma programs.

While most colleges focus on bridging Mathematics and Sciences, English bridging programs are available at:

• University of Kabianga
• Nairobi Aviation College

Certificate in Bridging Mathematics

Mathematics is an essential subject for enrollment in most higher education programs. However, Psychology and History do not require Mathematics as an entry criterion.

KMTC maintains some flexibility regarding Mathematics requirements. All faculties require at least a D (plain) in Mathematics at KCSE for certificate programs and a C- (minus) for diploma programs.

Mathematics bridging courses are available at:

• The Eldoret National Polytechnic
• University of Kabianga
• Bridge College
• Karatina University
• Chuka University
• University of Eldoret
• Nairobi Aviation College

Applicants need a mean grade of C- (minus) at KCSE and at least a D- (minus) in Mathematics. The program takes between three to six months.

Certificate in Bridging Physics

Physics plays a crucial role in medical science, influencing modern technologies and practices. It is a necessary requirement for medical courses at KMTC.

To enroll in a certificate program at KMTC, students must have at least a D- (minus) in Physics. For a diploma program, a minimum grade of C (plain) or C- (minus) is required.

Physics bridging courses are available at:

• University of Kabianga
• Bridge College
• Karatina University
• Chuka University

The duration ranges between three to six months.

Read Also: KCSE Registration: Portal, Requirements, Fees, and Other Details

KCSE Mean Grade Requirements for Bridging Courses

Students can bridge subjects such as Physics, English, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology if they failed at KCSE. The minimum requirements for bridging courses include:

• A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) for degree applicants.
• A KCSE mean grade of C- (minus) for diploma applicants.
• A KCSE mean grade of D (plain) for certificate course applicants.

Eligibility for Clinical Medicine After Bridging

Students can enroll for a Diploma in Clinical Medicine after bridging their failed KCSE subjects. However, they must apply for the course at the institution where they completed the bridging program.

Number of Subjects That Can Be Bridged

The number of subjects a student can bridge depends on the policies of the respective institution. Most Kenyan colleges and universities allow students to bridge one or two subjects at a time based on their intended diploma or degree program.

The common subjects available for bridging include:

• Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• English

Duration of Bridging Courses in Kenya

Bridging courses in Kenya typically last between 3 to 6 months, depending on the institution and subject.

Bridging Courses at Kenyatta University

Kenyatta University (KU), through its School of Humanities and Social Sciences, offers an English Bridging Course. This program is designed to improve participants’ proficiency in English, enabling them to meet the entry criteria for various academic programs.

However, KU does not currently offer bridging courses in subjects such as Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics.

Private Institutions Offering Bridging Courses

Several private institutions in Kenya provide bridging courses to assist students in fulfilling academic entry requirements. Some of these institutions include:

• International Centre of Technology (ICT)
• Braeburn Schools
• KCA University
• Machakos Institute of Technology (MIT)

Admission to KMTC with a D+ in Biology

A D+ in Biology does not meet the minimum qualifications for most diploma programs at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). Generally, health science diploma courses at KMTC require at least a C (Plain) or C- (Minus) in Biology.

Read Also: Top 10 Hardest and Easiest Science Courses in the World

Cost of Bridging Courses

The fees for bridging courses in Kenya vary depending on the institution and the specific course. To obtain precise details about the costs, students should visit the website of the respective institution, such as Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

As of 2025, KMTC does not offer bridging courses. However, students seeking to meet KMTC’s admission criteria can enroll in bridging courses for essential subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and English at other accredited institutions across Kenya.

Bridging Courses in Kenya: KMTC and Other Colleges

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