Talk of the best medical colleges in Kenya, and the one that will undoubtedly stand on your bucket list is Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). And there is a good reason for this: the medical college offers several medical courses that guarantee immediate employment upon completion of studies. Among the best courses offered by KMTC are the Higher Diploma courses, which have become increasingly popular in 2026 as demand for advanced medical training continues to rise in Kenya.
So, if you are planning to join the Kenya Medical Training College and want to explore which higher diploma courses to choose in 2026, and maybe you are a little fuzzy about which courses to choose, well, you are in luck because this guide has made it easier for you. Below is everything that you need to know.
KMTC Higher Diploma Courses
The higher diploma programs offered by KMTC are designed for professionals seeking to advance beyond the diploma level or those with relevant work experience who wish to specialize in a particular healthcare field. As of 2026, KMTC offers 29 higher diploma programs across various campuses throughout Kenya. These specialized courses typically require one to two years to complete, depending on the area of study, as shown in the table below:
| S/N | Course Name | Duration | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Higher Diploma in Critical Care Nursing | 1 year | Nairobi, Kilifi, Isiolo |
| 2 | Higher Diploma in Paediatric Nursing | 1 year | Kisumu |
| 3 | Higher Diploma in Palliative Care (Distance Learning) | 1 year | Nairobi |
| 4 | Higher Diploma in Nephrology Nursing | 1 year | Nairobi, Nakuru, Embu |
| 5 | Higher Diploma in Family Health Nursing (Distance Learning) | 1 year | Nairobi |
| 6 | Higher Diploma in Kenya Registered Nurse Anaesthesia | 1 year | Kisii, Mombasa |
| 7 | Higher Diploma in Ophthalmic Nursing | 1 year | Nairobi |
| 8 | Higher Diploma in Perioperative Nursing | 1 year | Nairobi |
| 9 | Higher Diploma in Oncology Nursing | 1 year | Mosoriot |
| 10 | Higher Diploma in Medical Social Work (Gender Based Violence) | 2 years | Karuri |
| 11 | Higher Diploma in Epidemiology | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 12 | Higher Diploma in Health Systems Management (Distance Learning) | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 13 | Higher Diploma in Health Administration | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 14 | Higher Diploma in Health Professions Education | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 15 | Higher Diploma in Addictive Sciences | 2 years | Mathare |
| 16 | Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine & Surgery (Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery) | 2 years | Eldoret |
| 17 | Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine & Surgery (Advanced Refraction and Low Vision) | 2 years | Eldoret |
| 18 | Higher Diploma in Radiography & Imaging (Ultrasonography) | 2 years | Nairobi, Kisumu |
| 19 | Higher Diploma in Radiography & Imaging (Radiation Therapy) | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 20 | Higher Diploma in Radiography & Imaging (Computed Tomography) | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 21 | Higher Diploma in Radiography & Imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 22 | Higher Diploma in Orthopedic Manual Therapy | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 23 | Higher Diploma in Neuro-rehabilitation | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 24 | Higher Diploma in Occupational Therapy (Community Based Rehabilitation) | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 25 | Higher Diploma in Occupational Therapy (Renal Rehabilitation) | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 26 | Higher Diploma in Optometry (Contact Lenses) | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 27 | Higher Diploma in Renal Pharmacy | 2 years | Nairobi |
| 28 | Higher Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics (Renal Nutrition) | 2 years | Karen (Nairobi) |
| 29 | Higher Diploma in Health Education and Promotion | 2 years | Nairobi |
Admission Requirements
Now, if you are going to study the above courses at any KMTC branch countrywide, the only criterion that you need to understand is what requirements each has to offer. The eligibility criteria for the various Higher Diploma courses vary by department and the course itself, but generally, they are as follows:
For Nursing-related Higher Diplomas:
- Diploma in Nursing or Community Health Nursing (KRN/KRCHN) or Diploma in Nursing (KRN/KRM)
- 1 year of post-graduation experience
- Registration with the Nursing Council of Kenya (implied requirement)
For Public Health Higher Diplomas:
- Diploma in relevant fields such as Environmental Health Sciences, KRCHN, Clinical Medicine, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Health Records & Information, or Community Oral Health (for Epidemiology)
- For Medical Social Work specialty: Diploma in Medical Social Work or any other health-related course from KMTC or a recognized institution
For Health Administration-related Higher Diplomas:
- A diploma in a health-related course or a BSc in a health-related course from a recognized institution
- For Health Administration specifically: Diploma in a health-related field or management-related field
For Clinical Medicine & Surgery Higher Diplomas:
- Diploma in Clinical Medicine & Surgery from KMTC or other recognized institution
- Registration with the Clinical Officers’ Council
- Two years of post-graduation experience in Clinical Medicine
For other specialized higher diplomas, you will also need a relevant diploma in the field you want to study and professional registration with relevant regulatory bodies. However, we encourage you to consult the campus offering the course to learn about any additional requirements specific to each program.
KMTC Higher Diploma Fee Structure
Another factor you need to consider when applying for any higher diploma courses at KMTC is the respective fee structure for that course, which is mainly influenced by the type of sponsorship (Government or self-sponsored).
In general, higher diploma courses cost between KSh 118,000 and KSh 147,500 annually, covering various extensions, including tuition, examination fees, library and ICT services, and other charges. In addition, a separate one-time course application fee of KSh 2,072 is charged.
How to Apply for Higher Diploma Courses
So long as you have met the course requirements and are ready to pay the application fee when prompted, then the rest of the how-to process for the application is easier than you think. The application process is done via the KMTC admissions portal during the application period. Application periods typically open a few months before each intake, with intakes scheduled for March and September each year.
Below are the full application steps that you can do by yourself:
- Visit the KMTC admissions portal admissions.kmtc.ac.ke and click Register to create an account. You will need to provide your Full Name and email address and set a password.
- Make sure to complete the account activation by following the link in the email sent to your email address.
- Once your account is activated, you can log in with your credentials. On your dashboard, click Application, then Apply Preservice to start your application.
- Upload the required documents as prompted, including copies of your academic certificates, identification documents, and anything else needed.
- Proceed to pay the application fee of KSh 2,072 using the payment options provided.
- After completing all steps, submit your application and wait for further communication from KMTC by mail or Phone.
FAQs
What is the KMTC March 2026 intake?
The KMTC March 2026 intake was an admission period for certificate, diploma, and higher diploma programs at Kenya Medical Training College. Applications were processed through the KUCCPS portal from January 7 to January 27, 2026, and this intake has now closed. The next available intake will be in September 2026.
Does KMTC offer a higher diploma?
Yes, KMTC offers 29 higher diploma programs across various healthcare specializations. These advanced qualifications are designed for healthcare professionals who already hold diplomas and want to specialize in areas such as critical care nursing, radiography imaging, health administration, clinical medicine, and public health. The programs are offered at various KMTC campuses throughout Kenya.
How long does a higher diploma in nursing take?
A higher diploma in nursing at KMTC takes 1 year to complete. This includes specializations such as Critical Care Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Nephrology Nursing, Palliative Care, Ophthalmic Nursing, Perioperative Nursing, and Oncology Nursing. Applicants must have a nursing diploma (KRN/KRCHN) and at least 1 year of post-graduation experience to qualify.
How many years is a higher diploma?
KMTC higher diploma programs take either 1 year or 2 years to complete, depending on the specialization. Nursing-related higher diplomas typically take 1 year, while programs in health administration, clinical medicine specializations, advanced radiography, and occupational therapy require 2 years of full-time study.
How much does a higher diploma nurse earn in Kenya?
KMTC higher diploma nurses and specialist nurses in Kenya earn between KSh 100,000 and KSh 150,000 per month. This is significantly higher than the monthly earnings of entry-level diploma nurses, who earn KSh 50,000 to KSh 70,000. ICU and critical care specialists with higher qualifications can earn up to KSh 250,000 per month, especially in private hospitals and specialized units.
What is the highest diploma in nursing?
The highest nursing qualification in Kenya is the Higher Diploma, an advanced specialization beyond the regular nursing diploma (KRN/KRCHN). KMTC offers nine specialized higher diploma programs in nursing, including Critical Care Nursing, Nephrology Nursing, Oncology Nursing, and Kenya Registered Nurse Anaesthesia. These represent the pinnacle of diploma-level nursing education before transitioning to degree programs.
