Nursing Career Tracks: Mapping your path from practice to leadership
Your nursing journey is about more than a diploma; it’s about the lives you’ll touch. Discover career options and trace our alumni's growth from NYP students into practitioners, specialists, and healthcare leaders.
With a structured and supportive learning journey, the NYP Diploma in Nursing programme equips students with strong clinical foundations, essential hands-on skills, and authentic clinical exposure. Our graduates enter the workforce ready and confident, building their careers through multiple pathways: clinical, management, research, and education.
Margaret Lee
CEO, Alexandra Hospital
Diploma in Nursing, Class of 1996
Management track
"Although nursing wasn’t my first choice, I recognised its unique blend of art and science, which resonates with my creative inclinations. NYP Diploma in Nursing exposed me to diverse disciplines, expanding my learning horizon beyond traditional nursing concepts.
"Five of my batchmates now work alongside me at Alexandra Hospital, making our shared experiences even more meaningful. We’ve navigated challenges together, from late-night study sessions to clinical placements, and celebrated each other’s successes along the way. These bonds have not only enhanced my learning but also created a sense of belonging in a demanding and highly stressed profession. Together, we’ve fostered a collaborative spirit that continues to thrive in our professional lives."
If you join the management track, this is your typical day-to-day:
- Lead nursing teams and healthcare units
- Oversee daily operations, staffing, workflow, budgets, and quality improvement initiatives
Vinod De Silva
Senior Staff Nurse (Orthopaedics)
Singapore General Hospital
Diploma in Nursing, Class of 2014
Clinical Track
"During my clinical rotations in NYP, I was fascinated by the anatomy, precision, and how patients could regain mobility and independence after surgery. Orthopaedics is a field where nursing goes beyond routine care. It is more than just ‘fixing bones’ – it's restorative, hands-on, and deeply impactful. You manage complex conditions, collaborate across disciplines, and learn specialised techniques like casting.
"I still remember how intense it was to manage a heavier patient load during my first full-time nursing role, but NYP had prepared me well to think critically and stay calm under pressure. My time at NYP shaped the way I care for patients and support my colleagues. When I struggled with self-doubt toward the end of my education at NYP, I had strong support from my lecturers, clinical instructors, family, and friends. Their guidance helped me gain confidence gradually.
"The satisfaction of helping someone walk again or recover from major surgery is also incredibly rewarding. By consistently delivering high-quality care, maintaining professionalism, and embracing every learning opportunity, I’ve been able to grow steadily in my career – culminating in my current role as Senior Staff Nurse."
If you join the clinical track, this is your typical day-to-day:
- Provide direct patient care through hands-on assessments, interventions, and treatments to support patient recovery and well-being
- As Advanced Practice Nurses (APN), you'll provide specialised, advanced-level clinical care through expert assessment, diagnosis, and management of complex patient conditions with greater autonomy
Eugene Tan
Senior Staff Nurse (Nurse Informaticist)
Singapore General Hospital
Advanced Diploma in Nursing (Orthopaedics), Class of 2019
Research Track
"While completing my Advanced Diploma at NYP, I was exposed to different electronic systems and got curious about how these systems are an integral part of our healthcare system. Hence, I applied for a rotation into Nursing Informatics after COVID-19. It was challenging at first, but with supportive leaders and mentors, I grew into the role and realised how much I enjoyed this blend of nursing and technology.
"Mdm Asma pushed us to think critically and justify our decisions. Those times felt tough, but her influence shaped the way I tackle issues today. In informatics, I apply that same critical thinking when analysing workflows or recommending solutions. Her influence inspires me to mentor my juniors the same way.
"A nurse informaticist is still a nurse at heart, just one who uses technology to improve patient care. We work closely with nurses and IT teams to design digital tools that make work easier and safer. My job is to translate real nursing needs into system features and support nurses in using them confidently. I am also part of the team as an Epic Analyst – we configure the new Epic Electronic Health Record system that will be used across Singapore’s public healthcare organisations."
If you join the research/informatics/innovation track, this is your typical day-to-day:
- Conduct studies and use technology and informatics to advance clinical care and improve healthcare outcomes.
Nurul Huda Ahmad
Lecturer (Nursing- High Dependency)
Nanyang Polytechnic
Diploma in Nursing, Class of 2010
Advanced Diploma in Nursing (Critical Care), Class of 2016
Education Track
"After graduating from NYP, I began my nursing career at Changi General Hospital's High Dependency Unit, pursued my degree with SIT–University of Manchester, and then worked at Singapore General Hospital's Intensive Care Unit. These experiences strengthened my clinical judgement, resilience, and ability to care for patients in highly complex and critical situations – reinforcing my commitment to nursing as a lifelong profession.
"Returning to NYP felt like coming home. Even during my student days, I enjoyed helping classmates learn and grow. Nursing was always my calling, and teaching allows me to pass on not just skills, but values and purpose. Coming back to NYP was my way of giving back to the institution that shaped who I am today and inspired me to pursue a meaningful career in healthcare and education.
"Seeing patients recover, supporting families, and mentoring the next generation of nurses give my work deep meaning. Teaching also keeps me inspired, as I get to shape future nurses who will one day make a difference in our healthcare system."
If you join the education track, this is your typical day-to-day:
- Teach and develop current and future nurses through instruction, training, mentorship, and patient education.