A program helps registered nurses specialise in surgical care. You'll learn how to provide safe and effective care before, during, and after surgery, covering areas like instrumentation, sterilisation, anaesthesia, and patient preparation. Clinical practice often takes place in operating theatres across public and private hospitals.

Many Students Choose This Program Because:

• High-demand speciality: perioperative nurses play a crucial role in surgical teams.
• Skill enhancement: You gain hands-on training in sterile techniques, surgical scrubbing, gowning, and gloving.
• Career progression: Opens doors to advanced roles like OT nurse specialist or clinical instructor.
  

Some Students Do Not Choose This Program Because:

• Entry requirements are strict—must have a nursing diploma, a valid practising certificate, and at least 2 years of clinical experience (plus perioperative exposure for some programs).
• Emotionally and physically demanding—invasive procedures and long shifts require resilience.
• Fast-paced environment—requires precision and calm under pressure.
  

Lifestyle During Study:

• Short, structured program—usually delivered over 6 months with a mix of lectures, tutorials, and clinical hands-on training.
• Intensive clinical placements—you’ll be placed in hospitals (like operating theatres at Sunway Medical Centre or KPJ hospitals) for real-life practice.
• Focused learning—daily routines revolve around surgical procedures and sterile workflows.
  

After Graduation:

• Entry-level positions like OT (Operating Theatre) Nurse, Surgical Assistant, Circulating Nurse, or Scrub Nurs
• Pathways for advancement: roles such as Perioperative Nurse Specialist, Nursing Manager, Clinical Instructor, or even lecturing and education.
• Room to grow: You may explore roles in management, higher education, or specialised surgical care.
  

What is Hard:

• High-stakes environment: every action affects patient safety.
• Technical proficiency required: mastering instruments and maintaining sterility is critical.
  

What is Easy:

• Clear structure: the course layout and objectives are well-defined.
• Supportive environment: you train under experienced nurses and in specialised clinical settings.
  

Fun Fact

“Perioperative nurses are the silent sentinels behind every successful surgery.”

This is for you if you like:

• Working behind the scenes in a surgical team
• Precise technical work
• A structured yet fast-paced environment
• Helping patients through critical procedures
• Hands-on healthcare roles

Career Opportunities:

• Operating Theatre (OT) Nurse
• Scrub or Circulating Nurse
• Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse
• OT Clinical Instructor
• Perioperative Nurse Specialist
• Nursing Manager
  

Relevant Certifications to Consider:

• Workplace or hospital-based sterile technique and OT safety training
• Advanced life support certifications (e.g., ACLS, BLS)
• Instructor or education certification for clinical training roles