Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine
This programme prepares students for careers as clinical officers, equipping them with expertise to diagnose, treat, and manage patients across Kenya's health facilities. The programme offers two pathways: direct entry for KCSE graduates and upgrading for diploma-level
clinical officers. Students develop expertise in clinical medicine, patient care, and community health. The programme builds skills in human anatomy, gross anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, clinical pharmacology, essential medicines, Kenya Essential Medicines
List, KEML, medicine, internal medicine, cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, nephrology, endocrinology, neurology, dermatology, infectious diseases, HIV, TB, malaria, surgery, general surgery, trauma, orthopaedics, urology, ENT, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynaecology, antenatal care, normal delivery, postnatal care, family planning, reproductive
health, paediatrics, neonatal care, child health, immunisation, IMCI, Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, psychiatry, mental health, substance abuse, community health, primary healthcare, epidemiology, public health, preventive medicine, health promotion, emergency medicine, trauma care, triage, resuscitation, critical care,
ICU, clinical diagnostics, history taking, physical examination, laboratory interpretation, imaging, X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, clinical skills, minor surgical procedures, suturing, incision and drainage, wound care, fracture management, CPR, BLS, ACLS, patient management, treatment protocols, clinical guidelines, Kenya Clinical
Guidelines, referral, health systems, Kenyan health system, health policy, UHC, NHIF, SHA, professional practice, ethics, KMPDC, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, Clinical Officers Act, medical ethics, patient rights, informed consent, confidentiality, research methods, biostatistics, and research project.
- Duration
- 4 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 364,000
- Private, up to
- Ksh 274,300
- Job market
- High
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Attachment
- 12 months
- Average class
- 50 students
- Award
- Bachelor
What you study
10 subjects- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathology and Microbiology
- Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery and Minor Procedures
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics and Child Health
- Community Health and Public Health
- Emergency Medicine and Critical Care
- Clinical Research Methods
Modules
12 in the programmeHuman Anatomy and Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Gross anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, biochemistry, and supporting anatomy and physiology.
Pathology and Microbiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Pathology, microbiology, disease processes, inflammation, neoplasia, infection, and supporting pathology and microbiology.
Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Pharmacology, clinical pharmacology, essential medicines, KEML, Kenya Essential Medicines List, pharmacotherapy, and supporting pharmacology and pharmacotherapy.
Internal Medicine
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Internal medicine, cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, nephrology, endocrinology, neurology, dermatology, infectious diseases, HIV, TB, malaria, and supporting internal medicine.
Surgery and Minor Procedures
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
General surgery, trauma, orthopaedics, urology, ENT, ophthalmology, minor surgical procedures, suturing, wound care, fracture management, and supporting surgery.
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Obstetrics, antenatal care, normal delivery, postnatal care, gynaecology, family planning, reproductive health, and supporting obstetrics and gynaecology.
Paediatrics and Child Health
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Paediatrics, neonatal care, child health, immunisation, IMCI, Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, and supporting paediatrics.
Psychiatry and Mental Health
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Psychiatry, mental health, substance abuse, counselling, and supporting psychiatry and mental health.
Community Health and Public Health
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Community health, primary healthcare, epidemiology, public health, preventive medicine, health promotion, and supporting community and public health.
Emergency Medicine and Clinical Skills
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Emergency medicine, trauma care, triage, resuscitation, critical care, ICU, clinical diagnostics, history taking, physical examination, laboratory interpretation, imaging, ECG, CPR, BLS, ACLS, and ...
Professional Practice, Ethics and Health Systems
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Professional practice, ethics, KMPDC, Clinical Officers Act, medical ethics, patient rights, informed consent, confidentiality, Kenyan health system, health policy, UHC, NHIF, SHA, and supporting p...
Research Methods and Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Research methods, biostatistics, research ethics, clinical research, project, academic writing, and supporting research methods and project.
Specialisations
Surgery and Orthopaedics
Specialises in general surgery, trauma, orthopaedics, minor surgical procedures, and supporting surgical specialisation.
Internal Medicine and Cardiology
Focuses on internal medicine, cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, nephrology, endocrinology, and supporting internal medicine specialisation.
Paediatrics and Child Health
Concentrates on paediatrics, neonatal care, child health, IMCI, immunisation, and supporting paediatric specialisation.
Emergency and Critical Care
Concentrates on emergency medicine, trauma care, triage, resuscitation, critical care, ICU, and supporting emergency and critical care specialisation.
Obstetrics and Reproductive Health
Focuses on obstetrics, antenatal care, delivery, gynaecology, family planning, reproductive health, and supporting obstetric specialisation.
A day as a student
A typical day starts with morning ward rounds with consultants, followed by outpatient clinics, lectures, or clinical skills sessions. Students take patient histories, perform physical examinations, assist in minor procedures, interpret lab results, and participate in patient management discussions. Clinical rotations in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, and community health provide comprehensive practical experience.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Very high demand — Kenya's doctor shortage makes clinical officers essential for healthcare delivery.
- Direct patient care — clinical officers diagnose, treat, and manage patients independently.
- Career progression — clinical officers can specialise and progress to senior and consultant roles.
Against it
- High workload — clinical officers often manage large patient volumes with limited resources.
- Rural postings — many positions are in rural and remote areas with limited facilities.
- Night and weekend shifts — hospital work involves shift duties and on-call rotations.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 349 health sciences coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
KU Nursing proxy:275.4K. UoN Nursing:364K. Uzima:274.3K. MKU:237.2K
Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some county governments sponsor students in exchange for service commitments.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries
Scholarships
5 recordedMinistry of Health Kenya Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Healthcare workers sponsored by national or county governments
County Government Bursaries
SponsorshipKsh 300,000Kenyan
Some county governments sponsor students in exchange for service commitments after graduation.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
SponsorshipKsh 500,000
Academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students at partner universities.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
- Alternative entry
- Upgrading pathway: Diploma in Clinical Medicine from KMPDC-recognised institutions with minimum 2 years post-qualification experience.
Biology or Biological Sciences
B (plain)
Chemistry
B (plain)
Mathematics or Physics
C+ (plus)
English or Kiswahili
C+ (plus)
How you are assessed
5 componentsEnd of Semester Examinations
Exam35% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, and community health.
Clinical Practical Assessment
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of clinical skills, history taking, physical examination, minor procedures, and patient management during clinical rotations.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and presentations throughout the semester.
Final Clinical Medicine Research Project
Research5% of the mark
Final year clinical medicine research project, assessed through written report and oral presentation.
Clinical Rotation Assessment
Practicum10% of the mark
Assessment of clinical rotations in hospitals. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and OSCE/OSPE examinations.
Accreditation
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). KMPDC registers clinical officers under the Clinical Officers Act. The Health Act and Constitution 2010 right to health govern practice. Continuing professional development is required.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. KMPDC registers clinical officers under the Clinical Officers Act. The Health Act and Constitution 2010 right to health govern practice. Continuing professional development is required.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesClinical Specialist (Paediatrics, Surgery, etc.)
Medium demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 350,000
Specialises in specific clinical areas after postgraduate training, and supporting specialised clinical care.
Clinical Officer
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Diagnoses, treats, and manages patients in hospitals, health centres, and dispensaries.
Health Centre In-Charge / Facility Manager
High demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 280,000
Manages health centres, oversees operations, supervises staff, and supports facility management.
Public Health Officer / Community Health Coordinator
Medium demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 220,000
Coordinates community health, manages public health programmes, and supporting public health.
Emergency Care Officer / Critical Care Officer
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Provides emergency care, manages trauma, supports ICU, and supporting emergency and critical care.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as clinical officers in hospitals, health centres, and dispensaries. Clinical medicine is in very high demand driven by healthcare worker shortages and UHC. Starting salaries range from KES 80,000 to 150,000 per month, with experienced officers earning KES 150,000 to 300,000. County hospitals, national referral hospitals, health centres, the Ministry of Health, and NGOs offer the main opportunities.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Dental CeramistHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Occupational Therapist Assistant (Junior)Health Sciences3Low exposure
- PsychologyHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Dental ProsthetistHealth Sciences4Low exposure
- Dental Laboratory TechnicianHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- General DentistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Veterinary PathologistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Community Health NurseHealth Sciences6Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Stethoscope
Medical equipmentPrimary
Primary diagnostic tool.
KenyaEMR
Health is
Electronic medical records.
Surgical Instruments
Medical equipmentPrimary
Surgical tools and equipment.
Laparoscopic Equipment
Medical equipment
Minimally invasive surgery systems.
PACS
Imaging systemPrimary
Picture Archiving and Communication System.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Clinical officers are not real doctors.
Clinical officers are independently licensed medical practitioners who diagnose, treat, and manage patients. They are the backbone of healthcare in many Kenyan facilities.
Clinical medicine is a backup for those who miss medicine.
Clinical medicine is a distinct and respected profession with its own scope of practice, training, and career pathway.
Clinical officers only work in rural areas.
Clinical officers work in all health facilities from dispensaries to national referral hospitals, and can specialise in various fields.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.