KMTC Encourages Applicants to Explore Higher Diploma, Upgrading and Short Courses
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has urged students who were not placed in the September 2025 intake to explore alternative learning opportunities available at the institution.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, August 5, the college invited interested candidates to apply for Higher Diplomas, Upgrading Diplomas, and a variety of Short Courses still open for enrollment. The move is aimed at ensuring no aspiring health professional is left behind due to limited slots in the regular intake.
“If you haven’t secured a slot for the September 2025 intake, consider applying for our higher diploma, upgrading diploma, or short courses,” the notice read.
Alternative Programmes Available at KMTC
KMTC is offering three major types of programmes that applicants can apply for directly through its official website, bypassing the KUCCPS system:
- Higher Diploma Programmes
- Upgrading Diploma Programmes
- Short Medical and Health Courses
Unlike certificate and diploma programmes that are handled via the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), these courses can be accessed directly via the KMTC online application portal.
How to Apply
To apply for these KMTC courses, applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official KMTC application portal https://admissions.kmtc.ac.ke
- First-time users must register an account with a valid email and phone number.
- Once registered, log in and browse available programmes by category (Higher Diploma, Upgrading Diploma, or Short Courses).
- Select your preferred course and campus.
- Upload necessary documents and submit your application online.
The portal also provides course descriptions, eligibility requirements, and intake details.
Popular Short Courses Offered at KMTC
KMTC has expanded its offering of short, skill-based medical courses aimed at both new entrants and practicing professionals who wish to upskill.
Some of the popular short courses currently available include:
- Health Care Assistant
- Safe Phlebotomy
- Sign Language for Health Workers
- HIV Testing Services
- Echocardiography
- Infection Prevention for Health Professionals
- Monitoring and Evaluation (Part-Time)
- Integrated Basic Life Support / First Aid
- Adherence Counselling
- Point of Care Ultrasound for Midwives
- Community Health Extension Work
These courses are ideal for individuals seeking certifications in high-demand health service areas and are often short in duration, ranging from a few days to several months.
Higher Diploma Courses for In-Service Professionals
For practicing health workers with diplomas looking to specialize or advance their careers, KMTC offers a wide selection of Higher Diploma programs, including:
- Physiotherapy (Orthopaedic Manual Therapy)
- Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation)
- Medical Engineering (Therapeutic Equipment)
- Kenya Registered Nurse Anaesthesia
- Critical Care Nursing
- Psychiatric Nursing
These programmes are tailored for in-service applicants and offer specialized training in various clinical and technical areas.
Notably, in 2022, the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) recognized the KMTC Higher National Diploma as equivalent to a university degree, giving it greater academic and professional weight in both public and private sector recruitment.
Upgrading Diploma Options
For individuals who already hold a certificate in a medical field, KMTC is also offering Upgrading Diploma Courses. These allow students to advance their knowledge and qualify for higher positions in healthcare delivery.
Courses under this category include:
- Mortuary Science
- Emergency Medical Training
- Community Health
- Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Community Health Nursing (Distance Learning)
- Public Health
These are structured to be flexible and relevant for working professionals, often using blended learning models such as distance and part-time learning.
Why Consider These Alternative Courses?
KMTC’s alternate courses are crucial for:
- Applicants who were not placed in the September intake via KUCCPS
- Professionals seeking to upgrade their qualifications without full-time class commitments
- Youths seeking fast-track career entry into the health sector through short certification programmes
- Individuals exploring specialized health areas not covered in standard diploma training
These courses also help meet the rising demand for skilled healthcare workers in both Kenya and the East African region.
KMTC’s Strategic Role in Healthcare Training
With over 65 campuses nationwide, KMTC plays a central role in producing Kenya’s frontline health workforce. The college works closely with the Ministry of Health to align its training programmes with the national health strategy and current health sector needs.
Each year, the institution receives tens of thousands of applicants, but capacity limitations mean many miss out on the highly competitive KUCCPS diploma and certificate slots. These alternate programmes ensure more people get a chance to join or grow in the healthcare sector.
Conclusion
If you missed the KMTC September 2025 intake, you still have a chance to begin or advance your health career. Whether you’re seeking a higher diploma, an upgrading course, or a short certification, KMTC provides flexible, quality options tailored to your stage and goals.
Visit the KMTC application portal today to explore available courses and secure your place in one of Kenya’s most respected health training institutions.