Want to kickstart your healthcare career? Your application letter could make or break your chances of getting into that auxiliary nurse training program. Let’s make sure yours stands out for all the right reasons!
So you’ve set your heart on becoming an auxiliary nurse? Smart choice! Nigeria’s healthcare sector needs dedicated professionals like you. But first things first—you need to get into a training program, and that means crafting an application letter that gets you noticed.
Your letter isn’t just paperwork; it’s your first impression. Think of it as your chance to shine on paper before anyone meets you face-to-face. In a stack of applications, yours needs to catch attention and show why you’re perfect for the program.
What Makes a Winning Application Letter?
The best application letters do several things at once:
- Show genuine passion for nursing and patient care
- Highlight relevant qualifications even if you don’t have formal experience
- Demonstrate your understanding of what auxiliary nursing involves
- Connect your personal values to the healthcare profession
- Communicate clearly and professionally (a key nursing skill!)
In Nigeria’s competitive healthcare training environment, your letter needs to tick all these boxes—and we’ll show you exactly how to do that.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Application Letter
1. Professional Header and Layout
First impressions matter! Start with a clean, professional format:
Your Full Name
Your Home Address
Your City, State
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Date (15th May 2025)
Recipient's Name (if known)
Recipient's Title
Institution Name
Institution Address
City, State
Pro tip: Use a professional email address ([email protected]), not something casual like “[email protected]” that could damage your chances immediately.
2. Start with the Right Salutation
The way you address your letter sets the tone:
- If you know the recipient’s name: “Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr. [Last Name],”
- If you don’t know the name: “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “Dear Admissions Officer,”
3. Write a Compelling Introduction
Your first paragraph should immediately state your purpose and capture interest:
Example:
I am writing to apply for admission into the Auxiliary Nurse Training Program at [Institution Name]. Having followed your institution’s contributions to healthcare education in Nigeria, I am eager to develop my skills under your guidance and join the next generation of compassionate care providers.
4. Showcase Your Educational Background
Next, highlight your academic qualifications relevant to nursing:
Example:
I completed my Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) at [School Name] in [Year], obtaining credits in Biology, Chemistry, English, and Mathematics. These subjects have provided me with a solid foundation in the sciences necessary for nursing practice.
5. Highlight Experience and Transferable Skills
Even without formal healthcare experience, you can showcase relevant skills:
Example:
During my six-month volunteer work at [Community Health Center/Church/School clinic], I assisted with patient registration, health education campaigns, and basic care activities. This experience strengthened my communication skills and deepened my commitment to serving others through healthcare.
No volunteering experience? No problem! Highlight transferable skills from other activities:
Example:
As the eldest of four siblings, I have developed strong caregiving abilities, patience, and attention to detail while helping care for my younger brothers and sisters. These qualities, combined with my ability to remain calm under pressure, will serve me well in a nursing environment.
6. Express Your Motivation and Career Goals
Explain why auxiliary nursing appeals to you and how it fits your long-term plans:
Example:
My passion for auxiliary nursing stems from witnessing the critical role nurses played when my grandmother was hospitalized last year. I was moved by their compassion and efficiency, and I aspire to provide the same level of care to patients in my community. Upon completing this training, I plan to serve in rural areas where healthcare workers are desperately needed.
7. Show Knowledge of the Institution
Research the training institution and mention specific aspects that attract you:
Example:
I am particularly drawn to [Institution Name] because of its excellent reputation for hands-on training and its focus on community health education. Your institution’s emphasis on both clinical skills and patient communication aligns perfectly with my learning goals.
8. Conclude with a Strong Closing Paragraph
End with appreciation and a call to action:
Example:
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining your esteemed program and contributing to Nigeria’s healthcare sector. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further and can be reached at [your phone number] or [your email].
9. Formal Closing
End properly:
- “Yours faithfully,” (if addressed to Sir/Madam)
- “Yours sincerely,” (if addressed to a specific person)
Follow with your signature and printed name.
Complete Sample Application Letter
Here’s a full example you can adapt:
Esther Oluwaseun Adebayo
12 Adeola Street
Surulere, Lagos
Phone: 08012345678
Email: [email protected]
15th May 2025
The Director of Nursing
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)
Idi-Araba, Lagos
Dear Sir/Madam,
Application for Auxiliary Nurse Training Program
I am writing to express my interest in the Auxiliary Nurse Training Program at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, as advertised on your official website. With a strong passion for healthcare and a desire to serve my community, I am eager to acquire the skills needed to excel as an auxiliary nurse.
I hold a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) from Community High School, Surulere, with credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry. These subjects have provided me with a solid foundation in sciences relevant to nursing. Additionally, I volunteered at a local clinic in 2024, where I assisted in patient registration, monitored vital signs, and supported nurses in maintaining a clean ward. This experience strengthened my empathy, teamwork, and ability to work under pressure.
I am particularly inspired by LUTH's reputation for training competent healthcare professionals who address Nigeria's pressing health challenges. I am committed to learning the practical skills and ethical standards required to support registered nurses and improve patient outcomes.
Enclosed are copies of my SSCE certificate, birth certificate, and curriculum vitae as required. I would be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed institution and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering my application.
Yours faithfully,
Esther Oluwaseun Adebayo
Reusable Template for Your Application
Copy, paste, and customize this template for your application:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient's Title]
[Institution Name]
[Institution Address]
[City, State]
Dear [Recipient's Name or Sir/Madam],
Application for Auxiliary Nurse Training Program
I am writing to apply for the Auxiliary Nurse Training Program at [Institution Name], as advertised on [source]. I am passionate about healthcare and eager to develop the skills needed to contribute to patient care as an auxiliary nurse.
I hold a [qualification, e.g., SSCE] from [school name] with [mention grades or subjects, e.g., credits in English, Biology, and Chemistry]. My [mention experience, e.g., volunteer work, caregiving, or internship] has equipped me with [list skills, e.g., empathy, teamwork, or attention to detail]. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in nursing.
I am drawn to [Institution Name] because of [mention a specific reason, e.g., its reputation, community impact, or training quality]. I am confident that this program will prepare me to support Nigeria's healthcare system effectively.
Please find attached [list documents, e.g., SSCE certificate, CV, or other requirements]. I appreciate your time and consideration and am available for an interview or further assessments.
Yours [faithfully/sincerely],
[Your Full Name]
Top Tips for Nigerian Applicants
1. Do Your Research
Find out specific requirements for each institution. Some require WAEC/NECO credits in specific subjects, while others might ask for additional qualifications.
2. Be Authentic
Show genuine passion—na your calling you dey follow. Don’t use copy-paste expressions everybody sabi. Talk true-true why you want this work.
3. Mind Your Language
Use formal, error-free English. No slang, abbreviations, or pidgin (except you’re applying to a hospital where they specifically value local language skills).
4. Follow Instructions Exactly
Submit all required documents—SSCE results, birth certificate, passport photographs as specified. No play for this one.
5. Know the Local Context
Mention awareness of Nigeria’s healthcare challenges like maternal mortality, malaria prevalence, or healthcare access in rural communities if relevant.
6. Keep It Concise
One page is enough. Quality over quantity, always.
7. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
Small typos fit cost you big opportunity. Ask someone with good English to review your letter.
8. Submit on Time
Late applications rarely make it through. Send yours early—early bird gets the worm!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️ Don’t:
- Send generic letters to multiple institutions without customization
- Use informal language or slang
- Exaggerate qualifications or experience
- Include irrelevant personal information
- Submit without proofreading
- Miss application deadlines
- Forget to sign your letter
- Omit required documents
FAQs About Writing An Auxiliary Nurse Application Letter
How long should my application letter be?
Ideally one page (300-400 words). Quality over quantity!
Should I handwrite or type my application?
Check the institution’s requirements. When not specified, typed letters look more professional, but ensure you sign by hand if submitting physically.
What documents should I attach with my letter?
Typically: SSCE certificate, birth certificate, passport photographs, and any other documents specified in the application guidelines.
Can I apply if I don’t have credits in science subjects?
Requirements vary by institution. Some may accept candidates with remedial courses or alternative qualifications, so check specific requirements.
How soon should I follow up after submitting my application?
Wait at least two weeks before making a polite inquiry about your application status.
Do I need prior healthcare experience to apply?
Not necessarily. Many programs accept candidates without prior experience but with the right educational qualifications and personal qualities.
Final Thoughts
Your application letter is your first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare. Put your best foot forward by showcasing your passion, relevant skills, and genuine desire to serve through nursing.
Good luck with your application! The journey to becoming an auxiliary nurse starts with this important letter, and now you have all the tools to make yours stand out.