How to Become a Nurse in South Africa – Qualifications, Courses and Applications.
Being a nurse plays a massive role within the healthcare industry in South Africa. Nurses provide care to patients and assist doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible health outcomes for communities.
Nursing can give you the opportunity to become a skilled professional within the healthcare industry. However, you will need to complete recognised training, education and register with SANC.
There are various nursing courses you can complete in South Africa.
This article will explain what qualifications are available, the requirements and application process to apply to an accredited institution.
What do Nurses do?
Nurses work within many different healthcare settings including:
Hospitals,
Clinics,
Community Health Centres,
Private Healthcare facilities,
Medicine.
Responsibilities may include:
Providing care for patients,
Administering medication,
Assist doctors with medical procedures,
Educate patients,
Keep patient records,
Support mothers, babies and families,
Provide healthcare to communities.
Depending on your qualification, category of registration, experience and work environment your responsibilities will vary.
Nursing Qualifications in South Africa
There are various nursing programmes accredited by the South African Nursing Council. The main nursing courses available for undergraduates include:
Higher Certificate in Nursing
This course usually takes one year to complete. This will provide you with the skills needed to qualify as an entry-level nurse and upon completing the required conditions you will qualify to register into the relevant category.
This may be suitable for those who meet the entry requirements.
Diploma in Nursing
This course takes three years to complete. This will provide you with training and theory to become a general nurse.
This course will train you in providing care, nursing, healthcare and practical work.
Bachelor of Nursing
This course takes 4 years to complete at university. This will provide you with more in depth knowledge to become a professional nurse. Upon completing this course you will qualify to become a professional nurse.
Check with the institution for more details about the qualification and entry requirements.
Nursing Entry Requirements
Entry requirements will vary depending on the institution and qualification, however you will usually need to have:
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or recognised equivalent,
Achieved the required results to meet the entry requirements,
The required subjects and minimum achievement level,
A certified copy of your ID or passport,
Academic records and any required documents.
Some institutions may require you to provide information regarding your medical fitness, extra assessments and other documents.
You should never assume that you will qualify to become a nurse due to meeting general university entry requirements. Always check what the specific requirements are for the course you wish to apply for.
How to Apply for Nursing Courses in South Africa
Follow these steps:
1. Determine what nursing qualification you want.
Choose whether you would like to apply for a Higher Certificate, Diploma or Bachelor of Nursing.
Take into consideration what results you achieved at school, what your career goals are and what the entry requirements are.
2. Find an Accredited Nursing Institution
Search for public Nursing Colleges, Universities or Private Nursing Education institutions offering the qualification you are interested in.
The South African Nursing Council has lists of accredited institutions offering approved nursing programmes.
View the official list here: https://www.sanc.co.za/education-institutions/
Ensure the institution and course you’re interested in are accredited. Some institutions may only be accredited for certain courses.
3. Check the Application Dates and Requirements
Check the official website or contact the admissions department.
Check what the application dates are, entry requirements, what documents are required and what the application fee is.
Application dates will vary depending on the institution.
4. Gather your Documents
Gather the documents required by the institution. This may include:
A certified copy of your ID or Passport,
Matric certificate or most recent results,
Academic records,
Proof of residency,
Completed application form,
Any other documents.
Ensure your documents are clear and properly certified.
5. Apply
Complete the official application form and submit it with the institution.
Some institutions allow online applications.
Keep your application reference.
6. Check Application Status
Regularly check your emails, SMS and application portal.
You may be contacted if you have been shortlisted for extra assessments, interviews and other entry requirements.
Meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee you will get into the course due to there being limited places.
Where Can I Find Accredited Nursing Colleges and Universities?
The South African Nursing Council website will show you what institutions offer approved nursing qualifications.
Start here:
South African Nursing Council (SANC)
https://www.sanc.co.za/
Accredited Nursing Education Institutions
https://www.sanc.co.za/education-institutions/
Education and Training Information
https://www.sanc.co.za/education-and-training/
This will show you what nursing education, qualifications and accredited institutions there are.
Important – Beware of Fake Nursing Colleges
Be careful when applying to private nursing schools.
The SANC warn applicants that some institutions advertise nursing programmes that aren’t accredited. If you complete training at an unaccredited institution or programme your training may not be recognised to qualify as a nurse.
Before paying any application or registration fees:
Ensure the institution is listed on the SANC accredited list,
Ensure your course is accredited,
Contact the official contact details to confirm the application details,
Avoid anyone promising you guaranteed entry or jobs for a fee,
Be wary of advertisements offering guaranteed entry into nursing programmes through pre-nursing courses.
Read the SANC warning here:
https://www.sanc.co.za/bogus-institutions/
Do you need to Register with SANC?
Yes. Once you have completed an approved nursing qualification you will also need to register with SANC.
All nursing practitioners must register with the South African Nursing Council within the right category.
View more information on registering officially here:
https://www.gov.za/services/services-residents/world-work/professional-registration/register-professional-nurse
Final Thoughts
To become a nurse in South Africa you will need to be committed and complete the necessary education and training. Make sure you understand what the entry requirements are for whichever course you choose (Higher Certificate, Diploma or Bachelor). Most importantly ensure the institution and course you wish to apply to are accredited by the South African Nursing Council. This will ensure you don’t accidentally apply to training programmes that won’t be recognised and will give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your future within the healthcare industry.
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