How To Become A Nurse In South Africa

To become a certified nurse, you have to go through two steps: you must get a qualification from an accredited school and then register with SANC.

Private nursing colleges in South Africa and public institutions provide the same degrees and diplomas. To complete your qualification, simply pick a school that suits your needs.

How many years does it take to become a nurse in South Africa?

Well, just keep in mind that it depends on the type of degree or diploma that you want to complete. The programs available for students who want to pursue a career in this field are:

Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing — One year

In this course, you will learn all the basics of giving care to people. After the one year course, you will be working under a registered nurse who has completed his/her degree or diploma qualification.

Bachelor Degree in Nursing Sciences — Four years

With this university degree, you will be able to work as a midwife, general, community, or psychiatry nurse. By the end of this degree, also, you will be equipped with the theoretical and practical components of the field. Public universities like the UCT (University of Cape Town) offer nursing courses in Cape Town as well as the University of the Western Cape, University of KwaZulu-Natal, North-West University, and so on.

Diploma in Nursing — Three years

With this qualification, you will be equipped to work as an enrolled nurse or staff nurse. The significant difference between this course and the bachelor’s degree is the duration, and so, you should anticipate less detailed information. The diploma in nursing qualification can be found in Vaal University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, and other universities of technology.

Post-graduate Advanced Diploma in Nursing — One year

After completing your diploma and degree, you will be required to go for an advanced degree programme if you desire a career in nursing management. To apply for this advanced diploma programme, you must have had a bachelor’s degree or diploma in nursing. You also need, at least, two years of experience as a midwife or nurse.

What subjects are needed to become a nurse in South Africa?

For diploma and degree courses, the primary subject requirements to study nursing in South Africa include the following:

Mathematics;

English;

Life Science;

Life Orientation;

First or home language.

Various programmes for training of nurses:

* The bachelor’s degree in nursing is generally a four-year course that are offered by most public universities in South Africa: UJ, Wits, Stellenbosch (only post-graduate), UP, UWC, NWU, UKZN, Unisa etc. The degree consists of both a compulsory practical-clinical training component and a theoretical component.

* Colleges (government) offer a four-year integrated diploma. In other words, when you complete your training you also have the following qualifications: General Nursing, Childbirth, Psychiatry, and Community Nursing.

General theoretical subjects that are studied:

  • Nursing history and ethics
  • Basic nursing
  • Elementary nutrition
  • First aid
  • Elementary anatomy and physiology
  • Introduction to comprehensive healthcare
  • General nursing
  • Nursing of elderly
  • Nursing of mentally disable people
  • Community nursing
  • Psychiatric nursing

*   NEIs / Nursing Schools offer different programmes, depending on what they are approved for.

  • R2 176: Certificate course – Enrolled Nursing Aid (ENA)
  • R2 175: Certificate course – Enrolled Nursing (EN)
  • R683: Diploma – Bridging to Professional Registered Nurse (PRN)
  • Some of them also offer the four-year diploma.

After completing their studies, new nurses must first complete a community service year before they can officially join the working force. New nurses must apply for placement during their compulsory community service year. During this year they will receive all the necessary training in clinics and hospitals. The application form is available on the SANC website.

What colleges offer nursing in South Africa?

The South African Nursing Council (SANC) is in charge of approving the courses and institutions in the country. That should be your first stop if you want to find out about nursing colleges in South Africa application forms. The SANC will not register any student with a qualification from an institution that is not recognised.

The nursing universities and colleges in South Africa include;

Universities Offering Nursing In South Africa

Nursing at (UP) University of Pretoria

Nursing at (UWC) University of Western Cape

Nursing at (WITS) University of the Witwatersrand

Nursing at (CPUT) Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Nursing at (NWU) North-West University

Nursing at (DUT) Durban University of Technology

Nursing at (NMMU) Nelson Mandela University

Nursing at (SMU) Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Nursing at ( TUT) Tshwane University of Technology

Nursing at (UCT) University of Cape Town

Nursing at (UFH) University of Fort Hare

Nursing at (US) Stellenbosch University

Nursing at (UJ) University of Johannesburg

Nursing at (UNISA) University of South Africa

Nursing at (Unizulu) University of Zululand

Nursing at ( WSU ) Walter Sisulu University

Nursing at (UKZN) University Kwazulu-Natal

Nursing at (UFS) University of Free State

Nursing at (VUT) Vaal University of Technology

Nursing at (UL) University of Limpopo

Colleges Offering Nursing In South Africa

ABH Nursing School

Academy of nursing Education and Healthcare Training

Arwyp Medical Centre- Kempton Park

Bloemfontein Mediclinic Learning Centre- Free State

Cape Region Mediclinic Learning Centre- Western Cape

Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School – Durban Campus

Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School – Eshowe Campus

Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School – Stanger Campus

Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School -Mthatha Campus

Clinix Health Medical Centre

Emmanuel Nursing School

Future Nurses Nursing School

Gem Auxilary Nursing School

Gold Fields Nursing College

Healthnicon Nursing College- Vaal Campus

Healthnicon Nursing College- Western Cape Campus

Healthnicon Pretoria Campus

Helderberg Training Centre

Hospice Association of Wits Nursing School

Ithemba Nursing Academy

Letjhabile Libalele Nursing School-Gauteng

Letjhabile LibaleleI Nursing School-Kroonstad Campus

Life College of Learning – Cape Town Learning Centre

Life College of Learning – East London Learning Centre

Life College of Learning – East Rand Learning Centre

Life College of Learning – KZN Learning Centre

Life College of Learning – Pretoria Learning Centre

Life College of Learning – West Rand Learning Centre

Life College of Learning- Port Elizabeth Learning Centre

Limpopo Mediclinic Learning Centre- Polokwane

Ludumo Nursing School

Lunghile Nursing College

Michaelmas College-Ixopo Campus

Michaelmas College-Kuilsriver Campus

Michaelmas College-Pietermaritzburg Campus

Michaelmas College- Durban Campus

Nelspruit Mediclinic Learning Centre- Mpumalanga

Netcare Education- Eastern Cape Campus, Port Elizabeth

Netcare Education- Gauteng North East Campus, PTA

Netcare Education- Gauteng South West Campus ,JHB

Netcare Education- Kwazulu-Natal Campus, Durban

Netcare Education- Western Cape Campus, Bellville

Nicole Nursing School

Northern Cape Mediclinic Learning Centre- Kimberly

Northern Region Mediclinic Learning Centre-Gauteng

Occupational Care of South Africa

Ring-Mash Nursing

St Ambrose Nursing School

Thuto Bophelo Nursing School

Tshwane Regional Mediclinic Learning Centre- Pretoria

Ukwazi Nursing School- Roodepoort Campus

Ukwazi Nursing School- Potchefstroom Campus

Vuka Ukhanye Nursing School

EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

Lilitha College of Nursing (Main Campus)

All Saints Hospital Nursing School

Andries Vosloo Hospital School Of Nursing

Butterworth Hospital School Of Nursing

Dora Nginza Hospital School Of Nursing

Dr Malizo Mpehle Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing

Elizabeth Donkin Hospital School Of Nursing

FREE STATE PROVINCE

University of Free State
Free State School of Nursing –Eastern Campus

Free State School of Nursing -Southern Campus

Free State School of Nursing –Northern Campus
Boitumelo Hospital School Of Nursing

Bongani Regional Hospital School Of Nursing

Dihlabeng Regional Hospital School Of Nursing

Dr J S Moroka Community Hospital School Of Nursing

Metsimaholo District Hospital School Of Nursing

Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Region Hospital School Of Nursing

National Universitas Hospital School Of Nursing

Military Hospital (SAMHS) Nursing School

Pelonomi Hospital School Of Nursing

Ann Latsky Nursing College

Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College

Ga-Rankuwa Nursing College

S G Lourens Nursing College

SAMHS Nursing College

KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE

KwaZulu -Natal College of Nursing

Siloam Hospital Nursing College

St Rita’s Hospital Nursing College

Tshilidzini Hospital Nursing College

Voortrekker Hospital Nursing College

Warmbath Hospital Nursing College

Mpumalanga College of Nursing

Barberton Hospital Nursing School

Bethal Hospital Nursing School

Embhuleni Hospital Nursing School

Ermelo Hospital Nursing School

Evander Hospital Nursing School

Lydenburg Hospital Nursing School

Mapulaneng Hospital Nursing School

Middleburg Hospital Nursing School

Philadelphia Hospital Nursing School

Piet Retief Hospital Nursing School

Rob Ferreira Hospital Nursing School

Sabie Hospital Nursing School

Shongwe Hospital Nursing School

Standerton Hospital Nursing School

Themba Hospital Nursing School

Tintswalo Hospital Nursing School

Witbank Hospital Nursing School

Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College

NORTH WEST PROVINCE

UNIVERSITIES

North West University (Mafikeng)

North West University (Potchefstroom)

Excelsius Nursing College

Mmabatho Nursing College

NURSING SCHOOLS

Moses Kotane Nursing School

Taung Community Hospital

Thusong Hospital Nursing School

Witrand Hospital Nursing School

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

University of Cape Town

University of Stellenbosch

University of the Western Cape

Western Cape College of Nursing

Boland Overberg – Worcester

South Cape Karoo Campus – George

Beaufort West Hospital Nursing School

George Hospital Nursing School

Groote Schuur Hospital Nursing School

Tygerberg Academic Hospital Nursing School

Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre

Worcester Nursing School

What subjects are needed to become a nurse in South Africa?

Entry Requirements:It is recommended that you take Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences, but this is not compulsory at all institutions. You will need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at exit level 4, with: English (50-59%)

How many years does it take to study nursing in South Africa?

An undergraduate degree can be completed within four to five years. Nurses with an undergraduate degree in nursing sciences can gain a Masters degree in psychiatric nursing, general nursing and midwifery.

Can a foreigner study nursing in South Africa?

International students are required to obtain Limited Registration with the South African Nursing Council before you are permitted to commence with any practical requirements. The Department of Nursing Education will facilitate the process with the South African Nursing Council on completion of registration.

What are the educational requirements for a nurse?

An aspiring RN can earn a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) in four years at a college or university. If you’re already an RN, you can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program which is geared specifically for RNs who have an associate’s degree or nursing diploma. This path usually takes about two to three years.

How much do South African nurses earn?

The average salary for a Registered Nurse is R 18 874 per month in South Africa.