Subjects Required for Nursing: Requirements to Study Nursing in South Africa

Nursing as a profession is regulated in South Africa just like in most countries the world over

South Africa has three categories of Nurses which are:

  • Registered Nurses or Nursing Sisters

Who are responsible for the supervision of enrolled and enrolled auxiliary nurses and perform other nursing responsibilities just like their counterparts  in other countries.

  • Enrolled Nurses

They perform functions within their scope of practice which is limited in nature and are supervised by registered nurses.

  • Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries

This categories of nurses perform basic ward procedures usually non technical ones like bed bathing a patient.

 

What are the Subjects Required for Nursing or Requirements to Study Nursing in South Africa?

You can take any of the following routes to become a nurse so requirements differs as per the route chosen:

  • a four-year bachelor degree in nursing
  • a three-year diploma
  • a one-year higher certificate in auxiliary nursing
  • one-year postgraduate advanced diploma in nursing and midwifery on top of your degree or diploma.

 

Bachelor Degree in Nursing Sciences (BCur)

The bachelor degree in nursing is generally a four-year-long course

Entry Requirements:

Entry requirements include: 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 the following grades:

  • English (50-59%)
  • First additional or home language (50-59%)
  • Life Sciences (50-59%)
  • Maths Literacy (50-59%)
  • Life Orientation (50-59%)

Diploma in Nursing

Entry Requirements

You need to have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at exit level 3 or 4, depending on the institution applying to. The score has to be:

  • English (50-59%)
  • First additional or home language (50-59%)
  • Four other subjects (50-59%)
  • Life Orientation (50-59%)

 

Higher Certificate in Auxillary Nursing

Entry Requirements: You generally  need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at exit level 3 or 4, depending on the institution, to qualify to study this course which must have the following grades:

  • English (50-59%)
  • First additional or home language (50-59%)
  • Four other subjects (50-59%)
  • Life Orientation (50-59%)

Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Nursing

This course is designed to strengthen and deepen your knowledge in nursing and midwifery. During this course, you will specialise as a nurse or midwife (or accoucheur). This course is also only one year long and can only be completed after you have received a diploma or degree in nursing. Unlike the other courses, this course is mostly theoretical. This qualification will also be helpful if you wish to pursue a career in nursing management. This is the postgraduate course for an individual who has a diploma in nursing, will have to complete in order to work as a nursing sister in South African Hospitals.

Entry Requirements

In order to enroll in a course like this you have to have completed:

  • Bachelor in Nursing Sciences (or equivalent) or a degree and comprehensive diploma
  • Diplomas in nursing and midwifery
  • Advanced diploma in midwifery, staff nurse and advanced diploma

You also have to have some experience to apply to this course – excluding your community service year. You have to have two years of experience as a Professional Nurse and/or Midwife (including at least one year in the field of speciality within the last five years).

 

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