How To Become A Nurse In South Africa
A nurse is someone who is trained to provide care for and promote the health of those who are sick, injured, bedridden or giving birth, and to assist doctors and other medical personnel to treat these patients.
Nurses can be found working in hospitals, emergency rooms, doctors’ practices, clinics, old age homes, mental health institutions, schools and health centers. You will also find nurses working in prisons, at companies, and residential homes, where they provide private care to patients.
Becoming a nurse in South Africa has some academic and training requirements. Every tertiary institution’s basic admission requirements vary, but in most cases a matric with exemption and subjects including mathematics, physical science and biology will be necessary for entry into nursing courses.
To be eligible for nursing jobs, you can opt to complete a four year, full time BCur undergraduate degree program at a recognised South African university. A BCur covers four essential disciplines within nursing, including general nursing in hospitals, private practices and clinics, midwifery, psychiatric nursing and community nursing that delivers healthcare and disease prevention solutions to communities. There are also post graduate options which you can take to further specialise in the nursing field.
Whilst you are studying a BCur, you will be required to do practical training at hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Alternatively, if you want to become a nurse, you can choose complete your qualifications for nursing at one of the nursing colleges in South Africa. Private and public nursing colleges typically offer a four year diploma course that will enable you to register as a nurse, and other training options such as a one year diploma, bridging and post-basic diplomas. These nursing courses will provide complete training on the essentials of nursing, including general, psychiatric, community nursing and midwifery.
The South African Nursing Council (SANC), that regulates nursing and midwifery professions in South Africa, provides a full list of accredited tertiary institutions and colleges and recognised nurses’ qualifications.
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Did you know : International Scholarships 2024
There are several international scholarships available for South Africans to study abroad. Here are a few examples:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program: This program provides fully funded scholarships to study at selected universities in Africa, Europe, and North America. It is open to African students, including South Africans, who are committed to giving back to their communities.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships for postgraduate study in the UK for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including South Africa. The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: The Fulbright program offers scholarships for South Africans to study at U.S. universities for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance.
- Erasmus+ Programme: The Erasmus+ programme offers scholarships for South Africans to study in Europe for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
- Australia Awards Scholarships: The Australian government offers scholarships for South Africans to study at Australian universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
These are just a few examples of the many international scholarships available to South Africans. It is important to research the eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each scholarship program.