How To Become A Nurse In South Africa
Are you wondering how to become a nurse in South Africa? Read this handy guide to see
The 6 steps to becoming a nurse
Explore the top places to study nursing
Get advice from our expert nurse practitioner
Once you have completed your studies and community service, start working immediately with the A24Group nursing agencies
Advice from Sister Rene Passenz, A24Group Clinical Nursing Facilitator
“Ever since I was a young girl, I knew I wanted to be a nurse. Personally, being a nurse is the greatest career anyone can pursue. The vast knowledge and experience I have acquired in the medical field over the years are something to be proud of, being a part of a community and doing valuable work for the greater good is fulfilling. During COVID-19 I realised that nurses are essential for daily life. Being diagnosed with the corona virus myself put me in the position of a patient but I was still determined to help others. I’ve lost many friends in the industry during that period, and it made me realise that loving your loved ones and having a fulfilling career is the only thing that matters”.
6 Steps to Become a Nurse
Nursing is a calling, not just a job. It's an opportunity to improve people's lives and aid in their healing. Nursing is the ideal career for you if you have a strong desire to help people and are prepared to put in the necessary effort. Here is a summary of 6 steps to become a nurse in South Africa:
Qualify for the entrance requirements. In South Africa, different institutions have different entry standards for nursing professionals. The National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 4 (50%) in each of the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Life Science, and Home Language, is commonly required. Additionally, you might need to take several subjects in higher grade.
Submit a nursing program application. In South Africa, numerous nursing programs are provided by various institutions. You can apply to the program of your choosing once you have fulfilled the minimal entrance requirements. See a list of accredited nursing collages below.
Complete your nursing program. Depending on the degree of qualification you're pursuing, the length of the nursing program will vary. Program lengths for the Higher Certificate in Nursing (HCN), Diploma in Nursing (DipN), and Bachelor of Nursing (BN) are one year, three years, and four years respectively.
Pass your final tests. You must pass the capstone tests at the conclusion of the nursing program to be certified.
Become a member of the South African Nursing Council (SANC). To practice as a nurse in South Africa after receiving your nursing certification, you must register with the SANC.
Complete the necessary CPD criteria. To keep their registration with the SANC, nurses in South Africa must complete a set amount of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours for Nurses and Midwives each year.
3 Levels of nursing qualifications in South Africa
Higher Certificate in Nursing (HCN): This is a one-year full-time course that qualifies you to work as a Nursing Auxiliary.
Diploma in Nursing (DipN): This is a three-year full-time course that qualifies you to work as a General Nurse.
Bachelor of Nursing (BN): This is a four-year full-time course that qualifies you to work as a Professional Nurse and Midwife.
Top ten nursing schools in South Africa
The lists of Accredited Nursing Education Institutions are published on the SANC website. It is imperative that learners make sure that the institution where they will be trained as a nurse or midwife is accredited by the South African Nursing Council and that the training programme (course) is also accredited by the Nursing Council. If either is not accredited, the Nursing Council will not recognise any of the training the learner has received.
Here are the top ten accredited nursing schools in South Africa:
It's crucial that you are in good health and physical shape because your job requires a lot of physical activity. Medical records may be required as proof by some organisations. There must be no criminal history for students. The institution often conducts background checks. Upon acceptance into a nursing degree, all prospective students are required to register with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
You must complete the essential criteria for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). To keep your registration with the SANC, nurses in South Africa must complete a set amount of CPD hours each year.
Ready to start working with us?
Once you have completed your studies, registered with SANC and have completed your community service, we have jobs available for you immediately. There are many exciting opportunities to work as an agency nurse, care worker, HCA, locum doctor or allied health professional with the A24Group. Register with us today and make a difference. It’s free to register, and you’ll gain access to shifts and jobs nationwide, as well as the great benefits of working with the A24Group, a powerhouse in nurse staffing.