How to Become A Nurse In South Africa

A nurse is a caregiver for patients and helps to manage physical needs, prevent illness, and treat health conditions. To do this, they need to observe and monitor the patient, recording any relevant information to aid in treatment decision-making.

What is the easiest nurse to become?

The easiest role you can have as a nurse is that of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN). LPNs and LVNs work under registered nurses (RNs), providing basic nursing care.

What is the lowest nursing degree?

How to become one: There are two levels of nursing degrees that can lead to a career as an RN: earning an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN program can be completed in as few as 18 months

Can you be a nurse without a degree?

While nursing is a practical, hands-on profession, it also requires special technical competences and clinical analysis skills that will potentially save people’s lives. You cannot become a nurse without any academic qualifications.

Once you complete your education, you’ll need to take an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and nursing skills. Nurses also need to be licensed to practice, and exams are the prerequisite to licensing

Nursing Position

Education, Exams, Licenses Required


Certified nursing assistant (CNA)

Pass a state competency exam; earn a state license


Licensed practical nurse (LPN)

Complete a state-approved certificate program; pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), earn a state license


Registered nurse (RN)

Complete a nursing diploma, ADN, or BSN; pass the NCLEX-RN; earn a state license


Nurse practitioner (NP)

Complete an MSN; pass the NCLEX-RN and a national certification exam administered by a professional organization such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center, or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners; earn a state license


Nurse midwife (CNM)

Complete an MSN; pass the NCLEX-RN and pass the national certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) if required for licensure in your state; earn a state license


Nurse anesthetist (CNA)

Complete an MSN, but DNP if matriculating after 1/1/2022; pass the NCLEX-RN and the certification exam administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists; earn a state license

Below are steps to Become A Nurse In South Africa

Choose a Nursing Path

Nursing can take you in many directions, from starting out as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or staff nurse to working your way up to nurse administrator.

When choosing your career path, think about the type of work environment you prefer. For example, RNs can be found in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other medical settings, but certified nursing assistants often work in nursing homes. What type of setting will inspire you most?

You should also consider what role you want to play. If you want to support medical staff as part of a team, a CNA or LPN/LVN could suit you well. If you want to manage other nurses and assistants or oversee systems, a career as an RN or advanced practice nurse is likely a good fit.

Earn a Degree

The career path you’re interested in pursuing will typically dictate the type of nursing degree you’ll need. Nursing programs include classroom instruction as well as clinical experience.

Clinical training will allow you to gain hands-on knowledge, ask questions in real-life scenarios, and connect with nurses. The experience will also give you the chance to observe how a medical facility runs.

Get Licensed

Once you complete your education, you’ll need to take an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and nursing skills. Nurses also need to be licensed to practice, and exams are the prerequisite to licensing.

Become a Lifelong Learner

With new technologies and treatments, the healthcare industry is constantly evolving. Working on the front lines of healthcare requires nurses to stay informed and educated so they can remain effective as their responsibilities change. Nurses who pursue their careers from the perspective of lifelong learners can take advantage of new opportunities and roles as they arise. 

Take continuing education courses: Nurses are required to complete continuing education courses, usually every two years. Check with your state nursing board for requirements.

Get certified: If you decide to specialize in a certain area of nursing, consider earning professional certification. This cements your commitment to the field and demonstrates your skill set to employers.

Earn an advanced degree: Earning a master’s degree will qualify you for a career as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, and certified nurse anesthetist.

Where To Study Nursing In South Africa

Gauteng

University of Witwatersrand

University of Pretoria

Tshwane University of Technology

Vaal University of Technology

Life College of Learning

Cape Town

University of Cape Town

University of the Western Cape

Stellenbosch University

What are the requirements to study nursing In South Africa?

To qualify as a nurse, there are four options for you to pursue:

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.

How much does it cost to study nursing in South Africa?

Basic Diplomas:

Diploma in Nursing (General. Community, Psychiatry) and Midwifery: Four Years: R425. Diploma in General Nursing Science (bridging Course): Two Years: R683. Diploma in One Year Midwifery: One Year: R254.

Can I become a nurse without matric In South Africa?

Studying nursing without matric is very difficult. If you wish to study at a university it requires matric but, if you take a health course through a TVET college it will equipped with the skills to do nursing. This however requires Grade 9.

Where can I study nursing in South Africa?

Netcare Education, a division of the Netcare Group, is regarded as one of South Africa’s leading private education and training institutions of healthcare professionals, both in nursing and ancillary health care and emergency medical services.

How much does a nurse earn per month in South Africa?

The average salary for a Nurse in SA is R 341 620 gross per year (R 28 470 gross per month), which is 21% higher than the South Africa’s national average salary. Salary Range: a Nurse can expect an average starting basic salary of R 144 200. The highest salaries can exceed R 583 500 (excluding benefits and allowances).

Can you be a nurse without math’sIn South Africa?

“Many great nurses entered the profession before a qualification in math’s was essential and now find themselves unable to progress their careers because of that,” she said. The course is open to nurses who do not already have a math’s qualification such as a GSCE, O-level or Functional Skills Level 2.

How do you become a nurse if you have no qualifications?

There is no requirement for A-levels to pursue a career in nursing. If you have GCSEs at grade C or above and decide to go to university you can simply take the Access to HE Diploma route, which will allow you to go to university.

How many years do you study for nursing In South Africa?

4-year

Nursing is a 4-year full time course. During your studies you’ll gain an integrated learning and work experience at hospitals and various clinical facilities. Where can I study nursing in the Western Cape?

How much do nursing assistants earn in South Africa?

R114,432 (ZAR)/yr.

Do student nurses get paid in South Africa?

The total bursary per year of study is R30 000 for the enrolled programme and R36 000 for the 4-year diploma course. This indicates that the student nurses in the enrolled programme receive a monthly stipend of R2500 and the 4-year diploma student nurses an amount of R3000 without additional benefits.

Is a nurse a professional In South Africa?

Our code is the foundation of good nursing and midwifery practice, and is a key tool in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the public.”

Can I study nursing without maths and science in South Africa?

Requirements in order to study nursing in South Africa

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%)