What Is Paramedics
A paramedic is a health care professional whose primary role is to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. Not all ambulance personnel are paramedics.
Entry Requirements To Study Paramedics In South Africa
To practice as a Paramedic at the highest level, you need to have either a Bachelor’s degree or a diploma in Emergency Care. Should you be interested in a less advanced qualification in the same field, you can look into becoming an ambulance emergency assistant or an emergency care technician, for example. A formal qualification from one of the abovementioned institutions can be obtained – here is a breakdown of the minimum requirements you will need:
University of Johannesburg
Diploma in Emergency Medical Care (2 years)
English 60%
Mathematics 50%
Physical Sciences 50%
Life Sciences 50%
Minimum APS score of 26
Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care (4 years)
English 60%
Mathematics 50%
Physical Sciences 50%
Life Sciences 50%
Minimum APS score of 26
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Diploma in Emergency Care
English 40%
Mathematics 40%
Life Sciences 40%
Physical Sciences 40%
Minimum APS score of 28
Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care
English 50%
Mathematics 50%
Life Sciences 50%
Physical Sciences 50%
Minimum APS score of 30
Durban University of Technology
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Emergency Medical Care
English (Home Language) OR English (First Additional) 50%
Mathematics 50%
Life Sciences AND/OR Physical Sciences 50%
Netcare Education
Diploma in Emergency Medical Care (2 years)
The requirements for learners with a Senior Certificate (with a University exemption or its equivalent) are as follows:
40% in Higher Grade Biology/Physiology, Physical Science and Mathematics OR
50% in Standard Grade Biology/Physiology, Physical Science and Mathematics
The requirements for learners with a National Senior Certificate are as follows:
Mathematics 40% OR Mathematical Literacy 70%
English 50%
Life Sciences 40%
Physical Sciences 40%
40% in the additional subject 1 and 2
Minimum APS score of 24 (excluding Life Orientation)
Nelson Mandela University
Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care
Minimum NSC (National Senior Certificate) requirements for degree entry are to be met.
Mathematics 50% OR Mathematical Literacy 65%
Life Sciences 60%
Physical Sciences 50%
What to expect
Here are a few things you can expect from a career as a Paramedic:
Emergencies can take place in a variety of environments, so a lot of travelling and time in the outdoors.
Outside of emergencies, writing reports and dealing with hospital admissions, discharges, and transfers.
On-the-spot patient care through life support techniques, surgical procedures, dressing wounds and implementing support for broken bones.
Daily checks on the emergency vehicle, ensuring that it is running smoothly and that the medical supplies are accounted for.
Quick decision making about whether hospital admission is necessary and if so, working closely with doctors and nurses in hospital accident and emergency departments and briefing them on the patient.
Schools Offering Paramedics In South Africa
Paramedic Schools in South Africa.
Critical Care Academy.
De Vries Ambulance Academy.
Bokone Bophirima Ambulance Training College.
COJEMS Training Academy.
Provincial Government of the Western Cape College of Emergency Care.
Mary Grace Ambulance Academy.
IET Fire Rescue and EMS Academy.
What do you need to study to become a paramedic in South Africa?
University education
A two-year Diploma in Emergency Medical Care is available. This qualification is also offered by accredited institutions and graduates will register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Paramedic. Med clinic offers the Diploma in Emergency Medical Care in Cape Town.
What requirements are needed to study paramedics in South Africa ?
These are:
Diploma in Emergency Medical Care. This will be a two-year course, or only one year if the ECO has been completed. Bachelor of health sciences- this is a four-year course provided at universities. It is level NQF8 and equips the paramedic with all the necessary skills to practice as advanced life support.
How much are paramedics paid in South Africa?
Find out what the average Paramedic salary is
The average Paramedic salary in South Africa is R 354 000 per year or R 182 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 252 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 2 030 112 per year.
What is the fastest way to become a paramedic in South Africa ?
To become an EMT quickly, candidates should complete CPR certification, take a six-month training course, and sit for the NREMT exam immediately after completing training
Is EMT higher than paramedic in South Africa ?
Becoming a paramedic is the highest level of prehospital care and requires much more advanced training than becoming an EMT. Paramedics also become trained and certified in advanced cardiac life support.
Is a paramedic like a doctor in South Africa ?
A paramedic is a medical professional who specializes in emergency treatment. They are not doctors, nurses, or physician’s assistants. The word paramedic is a combination of two terms. “Para” means next to, and “medic” means doctor.