Program Overview

Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care

The Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care is a undergraduate program offered by the Department of Emergency Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences.

General

• Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences
• Department: Department of Emergency Medical Care
• Programme Level: Undergraduate
• Programme Name: Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care
• Programme Code: F9E01Q
• Medium of Facilitation: Full-Time
• NQF Level: 5
• NQF Credits: 132
• SAQA:
• Application Start Date: 1 April 2025
• Application End Date: 31 October 2025
• Campus: Doornfontein
• Duration of Study: 1 Year

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to produce entry-level emergency care providers who are clinical assistants within the emergency medical care environment. This qualification provides an entry point into a career in emergency medical services, creating access and an opportunity for employment within the emergency services and related industries. The program develops the necessary foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to form the basis for further study in the field of prehospital emergency medical care and provides access to further study within the HEQSF. This program also aims to promote an understanding of the multi-disciplinary approach to effective, efficient patient care.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will practice primarily on ambulances within South Africa in rural and urban contexts that range from sophisticated emergency medical care facilities to remote primary health care settings.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum APS of 21
• English 4 (50%+)
• Mathematics 3 (40%+)
• Mathematical Literacy is not accepted
• Physical Sciences 3 (40%+)
• Life Sciences 4 (50%+)
• Additional subject 1 and 2 must be minimum 3 (40%+)
• An applicant with a Senior Certificate (Prior to 2009) must have at least a minimum of an E symbol on Higher Grade or a D symbol on Standard Grade pass for all of the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Biology or Physical Sciences.

Selection Process

Selection will be based on:

• Academic merit
• A structured personal interview
• A phobia evaluation
• Medical examination
• Physical fitness and swimming proficiency evaluation
• An English proficiency evaluation
• Previous appropriate experience (a recommendation)