Are you passionate about making a difference in healthcare? Becoming an Auxiliary Nurse is a fantastic way to start your journey. In South Africa, numerous institutions offer training to help you qualify, but finding the right place to study can be a challenge. Drawing from the experiences of Malebo Mokwena, a dedicated auxiliary nurse, this article explores tips and insights on where to study Auxiliary Nursing in South Africa.
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What to Look for in an Auxiliary Nursing School
Choosing the right institution to study Auxiliary Nursing is crucial. Malebo Mokwena, who has worked in various healthcare settings, emphasises that the first step is ensuring the school is accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC). “Before enrolling, visit the SANC website and check if the nursing school is listed. Accreditation guarantees your qualification will be recognised,” she says.
- Accreditation: Verify the institution’s accreditation status on the SANC website.
- Location: Choose a school close to home if possible to reduce travel and accommodation costs.
- Curriculum: Ensure the programme includes both theoretical and practical training to prepare you for real-life healthcare scenarios.
- Reputation: Research the school’s track record and read reviews from former students.
Top Institutions for Auxiliary Nursing in South Africa
Based on Malebo’s recommendations and experiences, here are some of the leading institutions where you can study Auxiliary Nursing:
1. Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd Private Higher Education Institution
Mediclinic’s Higher Certificate in Nursing is a one-year programme focusing on patient care and nursing support. With centres in Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Bryanston, and Pretoria, this institution combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience.
- Duration: 1 year
- Admission Requirements: Grade 12 with English level 4, Life Sciences or Physical Science level 3, and Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics level 4.
- Learn more: Visit their Mediclinic education page.
2. Netcare Education (Pty) Ltd Faculty of Nursing and Ancillary Healthcare
Netcare offers a Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing (HEQSF Aligned, NQF Level 5). Their programme is accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and is available at various campuses across the country.
- Locations: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Bellville (Cape Town), Durban
- Duration: 1 year
- Admission Requirements: Grade 12 with relevant subjects and an APS score determined by the institution.
- Learn more: Explore more details on their Netcare education page.
3. Life Healthcare College of Learning
With centres in Port Elizabeth, East London, East Rand, and West Rand, Life Healthcare’s one-year programme covers topics like nursing science, anatomy, and patient advocacy. The programme is hands-on, equipping students to handle real-life scenarios in clinical settings.
- Duration: 1 year
- Admission Requirements: Grade 12 with English and Life Sciences/Mathematics requirements.
- Learn more: More information can be found at Life Healthcare Learning Centre.
4. Hlengisizwe Nursing School (Pty) Ltd
Located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Hlengisizwe offers auxiliary nursing programmes and focuses on practical healthcare training. Though still in the accreditation process, the school has a growing reputation for quality education.
- Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Admission Requirements: Grade 12 certificate.
- Learn more: You can apply or find more details on their official website.
Final Tips from Malebo Mokwena
Malebo advises aspiring auxiliary nurses to focus on these essentials:
- Prepare Academically: “Make sure you have Maths, English, and Life Sciences. These subjects are non-negotiable.”
- Verify Accreditation: “Always double-check with the SANC to avoid scams.”
- Stay Committed: “Auxiliary nursing is hands-on and demanding but incredibly rewarding.”
- Embrace the Role: “Understand the scope of practice, as you’ll work closely with registered nurses to ensure the best care for patients.”
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right place to study Auxiliary Nursing in South Africa is an important step in your healthcare career. With institutions like Mediclinic, Netcare, Life Healthcare, and Hlengisizwe offering SANC-accredited programmes, you’re on the right track to making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Remember Malebo’s golden advice: always verify accreditation and stay focused on your goals!
