Diploma in Emergency Medical Care
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
School of Medicine2 years
Subject requirements
Maths 40%+English 40%+Physical Sciences 40%+Life Sciences 40%+
What you need in matric
You must have
- English
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
Also good to have
- A driver's licence
- Physical fitness
University requirements
Compare the APS and subject requirements for programmes that can lead to Paramedic. Universities use different APS scales, so check your marks against each university separately.
Diploma in Emergency Medical Care
DiplomaAPS 15
Ways to become a paramedic
The best way is first. If your marks are not enough for one way, try the next one down.
Higher certificateNQF 51 yearBest way
Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care (ECT)
To get in: About 25 APS or more. English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences. This is the entry-level qualification, at a university or a college of emergency care.
Universities and colleges of emergency care offer this one-year Higher Certificate. You do theory and real ambulance shifts. You register with the HPCSA as an Emergency Care Technician (ECT) and work on ambulances.
You can study further towards the degree.
Advertisement
DegreeNQF 84 years
Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care (BEMC)
To get in: About 30 APS or more. English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences. The top qualification. Needs higher marks.
Universities like CPUT, UJ, and Nelson Mandela offer the degree. You do a lot of clinical work. You register with the HPCSA as an Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP), the highest level, and can do advanced care.
If you don’t get in yet
Marks too low for the paramedic qualifications? You still have ways into emergency and health care.
Improve your Maths and Science
The paramedic courses need Maths, Physical Science, and Life Sciences. Upgrade these marks, then apply again.
Start in a related health job
You could start as a home-based carer or in a hospital support role, then study towards emergency care.
Consider nursing or other health careers
If emergency care does not work out, nursing and other health fields have more entry points.
How to sign up to work
You sign up with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
- You must register with the HPCSA (Professional Board for Emergency Care) to work as a paramedic.
- You register at your level: Emergency Care Technician (ECT) or Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP).
- You give a police clearance and stay registered by paying a yearly fee.
- The old short courses (BAA, AEA) were stopped in 2017. You now do a proper qualification.
Questions people ask
Related careers
Not sure yet? These jobs use some of the same school subjects and ways to study.
Health & social servicesNurse
Nurses care for people who are sick, hurt, or having a baby. They work in hospitals, clinics, and communities all over South Africa.
From R 22 000/mo · In demand
How to become a nurse
Health & social servicesDoctor
Doctors find out what is wrong with sick and hurt people and help them get better. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practice.
From R 40 000/mo · In demand
How to become a doctor
Advertisement