What are the entry requirements for paramedics?

Matric with English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences, plus the APS the university asks for. You must also be fit and have a driver's licence.

What subjects are needed for paramedics?

English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. Maths Literacy is usually not enough for these courses.

Can I become a paramedic with Maths Literacy?

Usually not. The Emergency Medical Care courses want pure Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. Check the university.

How old must I be to become a paramedic?

You can start after matric. Some courses and jobs want you to be a bit older and to have a driver's licence.

Emergency medical care requirements: subjects, APS and how to qualify

What you need in matric

You must have

English
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences

Also good to have

A driver's licence
Physical fitness

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.

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.