11 Paramedic Courses in South Africa You Should Enrol for

A detailed list of paramedic courses and other emergency care programs available in South Africa for youth passionate about saving lives.

11 Paramedic Courses in South Africa You Should Enrol for

Passionate about saving lives? Do you want to study more about it and get a paramedic qualification?

Then you’re in luck as we have gathered some paramedic courses to help you kickstart your career as a paramedic in South Africa. 

View the courses below and apply for the best fit for your needs.

1. 6-month Paramedic Programs

An introduction course for paramedic studies that you can do from the comfort of your own home through Alison, a famous online learning platform with accredited courses.

Introduction to Paramedicine Studies – Alison

Requirements: None. Anyone can apply.

Fees: FREE of charge.

Career Opportunities: Paramedic 

2. Paramedic Courses at Unisa

Unfortunately, UNISA does not have any paramedic courses available in their institution. However, you can apply for the same course at the institutions given below.

These courses are great as after completion you can register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and become a paramedic! 

DIPLOMA IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE (D9E01Q) – UJ

Requirements: NSC with at least 26 APS with English level 4, mathematics, physical sciences, and life sciences level 4. 

Fees:  Unspecified. However, you can apply for NSFAS. 

Career Opportunities: Paramedic, or any other mid-level occupations within the emergency care profession.

Diploma in Emergency Medical Care (EMC)  – NetCare

Requirements: NSC with at least 24 APS with English level 4, mathematics, physical sciences, and life sciences level 3. 

Fees: R850 non-refundable application fee. Overall fees are totaled at R111 200. 

Career Opportunities: Paramedic.

Diploma in Emergency Medical Care – CPUT 

Requirements: NSC with 28 APS score with Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and English. Level 3 is needed for all those subjects.

Fees: Unspecified. However, you can apply for NSFAS.

Career: Paramedic.

3. ER 24 Paramedic Course

ER24, a private medical care provider operating nationwide with 59 bases has a stellar paramedic program with the Mediclinic Higher Education organization. Learn more about it below.

Diploma in Emergency Care – MediClinic Higher Education

Requirements: An NCV, Senior Certificate, or NSC with 23 APS score with Mathematics level 3, English & physical Sciences level 4, along with Life Sciences level 4. 

Fees:  R390 non-refundable registration fee. First year you’ll pay R100 429.78 and R99 066.15 for the second year. Bursaries are available for students unable to afford the fees. 

Career Opportunities: Paramedic 

4. Basic Ambulance Assistant Courses

If you are looking for entry-level emergency assistant courses then here are a few you can try your luck.

These programs will equip you with the basic knowledge about becoming an emergency care assistant. And what is expected from you as an assistant to higher-ranking emergency care providers.

HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE (F9E01Q) -UJ

Requirements: A senior certificate or NSC with 21 APS score with English level 5, mathematics and physical sciences level 3, and life sciences level 4. 

Fees: Unspecified. However, you can apply for NSFAS. 

Career Opportunities: entry-level roles in the emergency care profession.

Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care – MediClinic Higher Education

Requirements: An NCV, Senior Certificate, or NSC with 19 APs with mathematics level 3 or mathematical literacy level 6. Along with Life sciences or physical sciences level 3.

Fees: Unspecified but bursaries are available. Payment of non-bursary students will be made in 50% deposits for each semester.

Career Opportunities: Emergency Care Assistant

Fundamentals of Ambulance Care Assistant – Alison

Requirements: None. Anyone can apply.

Fees: FREE of charge.

Career Opportunities: Ambulance Care Assistant

Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care – CPUT

Requirements: NSC with 26 APS with Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical literacy level 6 or technical Math level 4. In addition to Life SciePhysical Sciencessciences level 3 and English level 3.

Fees: Unspecified. However, you can apply for NSFAS.

Career Opportunities: Emergency Care Assistant 

Emergency and Ambulance Care Assistant – Alison

Requirements: None. Anyone can apply.

Fees: FREE of charge.

Career Opportunities: Ambulance Care Assistant or healthcare professional in the emergency medical services (EMS) field.

Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care (EMC) – NetCare

Requirements: None. Anyone can apply.

Fees: R850 non-refundable application fee. Overall fees are totaled at R116 700.

Career Opportunities: Emergency Care Assistant.

Conclusion

Paramedics are the first point of contact in the health system. As such it is vital to pick the correct course that is accredited by the proper body. It can be frightening being on the field as each decision you make as a paramedic is a matter of life and death.

However, if you put your heart in the right place and have the right education, you’ll certainly succeed in being the best emergency care provider and saving South African lives.

All the best!