In North West Province, there are several standard nursing colleges where one can obtain a nursing degree, diploma certificate, or higher certificate in auxiliary nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected of all health care professions. The medical profession focuses mainly on the care of individuals, families, and communities to help improve the quality of life by achieving or maintaining optimal health. Nursing is a fulfilling and rewarding career. Over the years, nurses have proved to be essential to all health care systems across the globe. As a result, there has been a high demand for them regularly.
In South Africa, nurses are categorized into three types, namely registered nurses or nursing sisters, enrolled nurses, and enrolled nursing auxiliaries. While the enrolled nurses carry out limited nursing care, the auxiliary nurses carry out basic procedures and care for patients on a general level. Then the registered nurses supervise the enrolled nurses and the enrolled auxiliary nurses. To work as a registered nurse, you must have a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing or a three-year diploma certificate. These qualifications, along with a higher certificate in auxiliary nursing, can be attained in many nursing colleges located in North West Province.
Best Nursing Schools in North West Province
1. Ukwazi School of Nursing, Potchefstroom Campus
- Location: Potchefstroom
- Address: 1st Floor Standard Bank Building, Walter Sisulu & Retief Street, Potchefstroom
- Year Founded: 2006
- Founder: N/A
Although the Ukwazi School of Nursing Potchefstroom sub-campus was established in 2006, the private education and training institution was founded in 2002. It gained accreditation from the South African Nursing Council (SANC) in the year 2003. Over the years, the nursing school has been known for providing excellent nursing education and training of the highest degree while serving the needs of the South African community.
Having been committed to the excellence of service to students with integrity and compassion, the Ukwazi School of Nursing upholds the philosophy of preparing nurses to provide holistic, compassionate, and ethical care to diverse populations in various settings. Currently, at the nursing school, they offer only two accredited and registered nursing programmes. They include:
- The higher certificate in auxiliary nursing programme (NQF Level 5) – This is a one-year nursing programme that enables one to work as an auxiliary nurse after registering with the South African Nursing Council.
- Diploma in nursing – it is a three-year nursing programme that qualifies you to work as a general nurse after registration with the SANC.
NOTE: After obtaining these nursing qualifications, every student must sit for the admission to practice (board) examinations set by the South African Nursing Council.
Ukwazi School of Nursing General Entry Requirements
- South African identity document
- Higher education qualification if completed in another tertiary institution
- An academic record and certificate of conduct are required if the higher education qualification is obtained from another tertiary institution.
- Final Grade 12 statement of symbols
- Proof of payment of application fee
- National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (before 2008) or SACAI or IEB Certificate
General Requirements for International Applicants
- International qualification certificate with SAQA evaluation document
- Passport
- Asylum Certificate or study permit
- Proof of payment of application fee
- An academic record and certificate of conduct are required if higher education qualification is obtained from another tertiary institution in South Africa.
Admission Criteria For Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing
- Declaration of sound health by the candidate
- Proof from an acceptable medical institution that the candidate has received vaccination against Hepatitis B
- National Senior Certificate pass certified by UMALUSI
- 50 per cent and above in compulsory subjects like Life Sciences/Biology (NSC Level 4)
- With English being the language of learning and teaching (LOLT) at the nursing school, the applicant must score 40 per cent and above in English or First Additional Language or Home Language (NSC Level 3)
- An Admission Point System (APS) score of at least 16 should be achieved in the applicant’s National Senior Certificate’s best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation
NOTE: An applicant whose mark is below 50 per cent in Life Sciences/Biology (NSC 4) can still qualify for admission into the Ukwazi School of Nursing by successfully completing a course known as Health Care Assistant Course at the Ukwazi Skills Campus. The candidate must score an average mark of 75 percent with a minimum of 50 percent in Physiology and Anatomy.
Admission Criteria For Diploma in Nursing
- National Senior Certificate pass certified by UMALUSI
- 40 percent and above in English or First Additional Language or Home Language (NSC Level 3).
- 60 percent and above in compulsory subjects like Life Sciences/Biology (NSC Level 5)
- Declaration of sound health by the candidate
- Proof from an acceptable medical institution that the candidate has received vaccination against Hepatitis B
- An Admission Point System (APS) score of at least 19 should be achieved in the applicant’s National Senior Certificate’s best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
NOTE: An applicant without Life Sciences/Biology (having scored below 60 percent in NSC level 5) can still qualify for admission into the nursing school by studying the Health Care Assistant Course. The person must score an average of 80 percent with a minimum of sixty percent in Physiology and Anatomy.
2. North West College of NursingÂ
- Location: Klerksdorp, Mahikeng
- Address: Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu Street, Klerksdorp
- Year Founded: N/A
- Founder: N/A
The North West College of Nursing comprises two government nursing campuses situated in Klerksdorp and Mahikeng. The nursing school at Klerksdorp is managed by principal Mrs. N. Sedumedi, whereas Mrs. E. Nkhumane manages the Mahikeng campus as the principal. To prepare students to function safely and effectively as nursing practitioners, the nursing college received a facelift of over R470 million in 2017.
The upgrades at the Mahikeng campus include the construction of new blocks for student residence, which accommodates about 114 students, the construction of new classrooms, a simulation ward for clinical skills practices, and a media center. Klerksdorp campus was also upgraded with the construction of a new student residence that accommodates about 1,200 students and the building of a new 300 seater lecture hall. At North West College of Nursing, one can study three nursing programmes. They include a Diploma in Nursing, Higher Certificate in Nursing, and Advanced Diploma in Midwifery.
Furthermore, the nursing college offers students bursary programme for unemployed South African youths who are residents of the North West Province. The prospective applicants include those with National Senior Certificate and people with disabilities to enable them to carry out nursing duties. They usually apply for a three-year Diploma in Nursing programme at the college of nursing.
Entry Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at exit level 3 or 4
- The applicant must score a minimum of;
- 60 percent in English/Home Language or First Additional Language
- 60 percent in Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences
- 60 percent in Mathematics
3. Africa Healthcare Nursing College (PTY) LTD
- Location: Vryburg
- Address: 67 Molopo Road, Vryburg, North West
- Year Founded: 2014
- Founder: N/A
Ideally located onsite at the Vryburg Private Hospital in North West, Africa Healthcare Nursing College (PTY) LTD is managed by Jane Mtombeni and Maria Breed. The institution is registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and equally accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). In the past years, the nursing college has gained a reputation for training high-caliber students. Africa Healthcare Nursing College (PTY) LTD has a team of qualified and experienced educators.
The school boasts of more than 600 students, and the number increases every year. The private nursing college offers a comprehensive programme of nurse training and education. Professional qualification programmes currently being offered at the school are:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing
- Diploma in General Nursing
- First Aid Training
AHC Nursing College Admission Requirements
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at exit level 3 or 4
- The applicant must pass the listed subjects:
- English Language (50% – 59%)
- Home Language or First Additional Language (50% – 59%)
- Life Orientation (50% – 59%)
- Four other subjects (50% – 59%)
4. Thulaganyo Nursing School
- Location: Taung
- Address: Old Batlhaping High School, Taung
- Year Founded: 2012
- Founder: N/A
Thulaganyo Nursing School ranks among the best private nursing colleges in North West Province. The principal of the nursing institution is Ms. MV Lobelo. The school is registered with the South African Nursing Council. Thus, they have been accredited to offer a Bridging Course for Enrolled Nurses (Diploma in General Nursing Science). After obtaining the qualification, one can register with the SANC as a general nurse or psychiatric nurse.
Prospective applicants aiming to gain admission into the school must have the following requirements:
- South African identity document
- Email address to complete the application
- The National Senior Certificate
- Passport (for foreign applicants)
- Certified copy of previous tertiary qualification(s)
5. Keobakile Nursing School
- Location: Rustenburg
- Address: 148 President Mbeki Drive, Rustenburg
- Year Founded: N/A
- Founder: N/A
Another private nursing college located in the North West Province is Keobakile Nursing School. They offer quality nursing education that serves as a foundation for life-long learning. Also, the nursing training offered by the institution provides students with an opportunity to progress within a laddered curriculum that best enhances the profession of nursing. The principal of Keobakile Nursing School is Ms. J. N. Mokgoetsi, and the programmes offered at the school include:
- Diploma in Nursing (3 years)
- Diploma in General Nursing Science (2 years)
- Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing (1 year)
- Advanced Diploma in Midwifery (1 year)
- Post-Basic/Registration Diplomas such as One Year Midwifery Nursing Science, One Year Community Nursing Science, One Year Operating Nursing Science, and One Year Clinical Assessment, Treatment, and Care.
The Nursing School Short Learning Programmes are listed as follows:
- Primary Health Care (6 weeks)
- Anesthesiology for all categories of nurses (4 weeks)
- HIV/AIDS and TB Management Certificate (8 weeks)
Keobakile Nursing School Admission Requirements
- South African identity document or passport for international students
- An academic record and certificate of conduct are required if the higher education qualification is obtained from another tertiary institution.
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at exit level 3 or 4
- The applicant must score a minimum of;
- 60 percent in English/Home Language or First Additional Language
- 60 percent in Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences
- 60 percent in Mathematics
6. Moses Kotane Hospital Nursing School
- Location: Rustenburg
- Address: Ledig Village Lekwadi District, Phatsima Road, Rustenburg
- Year Founded: 1923
- Founder: Rustenburg Rate Payers Association
Though Moses Kotane Hospital Nursing School is yet to attain a final accreditation from the South African Nursing Council, it is a well-known nursing college in the North West Province. The institution aims to excel in the provision of nursing education and also to be known for uncompromising integrity of service. Like every other private nursing college in the province, Moses Kotane School of Nursing offers a Diploma in General Nursing Science, Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing, and Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Nursing.
Moses Kotane Hospital Nursing school Admission RequirementsÂ
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at exit level 3 or 4
- The applicant must pass the subjects listed below:
- English Language (50% – 59%)
- Home Language or First Additional Language (50% – 59%)
- Life Orientation (50% – 59%)
- Four other subjects (50% – 59%)
List of Other Nursing Schools in North WestÂ
In the North West Province, other nursing colleges are yet to be accredited by the South African Nursing Council. These institutions are mostly private nursing schools, and information is scarce in the media regarding the schools. They include:
- Gold Fields Nursing School
- Mmabatho Nursing School
- Thusong Hospital Nursing School
- Excelsius Nursing School
- Caerus Nursing School
- Amplats Medical Services
- Witrand Hospital Nursing School
- Taung Community Hospital Nursing School
Notable Mention:
Besides the aforementioned nursing colleges in the North West Province, one can obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BCur – Bachelor of Nursing Science, Education & Administration) from North-West University. Here are more details on the institution.
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North West UniversityÂ
Founded in 2004, North-West University has two campuses in the province; the Potchefstroom campus and Mahikeng campus. The university offers a four-year nursing programme, which is accompanied by compulsory one-year community service. After obtaining the BCur qualification, one must register with the South African Nursing Council to work as a registered general nurse and midwife. The nursing programme consists of compulsory practical clinical training as well as theoretical components.
The nursing institution has been fully accredited by the South African Nursing Council, and the school’s head of nursing department is Mrs. E. Bornman. A minimum of 60 candidates per campus is being selected for admission into the university. At North West University, the language of instruction at the Mahikeng campus is English, while those in the Potchefstroom campus are lectured in Afrikaans. The lectures, however, are being interpreted into English for students who do not have sufficient capacity in Afrikaans.
North-West University Entry Requirements
- National Senior Certificate with university exemption or an equivalent qualification
- The applicant must pass English or Afrikaans at level 4 (at least 50 percent)
- Mathematics or Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at level 4 (at least 50 percent)
- A minimum Admission Point System (APS) score of 25 is required. The APS is used to allocate point values to the National Senior Certificate subjects or equivalent qualification.
- Grade 12 exam results
Note: The prospective students must participate in a 40 hours (one week) job shadowing programme, which is part of the selection process. Also, they must take part in the university selection test for first-year nursing students.
List of Other Nursing Programmes Offered at The North-West University
- Advanced University Diploma in Health Science: Clinical Nursing Science, Health Assessment, Treatment, and Care (G515T)
- Advanced University Diploma in Health Science: Health Science Education (G512T)
- Advanced University Diploma in Health Science: Community Nursing (G511T)
- Advanced University Diploma in Health Science: Health Service Management (G513T)
Further Postgraduate Specialisation:
- Midwife Specialist
- Adult Intensive Care
- Forensic Nurse Specialist
- Primary Healthcare
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
