Are you interested in pursuing a career in nursing? Do you want to study in one of the most vibrant and diverse provinces in South Africa? If yes, then this blog post is for you. In this post, we will explore some of the best nursing schools in Gauteng, and what makes them stand out from the rest. We will also provide some useful tips and advice for prospective students who want to apply, prepare, and succeed in nursing school.
Why Study Nursing in South Africa?
Nursing is a noble and rewarding profession that offers many opportunities for personal and professional growth. Nurses play a vital role in providing quality health care to individuals, families, and communities. They also contribute to the development and improvement of the health system in South Africa.
According to the South African Nursing Council, there are more than 300,000 registered nurses and midwives in the country, and the demand for qualified and competent nurses is increasing. Nursing is also one of the scarce skills in South Africa, which means that there are many job opportunities and career prospects for nurses in various sectors and settings.
Studying nursing in South Africa can also expose you to a rich and diverse culture, history, and environment. You can learn from different perspectives and experiences, and develop your intercultural and interpersonal skills. You can also enjoy the natural beauty and attractions of South Africa, such as the wildlife, beaches, mountains, and more.
What to Look for in a Nursing School?
Choosing a nursing school is an important decision that can affect your future career and success. Therefore, you should consider several factors before making your choice, such as:
Accreditation: The nursing school you choose should be accredited by the South African Nursing Council and the Department of Higher Education and Training. This ensures that the school meets the standards and requirements for nursing education and training in South Africa. Accreditation also enables you to register as a nurse or midwife after completing your studies, and to practice legally and ethically in the country.
Curriculum: The nursing school you choose should offer a curriculum that is relevant, comprehensive, and uptodate. The curriculum should cover the theoretical and practical aspects of nursing, and prepare you for the challenges and opportunities in the health care sector. The curriculum should also align with the national and international nursing competencies and outcomes, and reflect the needs and expectations of the society and the profession.
Facilities: The nursing school you choose should have adequate and modern facilities that support your learning and development. These include classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer labs, simulation rooms, and more. The facilities should also be accessible, safe, and conducive for learning.
Fees: The nursing school you choose should have affordable and reasonable fees that suit your budget and financial situation. You should also inquire about the availability and eligibility of scholarships, bursaries, loans, and other financial aid options that can help you fund your studies.
Faculty: The nursing school you choose should have qualified and experienced faculty members who can guide and mentor you throughout your studies. The faculty members should have academic and professional credentials, and be knowledgeable and passionate about nursing. They should also be supportive, approachable, and responsive to your needs and concerns.
Best Nursing Schools in Gauteng
Netcare Faculty of Nursing and Ancillary Healthcare (FNAH)
History: Netcare FNAH was established in 1994 as a private nursing education institution that is affiliated with Netcare, the largest private hospital network in South Africa.
Vision: Netcare FNAH’s vision is to be the leading provider of innovative and quality nursing education and training in South Africa and beyond.
Mission: Netcare FNAH’s mission is to develop competent and compassionate nurses and health care workers who can deliver excellent and holistic care to the patients and communities they serve.
Programmes: Netcare FNAH offers various programmes at different levels, such as:
Basic programmes: These include the Diploma in Nursing (General, Psychiatric, Community) and Midwifery, the Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing, and the Higher Certificate in Health Care Services Management.
Post basic programmes: These include the Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, the Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, the Advanced Diploma in Operating Theatre Nursing, and the Advanced Diploma in Ophthalmic Nursing.
Short courses: These include courses on HIV/AIDS management, infection prevention and control, wound care, palliative care, and more.
Admission requirements: The admission requirements vary depending on the programme you choose, but generally, you need to have a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification, with the relevant subjects and marks. You also need to pass an entrance test and an interview, and submit the required documents and fees.
Contact details: You can contact Netcare FNAH at:
Phone: 011 628 7600
Email: education@netcare.co.za
UKWAZI SCHOOL OF NURSING
History: UKWAZI SCHOOL OF NURSING was founded in 2002 as a private nursing education institution that is registered with the South African Nursing Council and the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Vision: UKWAZI SCHOOL OF NURSING’s vision is to be a leading and reputable nursing school that produces competent and professional nurses who can meet the health care needs of the nation and the world.
Mission: UKWAZI SCHOOL OF NURSING’s mission is to provide quality and affordable nursing education and training that is based on the principles of excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Programmes: UKWAZI SCHOOL OF NURSING offers various programmes at different levels, such as:
Basic programmes: These include the Diploma in Nursing (General, Psychiatric, Community) and Midwifery, the Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing, and the Higher Certificate in Nursing.
Postbasic programmes: These include the Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, the Advanced Diploma in Community Nursing Science, the Advanced Diploma in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science, and the Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing.
Short courses: These include courses on primary health care, maternal and child health, mental health, geriatric care, and more.
Admission requirements: The admission requirements vary depending on the programme you choose, but generally, you need to have a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification, with the relevant subjects and marks. You also need to pass an entrance test and an interview, and submit the required documents and fees.
Contact details: You can contact UKWAZI SCHOOL OF NURSING at:
Phone: 011 762 3105 / 011 762 3168
Email: info@ukwazi.co.za
Nursing Wits University
History: Nursing at Wits University is part of the School of Therapeutic Sciences, which is located in the Faculty of Health Sciences. The School of Therapeutic Sciences was established in 2009, and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in various health disciplines, including nursing.
Vision: Nursing at Wits University’s vision is to be a leading academic and research institution that advances nursing science and practice in South Africa and globally.
Mission: Nursing at Wits University’s mission is to produce nurses who are critical thinkers, problem solvers, and lifelong learners, who can provide evidencebased and ethical care to diverse populations and settings.
Programmes: Nursing at Wits University offers various programmes at different levels, such as:
Undergraduate programmes: These include the Bachelor of Nursing, which is a fouryear degree that prepares students for general, psychiatric, community, and midwifery nursing practice.
Postgraduate programmes: These include the Master of Nursing, which is a twoyear degree that allows students to specialize in various fields of nursing, such as advanced practice, education, management, or research. There is also the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, which is a threeyear degree that enables students to conduct original and significant research in nursing.
Short courses: These include courses on research methods, clinical supervision, leadership, and more.
Admission requirements: The admission requirements vary depending on the programme you choose, but generally, you need to have a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification, with the relevant subjects and marks. You also need to meet the faculty and university admission criteria, and submit the required documents and fees.
Contact details: You can contact Nursing at Wits University at:
Phone: 011 717 2190 / 011 717 2191
Email: nursing@wits.ac.za
How to Succeed in Nursing School in Gauteng?
Studying nursing in Gauteng can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Here are some tips and advice that can help you succeed in nursing school:
Plan ahead: Nursing school can be demanding and hectic, so you need to plan your time and tasks well. Use a calendar, planner, or app to keep track of your assignments, tests, lectures, clinicals, and other activities. Set realistic and achievable goals, and prioritize the most important and urgent tasks first. Avoid procrastination and distractions, and stick to your schedule.
Study smart: Nursing school can be challenging and complex, so you need to study smart and effectively. Use different strategies and methods to enhance your learning, such as reading, summarizing, highlighting, notetaking, flashcards, mind maps, quizzes, etc. Review your notes and materials regularly, and reinforce your understanding with practice questions and exercises. Seek feedback and clarification from your instructors and peers, and learn from your mistakes and successes.
Prepare for clinicals: Clinicals are an essential part of nursing education and training, as they allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in reallife situations. To prepare for clinicals, you need to do your research and homework on the assigned facility, unit, patients, and procedures. You also need to dress professionally, bring the necessary equipment and documents, and follow the rules and regulations of the clinical site. Be respectful, courteous, and helpful to your patients, colleagues, and supervisors, and communicate clearly and effectively. Be confident, but also humble and willing to learn from others.
Take care of yourself: Nursing school can be stressful and demanding, so you need to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, by eating well, sleeping enough, exercising regularly, and relaxing and having fun. Seek support and guidance from your family, friends, mentors, and counselors, and share your feelings and concerns with them. Avoid unhealthy habits and coping mechanisms, such as smoking, drinking, or drugs. Remember your goals and motivations, and celebrate your achievements and progress.
Government Nursing Colleges in Gauteng
There are several government nursing colleges in Gauteng that offer accredited nursing programmes at different levels. Some of these colleges are:
Lilitha College of Nursing: This college offers a Diploma in Nursing (General, Psychiatric, Community) and Midwifery, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery.
Free State School of Nursing: This school offers a Diploma in Nursing, a Higher Certificate in Nursing, and an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery.
Nursing at Wits University: This is part of the School of Therapeutic Sciences, which offers a Bachelor of Nursing, a Master of Nursing, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing.
See also: Nursing schools in Limpopo
How to Apply for Nursing Schools in Gauteng?
If you are interested in studying nursing in Gauteng, you need to apply for the nursing schools that suit your preferences and qualifications. Here are some steps that you can follow to apply for nursing schools in Gauteng:
Research: Do your research and gather information about the nursing schools in Gauteng, such as their programmes, admission requirements, fees, deadlines, etc. You can use the web search results, the school websites, the brochures, or the contact details to find out more about the nursing schools in Gauteng. You can also visit the schools, attend their open days, or talk to their representatives or alumni to get a better idea of what they offer and expect.
Choose: Choose the nursing schools in Gauteng that match your interests, goals, and qualifications. You can apply for more than one school, but you should prioritize and rank them according to your preferences. You should also consider the location, reputation, and quality of the nursing schools in Gauteng, and how they fit your needs and expectations.
Apply: Apply for the nursing schools in Gauteng that you have chosen, by following their application procedures and instructions. You need to fill out and submit the application forms, either online or offline, and attach the required documents and fees. You also need to prepare and submit your academic transcripts, certificates, references, personal statements, essays, or portfolios, depending on the programme and the school. You should also check and confirm your application status and progress, and respond to any queries or requests from the schools.
Test and interview: Test and interview for the nursing schools in Gauteng that you have applied for, by taking and passing their entrance tests and interviews. You need to study and revise for the tests, and practice and rehearse for the interviews. You should also dress appropriately, arrive on time, and bring the necessary materials and documents. You should also be confident, honest, and enthusiastic, and showcase your knowledge, skills, and personality.
Accept and enroll: Accept and enroll in the nursing school in Gauteng that you have been accepted to, by following their acceptance and enrollment procedures and instructions. You need to confirm and accept your offer, either online or offline, and pay the required fees and deposits. You also need to register and enroll in your courses, and arrange your accommodation, transportation, and other logistics. You should also familiarize yourself with the school policies, rules, and regulations, and prepare for your orientation and induction.
Conclusion
Nursing is a rewarding and challenging career that offers many opportunities and benefits. Studying nursing in Gauteng can be a great choice, as there are many nursing schools in Gauteng that offer quality and affordable nursing education and training. However, choosing and applying for nursing schools in Gauteng can be a daunting and complicated process, so you need to do your research, plan ahead, and follow the steps and tips that we have provided in this blog post.
We hope that this blog post has been helpful and informative for you, and that you have learned something new and useful about nursing schools in Gauteng. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you and assist you in any way we can.
If you are interested in studying nursing in Gauteng, we invite you to visit the websites of the nursing schools that we have mentioned in this blog post, and contact their admission offices for more information and guidance. You can also check out the web search results for more resources and references on nursing schools in Gauteng.
