Can I Become A Paramedic Without A Matric?

You need matric, or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification, to enrol in any emergency medical care programme that leads to registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). If you don’t have matric yet, the practical question is how to get there, and what you can do in the meantime. Our paramedic qualifications guide explains the qualifications themselves.

A realistic plan

Step	What to do	Time
1. Get an NQF Level 4 qualification	Rewrite matric subjects, write the Amended Senior Certificate if you are 21 or older, or complete NC(V) Level 4	From one exam sitting to three years
2. Build relevant subjects	Aim for strong marks in English, mathematics and life sciences or physical science	While completing step 1
3. Gain first aid experience	Complete accredited first aid training and volunteer at community events	Alongside your studies
4. Apply for a higher certificate	Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care	1 year
5. Keep studying	Diploma (Paramedic) or degree (Emergency Care Practitioner)	2 to 4 more years

What you can do before you qualify

• Complete first aid training with an accredited provider, which is useful for many jobs.
• Volunteer with organisations such as St John or the South African Red Cross Society, where available.
• Work in related roles, such as hospital porter or patient transport, if an employer will hire you.

You cannot treat patients as an ambulance practitioner without HPCSA registration, and short courses such as BAA no longer lead to registration.

Funding your studies later

NSFAS funds eligible students in emergency medical care programmes at public universities and universities of technology. Private emergency care colleges are not NSFAS-funded, but provincial health departments and some private ambulance services have offered bursaries.

Frequently asked questions