VerifiedNot any more. Every route to working as a registered emergency care provider in South Africa now goes through a higher education qualification, and those need matric or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
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Why the short courses no longer work
Ambulance workers used to qualify through short courses: Basic Ambulance Assistant (BAA), Ambulance Emergency Assistant (AEA) and Critical Care Assistant. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) stopped registering new practitioners from these short courses in 2018 as training moved into higher education.
The current qualifications
| Qualification | Duration | HPCSA category |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care | 1 year | Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) |
| Diploma in Emergency Medical Care | 2 years | Paramedic |
| Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care | 4 years | Emergency Care Practitioner |
The higher certificate needs a National Senior Certificate with a higher certificate endorsement, and the degree needs a bachelor’s pass with subjects such as mathematics and life sciences or physical science.
If you do not have matric
- Complete your matric through the Second Chance Matric Programme or as an adult learner.
- Or complete NC(V) Level 4 at a TVET college, and ask emergency care colleges whether they accept it for the higher certificate.
- Get first aid training and volunteer experience while you study, which helps with selection.
- Apply to an accredited public or private emergency care college.
Check that any emergency care college you apply to is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and that its programme is accredited by the HPCSA.
For other health careers, see whether TVET colleges offer nursing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still do a BAA course?
BAA courses no longer lead to HPCSA registration. The Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care is now the entry-level qualification.
How long does it take to become a paramedic?
The two-year Diploma in Emergency Medical Care leads to registration as a Paramedic. The one-year higher certificate leads to Emergency Care Assistant, and the four-year degree to Emergency Care Practitioner.