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Netcare Education Faculty of Emergency and Critical Care: Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care
The Netcare Education Faculty of Emergency and Critical Care (FECC) is a leader in paramedic and advanced life support education, delivering world-class training through a blend of theoretical instruction, cutting-edge technology, and practical experience.
The Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, offered at its Durban North (KwaZulu-Natal) and Midrand (Gauteng) campuses, is a one-year programme designed to prepare students for a career in pre-hospital emergency care, leading to registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA).
Programme Overview
Duration: 12 months
Locations: Durban North (KZN) and Midrand (Gauteng)
Format: Combines theoretical, practical, and clinical components
Language: English
Outcome: Graduates register with HPCSA as Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs), equipped to provide emergency medical care for medical and trauma patients in South Africa.
Application Period: Contact FECC for 2025 application dates
The programme integrates Basic Science and Emergency Medical Care modules, fostering skills to manage diverse emergency scenarios effectively.
Programme Content
The curriculum includes:
- Basic Science Modules: Anatomy, Physiology, and related foundational sciences.
- Emergency Medical Care Modules:
- Emergency Medical Care Theory
- Emergency Medical Care Practical
- Clinical Practice (supervised patient care)
- Physical Preparedness: A compulsory module assessed annually, ensuring physical fitness for emergency care roles.
Physical Preparedness Requirements
Students must pass the following assessments to graduate:
- 5km Timed Run: Complete in under 35 minutes.
- 200m Timed Swim: Complete in under 8 minutes.
- Extended Arm Hang: Hold for at least 30 seconds.
This module is mandatory, with formal classes and assessments required each academic year.
Additional Programme Details
- Clinical Practice: Students undertake supervised patient care shifts at hospitals and Netcare 911 operational bases, including day, night, and weekend shifts during clinical blocks.
- Uniform: Required for classes and clinical shifts.
- Transport: Students are responsible for their own travel to campus, clinical sites, swimming pools, and occasional excursions.
- Technology: Access to a personal laptop and mobile phone is recommended for online resources.
- Funding: No study bursaries are currently available; students must secure their own tuition funding.
- Progression: All modules must be passed to complete the programme. Emergency Medical Care modules are co-requisites, requiring repetition of all three if one is failed.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Senior Certificate (Pre-2008):
- Minimum E symbol (Higher Grade) or D symbol (Standard Grade) in:
- English (min HG D or SG C)
- Mathematics (min HG E or SG D)
- Biology and/or Physical Sciences (min HG E or SG D)
- Minimum E symbol (Higher Grade) or D symbol (Standard Grade) in:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Higher Certificate Endorsement:
- Minimum rating codes:
- English (4)
- Mathematics (3) or Mathematical Literacy (6)
- Life Sciences (3) and/or Physical Science (3)
- Minimum 19 points (22 if Mathematical Literacy applies), excluding Life Orientation.
- Minimum rating codes:
- National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV):
- Minimum codes:
- English (5)
- Mathematics (4) or Mathematical Literacy (7)
- Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences (4)
- Minimum 24 points (27 if Mathematical Literacy applies), excluding Life Orientation.
- Minimum codes:
Additional Requirements:
- Physical and Medical Fitness: Applicants must pass medical and physical fitness evaluations (guidelines available on the Netcare website).
- Selection Process: Includes interviews, medical assessments, and fitness evaluations.
- Recommended Experience: 40 hours of voluntary duties in Emergency Medical Services is advised.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Applicants not meeting standard requirements but with relevant experience may apply via RPL. Requirements include:
- Valid Matric (Grade 12) with admission to a higher certificate or equivalent (APS as above or Senior Certificate with 950+ aggregate marks).
- Age 25 or older.
- Registered as a Basic Ambulance Assistant (BAA) or Ambulance Emergency Assistant (AEA) with HPCSA.
- Minimum 5 years of operational experience.
- Current employment with an Emergency Medical Service.
- Passing theory and clinical assessments.
Assessment and Progression
- Academic Performance: A minimum 50% average per subject is required to qualify for final examinations.
- Practical Competency: Competence in all formative and summative practical, fitness, and clinical assessments is mandatory.
- Passing Criteria: A final mark of 50% per module is required to pass.
- Supplementary Exams: Available if criteria are met.
- Module Co-requisites: Failing an Emergency Medical Care module requires repeating all three.
- Clinical Shifts: Non-clinical module failures require monthly clinical practice shifts to maintain proficiency.
Application Process
Step 1: Submit Application
- By Email (preferred): Send to [email protected] as a single attachment from the applicant’s personal email.
- In Person: Deliver to Durban Campus: 95 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Durban North, KZN.
- Midrand Campus: Contact [email protected] or deliver to 76 Maude Street, Sandton, Gauteng.
Step 2: Required Documents
- Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent.
- Certified ID, passport, or study permit.
- Proof of payment for application fees (banking details on registration form).
- Letter of motivation (optional but recommended).
Step 3: Selection
- Shortlisted candidates undergo interviews, medical evaluations, and fitness assessments.
- Successful applicants receive confirmation of assessment dates and arrangements via KR Education or directly from FECC.
Application Deadline for 2025: Contact FECC for confirmation (previously 1 May – 30 June).
Campus Contacts:
- Durban North: 031 581 8209, [email protected]
- Midrand: Contact Liana Harmse at [email protected]
Why Choose Netcare FECC?
Netcare Education, established in 1989, is a leading private healthcare training institution in South Africa, renowned for equipping students with academic, clinical, and practical skills for professional success. The FECC’s focus on emergency and critical care, combined with its state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors, ensures graduates are prepared to excel as ECAs, contributing to life-saving emergency medical services across South Africa.
