The KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Health Has official Open an Application for the Training Opportunity for KZN EMS Employees,The Health Graduates South African youth Around KZN are invited to Apply
The programme offers the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, a nationally recognized qualification that equips students with the practical and theoretical skills required to work in emergency medical environments such as ambulances, hospitals, and rescue services.
About KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Health
The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is to develop a sustainable, coordinated and comprehensive health system at all levels, based on the primary health care approach through the district health system.
The strategic goals of the Department as outlined in the Strategic Plan 2015 to 2019 are: (1) Strengthen health system effectiveness – the finalisation of enabling policies, frameworks, systems and processes to create the enabling environment for efficient service delivery; improved leadership and management at all levels of the health care system to ensure efficient utilisation of scarce resources; PHC re-engineering with intensified focus on community and household coverage and implementation of the Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance Programme (Operation Phakisa).
Programme Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care |
| Field | Health Sciences |
| NQF Level | 5 |
| SAQA ID | 120401 |
| Credits | 125 |
| Programme Duration | 1 Year (Full-time) |
| Training Provider | KZN College of Emergency Care |
| Application Method | Online application via official link |
| Closing Date | 03 April 2026 |
| Enquiries | 031 203 0900 |
Programme Structure
The Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care programme includes both classroom training and practical emergency response training.
Participants will study areas such as:
- Patient assessment
- Emergency medical procedures
- Trauma care
- Ambulance operations
- Basic life support
- Emergency scene management
- Medical ethics and professionalism
Because emergency work requires practical experience, students also undergo hands-on training and supervised field practice.
This ensures that graduates are ready to respond effectively in real-life emergencies.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet specific academic and professional requirements to qualify for the programme.
Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:
- Senior Certificate (Before 2009)
Applicants must have passed the following subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Biology and/or Physical Science
- Additional subjects as required
- National Senior Certificate with Higher Certificate Endorsement
Applicants must have passed:
- English
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Sciences or Physical Sciences
- Additional subjects required for APS calculation
- National Certificate (Vocational)
Applicants must have achieved at least 60% in the following subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences
Additional Admission Requirements
Besides academic qualifications, candidates must also meet the following conditions:
- Minimum APS score of 18
- Must pass medical fitness examination
- Must pass physical fitness assessment
Emergency medical professionals must be physically fit and medically capable of performing demanding rescue duties.
EMS personnel often work in high-pressure environments including accident scenes, disaster areas, and emergency situations.
APS Score Calculation Explained
The Admission Point Score (APS) determines whether a candidate qualifies academically.
The APS is calculated using the top six matric subjects excluding Life Orientation.
Different qualifications use different APS rating systems.
Example APS Rating
Typical scoring works like this:
- 7 = 80–100%
- 6 = 70–79%
- 5 = 60–69%
- 4 = 50–59%
- 3 = 40–49%
- 2 = 30–39%
- 1 = 0–29%
The combined score of the six best subjects must equal at least 18 points.
This requirement ensures students entering the programme have a solid academic foundation for healthcare training.
READ: SGS Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026: Opportunity for Unemployed Youth
Required Documents on Application process
Make sure you have:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Matric certificate
- Academic records
- Any relevant EMS qualifications
Application Closing Date
Applicants must ensure that their applications are submitted before:
Closing Date: 03 April 2026
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How to Apply for the KZN Emergency Medical Care Programme 2026
Interested applicants should submit their applications online through the official application platform provided by the training institution.
Step-by-step application process:
- Visit the application portal https://kzncoecapp.kznhealth.gov.za/
- Access the Higher Certificate programme application form.
- Complete all required personal details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline
FAQs About the KZN Health Emergency Medical Care Training Programme 2026
What is the KZN Emergency Medical Care Training Programme?
It is a one-year training programme that prepares students to work in emergency medical services through the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care qualification.
Which institution offers this programme?
The programme is offered by the KZN College of Emergency Care under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.
How long does the programme take?
The programme runs for one year on a full-time basis.
What qualification will students receive?
Students will receive a Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care.
What is the NQF level of the qualification?
The qualification is registered at NQF Level 5.
What is the SAQA ID of the programme?
The SAQA ID is 120401.
How many credits does the programme have?
The programme carries 125 credits.
How do I apply for the programme?
Applications must be submitted online through the official application link.
When is the application closing date?
The closing date for applications is 03 April 2026.
Is the programme full-time or part-time?
The programme is offered on a full-time basis.
What career opportunities are available after completing the programme?
Graduates can work as emergency care assistants, ambulance staff, or emergency department support personnel.
Can this qualification lead to further studies?
Yes, it can serve as a pathway to higher qualifications in emergency medical care and health sciences.
Is practical training included in the programme?
Yes, students receive both theoretical and practical training including clinical placements.
Who should apply for this programme?
Anyone passionate about healthcare and emergency response services should consider applying.
What skills will students learn?
Students will learn emergency response, patient care, CPR, trauma management, and ambulance operations.
Is the qualification recognized nationally?
Yes, it is registered on the National Qualifications Framework in South Africa.
Can international students apply?
Application requirements usually prioritize South African residents, but details should be checked in the official application guidelines.
Where will the training take place?
Training is conducted at the KZN College of Emergency Care facilities.
Who can I contact for enquiries?
You can contact the institution at 031 203 0900 for more information.
Why is this programme important?
It helps train skilled emergency responders who provide lifesaving medical assistance during emergencies.
