Where to Study Healthcare Assistant Courses in South Africa

Healthcare assistant plays an important role in hospitals, clinics, and care homes by not just attending to the basic needs of the patient, but also ensuring their comfort, and assisting with clinical duties under the supervision of qualified nurses. In South Africa, healthcare assistant courses are available at various institutions. So if you are interested in being an assistant healthcare practitioner, here are some places in South Africa where you can study healthcare assistant or related courses:

List of Institutions to Study Healthcare Assistant Courses in South Africa

We’ve compiled a list of top institutions where you can study healthcare courses in South Africa. We include brief information on the nature of courses in these institutions and probably links to their official websites.

1. Life Healthcare College of Learning

With 66 medical facilities, Life Healthcare is one of the top private hospital groups in South Africa. At their SANC-accredited learning centres, they have been training nursing students for the last 25 years.

Courses:

  1. Higher Certificate in Nursing (NQF level 5; 1 year) SANC Regulation 169
  2. Diploma in Nursing (NQF level 6; 3 years) SANC Regulation 171

Duration: 1 – 3 years

Location:  7 campuses across South Africa.

Website: Life Healthcare

Read: Requirements for Nursing Courses in South Africa

2. South African Academy of Health (SAAH)

SAAH offers various healthcare-related training programs, including healthcare assistant courses. The academy aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in healthcare facilities.

Course Content:

  • Ethics, Conduct, Rights of Patient,
  • Care Assistant & Employee.
  • Communication.
  • Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Hygiene.
  • Cross Infection.
  • Intake & Output.
  • Safety of Patients.
  • Stimulation/Attending to Recreational Needs of the Patients
  • Oxygen Therapy.
  • Total Patient Care.
  • Death and Dying.
  • Management of Stress.
  • Care of the Older Patients.
  • Various Illnesses.
  • Baby & Child Care.
  • Basic Nutrition.
  • Medical Terminology

Duration: 3 Months (Full-time)

Requirements:

  • Minimum Grade 10
  • Fluent in English
  • Ability to pass a medical fitness test

Location: Johannesburg

Website: SAAH Health Care Assistant Course

3. Africa Ithemba College

Africa Ithemba College offers a range of healthcare courses, including healthcare assistant and nursing programs, designed to provide students with the skills to assist in healthcare facilities.

Course: it covers essential skills like maintaining patient safety, hygiene, and well-being.

Duration: 4 Months

Requirements: Matriculation is not required for the course, therefore it’s okay if you don’t have it. You are eligible for the course starting in grade 9.

Location: Cape Town

Website: Africa Ithemba College

4. Thutobophelo Training and Skills Academy 

Thutobophelo Training and Skills Academy offers nationally recognised entry-level qualifications for the healthcare sector.

Courses:

  • Disability Attendant (12 months)
  • Health Promotional Officer (12 months)
  • Home Based Personal Care Assistant (6 months)

Duration: 6-12 Months (Full-time)

Website: Thutobophelo Training and Skills Academy 

Check out: Top 10 Universities that offer Bridging Courses in South Africa

5. Robert Sobukwe Nursing Academy

The academy is recognized for producing well-trained nursing assistants and healthcare workers. They focus on foundational nursing education, allowing graduates to work under registered nurses in healthcare facilities.

Courses: check the institution’s website

Duration: check the institution’s website

Location: Western Cape

Website: Robert Sobukwe Nursing Academy

6. Nido Nursing

Nido Nursing focuses on training students in essential nursing and healthcare skills. Their healthcare assistant courses are structured to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare workers in hospitals, care facilities, and private home care.

Course Content:

  • Ethics, Conduct, Rights of Patient,
  • Care Assistant & Employee.
  • Communication.
  • Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Hygiene.
  • Cross Infection.
  • Intake & Output.
  • Safety of Patients.
  • Stimulation/Attending to Recreational Needs of the Patients
  • Oxygen Therapy.
  • Total Patient Care.
  • Death and Dying.
  • Management of Stress.
  • Care of the Older Patients.
  • Various Illnesses.
  • Baby & Child Care.
  • Basic Nutrition.
  • Medical Terminology

Duration: 12 Months

Requirements:

  • Minimum Grade 10
  • No specific subjects needed
  • Fluent in English
  • At least 50% pass in Nido’s assessment test

Website: Nido Nursing 

Final Thought

For those who want to work in the medical field and significantly impact patients’ lives, these Health Care Assistant courses in South Africa provide an excellent chance. These courses will provide you with the skills and qualifications you need to begin working as a health care assistant, regardless of your preference for a more extensive curriculum or more intensive training.

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