The Higher Certificate in Nursing is an entry-level professional qualification for students who wish to enter into the nursing profession. It provides students with the opportunity to develop their potential and prepare for a career in nursing by gaining knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, disease processes and health promotion.
Requirements For Higher Certificate In Nursing At UNISA
Admission to the Higher Certificate in Nursing requires a minimum of a National Senior Certificate with an achievement level of 3 (40-49%) in Mathematics and an achievement level of 4 (50-59%) for Life Sciences.
If your qualification does not meet the requirements, you may be considered for admission if you have studied at least one maths subject at each grade 10, 11 and 12. If you have completed Mathematics at Grade 11 or higher, then there is no need to submit an application form.
Alternatively, access to the programme may be obtained by meeting the requirements for access to a Diploma at UNISA, or by obtaining Exemption from UNISA.
The following qualifications are accepted as equivalent to an N7/N8 qualification:
- A Level 33 or above (with good passes in Maths and English) or equivalent qualification that is recognised as such under South African legislation; or
- A National Senior Certificate with four (4) credits including English Language, Mathematics and Science or Technology; or
- An Advanced Certificate with eight (8) credits including English Language, Mathematics and Science or Technology;
You need to have some work experience. You must also demonstrate that you have been out of school for at least 1 year.
You do not need a mathematics degree or even a math subject at matric in order to enrol for this programme. This is because the focus is on learning how to apply math, rather than learn it as theory.
Closing
In summary, the minimum requirements for admission to the Higher Certificate in Nursing are a National Senior Certificate at 40% level with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and Physical Science or Life Science as subjects. Alternatively, access may be obtained by meeting the requirements for access to a Diploma at UNISA, or by obtaining Exemption from UNISA.
