Communications Directorate 

How many students are enrolled annually at Gauteng Nursing Colleges?

Six hundred and fifty students have commenced the four year programme at the three Nursing Colleges offering the course, namely, Chris Hani Baragwanath (at the Bonalesedi Campus), Ann Latsky and S G Lourens Nursing Colleges. A further group of students commence the two year Enrolled Nurse programme in June each year. 

 How many applications do you receive each year?

 Large numbers of persons show an interest in nursing and this is seen in the number of applicants received each year.   During 2011, in excess of 30 000 applicants were received.   A lengthy and specific process is followed to select the candidates who we believe are the best for the course.

 Can you briefly explain the selection process?

The Department entered into a partnership with the Department of Labour as of 2010.   The Labour Department Officials assist with the administration part of processing all the applications, but the Nursing Colleges are responsible for selection.

 Prospective applicants register as work seekers interested in nursing at the local Labour Department Offices during March and April.   Their Matric (School Leaving) certificates and post school qualifications are checked to determine whether the applicant meets the criteria for the programme.

The criteria:

Old Senior Certificate - English D on HG or C on SG, Minimum of 13 points or successfully completing or a year of post school study in a recognized tertiary institution. 

New national Senior Certificate -English achievement level 4, 4X20 Credit subjects with a score of 3 or more (excluding English), 2 other subjects in order to obtain an admission point score of 20.

Applicants who meet the criteria are invited to an assessment. Applicants who meet the assessment criteria are invited to attend an interview which is conducted at the Nursing College of their choice.

When do nursing colleges open for applications?

Applications are open between March and April each year.

How many nurses has Gauteng produced?

 Since 1999, 6 747 professional nurses, 1 546 Registered Nurses, 4 225 enrolled nurses, 416 Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary and 6 715 Post Basic.

 What is the budget allocation for nursing training?

 It costs the Department approximately R130 000 per student per year.   The budget for the Nursing College in the 2011/2012 financial year is R681487 million.

How do you place nurses?

During their training the students are placed at clinical facilities for which that Nursing College has been granted accreditation by the South African Nursing Council for that course e.g. Ann Latsky students – Tembisa, Far East Rand, Pholosong, Tambo Memorial, Natalspruit, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child, South Rand and Edenvale Hospitals.

Community nursing is likewise done at accredited clinics and Community Health Centres.   Psychiatric nursing occurs at specialized hospitals e.g. Tara the H Moross Centre, Sterkfontein and Weskoppies.

On completion of their training, graduates are placed in health establishments, where there is a need to fulfill their contractual obligations.   Graduates are given an opportunity to indicate five places of preference.   Concerted efforts are made to place them in a health establishment which was one of their choices in vacant funded posts.

What is the goal of the Gauteng nursing colleges?

The aim of the Nursing Colleges is to produce appropriately trained, competent and compassionate nurses to deliver quality nursing care to the sick and to provide quality programmes to prevent illness and to promote health in the community.

In conclusion, what are the future plans for the nursing colleges?

The Nursing Colleges are to undergo major infrastructure re-engineering programmes during this financial year.   Once the construction has been completed it will mean that larger numbers of students will be able to be accommodated in the classrooms. In addition, Nursing Education is in the process of developing new qualifications and a curriculum on a National basis.

For more information contact:

Mrs M Mildenhall

Tel: (011) 298 2403

Fax: 011 298 2410

 Email: Maureen.Mildenhall@gauteng.gov.za