Auxiliary nursing is the most accessible entry point into the nursing profession in South Africa. It leads to registration with the South African Nursing Council as a nursing auxiliary, and requires a National Senior Certificate meeting the programme minimum rather than the science-heavy requirements of a nursing degree.
Auxiliary registration has a defined and narrower scope of practice than enrolled or professional nursing. It is a recognised route rather than a lesser one, and it articulates upward through accredited bridging programmes.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Programmes generally assess the following.
- A National Senior Certificate meeting the programme minimum
- Life Sciences at the level required by most providers
- A language at the level the programme requires
- A mathematics subject, with Mathematical Literacy commonly accepted
- Health screening and a police clearance certificate, because of clinical placement
- Accreditation of the programme with the South African Nursing Council
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Auxiliary nursing programmes are typically a year in duration and combine theory with supervised clinical practice. On completion you register with the council as a nursing auxiliary.
The academic entry requirement is lighter than for a nursing degree or diploma, which is what makes it the accessible route for applicants who do not meet those requirements.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Life Sciences is required or strongly preferred by most providers, since the training covers basic anatomy and physiology.
Mathematical Literacy is commonly accepted, unlike on degree routes. This is the main reason the auxiliary route is open to applicants excluded from university nursing programmes.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- A medical or health screening report
- A police clearance certificate
- Proof of immunisation, where the clinical facility requires it
- Proof of the application or course fee
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Places are limited by clinical placement capacity, as they are across every level of nursing, so the route is competitive despite its lighter entry requirements.
Progression is the point worth planning for. Accredited bridging programmes run from auxiliary to enrolled nursing and from enrolled to professional nursing, and many professional nurses entered the profession this way.
Confirm accreditation with the South African Nursing Council before enrolling anywhere, since only an accredited programme leads to registration and therefore to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can an auxiliary nurse do?
Auxiliary registration has a defined and narrower scope of practice than enrolled or professional nursing, set by the South African Nursing Council.
Does it accept Mathematical Literacy?
Commonly yes, which is the main reason it is accessible to applicants excluded from nursing degrees.
Can I progress to professional nursing?
Yes, through accredited bridging programmes from auxiliary to enrolled and then to professional nursing.
How long is the programme?
Typically a year, combining theory with supervised clinical practice.
Confirm accreditation with the South African Nursing Council before enrolling anywhere, since only an accredited programme leads to registration and therefore to practice. See nursing requirements and browse all education requirements.