KZN Health: Emergency Medical Care Training 2026
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, through the KZN College of Emergency Care (KZNCOEC), has officially opened applications for the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care (NQF Level 5) for the July 2026 intake. This is a intensive 1-year programme designed to train the next generation of Emergency Care Assistants.
1. Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Institution | KZN College of Emergency Care |
| Qualification | Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care |
| NQF Level | Level 5 (125 Credits) |
| Duration | 1 Year (Full-time) |
| Closing Date | 03 April 2026 |
| Intake Date | July 2026 |
2. Minimum Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet specific Admission Point Score (APS) targets to be considered. The minimum APS required is 18 (excluding Life Orientation).
Required Subjects & Levels:
English: Level 3 (40%+) or higher.
Mathematics: Level 3 (40%+) OR Maths Literacy: Level 6 (70%+).
Life Sciences: Level 3 (40%+) AND/OR Physical Sciences: Level 3 (40%+).
Additional Subjects: Two other subjects at Level 3 (40%+).
[!IMPORTANT]
In-Service Note: While some years are open to school leavers, the 2026 Edupstairs notice specifies that only in-service EMS personnel currently employed by the KZN Department of Health may apply for this specific cycle.
3. Physical & Medical Assessments
Because emergency work is physically demanding, academic success is only the first step. Shortlisted candidates must pass:
Medical Fitness: A full medical exam to ensure you can handle the rigors of the job.
Physical Fitness Test: This usually includes timed runs, push-ups, and sit-ups.
Environmental Assessment: A test for acrophobia (fear of heights) and claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), as paramedics often work in crashed vehicles or high-altitude rescue scenes.
4. What You Will Study
The curriculum is a mix of theory and high-pressure practical simulation:
Clinical Care: Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR, and trauma management.
Rescue Ops: Emergency scene management and ambulance operations.
Ethics: Medical law, professionalism, and the Patients' Rights Charter.
Practical Placement: Supervised field practice on active KZN EMS ambulances.
5. How to Apply
KZN Health has moved to a dedicated online system for the College of Emergency Care.
Online Portal: Access the
KZNCOEC Online Application System .Registration: Create a profile and select the Higher Certificate programme.
Required Documents (Uploads):
Certified copy of ID.
Certified Matric Certificate (No statement of results accepted).
Proof of Current Employment (for in-service applicants).
Academic Record (if you have previous tertiary credits).
Enquiries: If you experience technical issues, call 031 203 0900 or email
Londive.Mbuyisa@kznhealth.gov.za.
6. Important Advice
Manual Backups: While the system is online, it is highly recommended to inform your District Health HRD Office of your application to ensure your in-service status is verified.
The "Wait" Period: If you are not contacted within one month of the closing date (03 April), consider your application unsuccessful.
Driver's License: While not always a prerequisite for the training, you cannot be employed as a permanent EMS officer without a valid Code 10 license with PrDP. If you don't have one, use this training year to get it!
7. Career Path
Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA). This allows you to work on primary response vehicles and ambulances and serves as the foundation for the 2-year Diploma in Emergency Medical Care.
Tip: If you are currently volunteering in EMS, make sure to attach your logged hours or a letter of recommendation from your station commander—it carries significant weight!
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