KZN Health Opens 2026 Emergency Medical Care Training Programme

Programme: Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care
Field: Health Sciences
Salary: R6 500 – R7 860 Per Month
NQF Level: 5
SAQA ID: 120401
Credits: 125
Programme Duration: 1 Year (Full-time)
Training Provider: KZN College of Emergency Care
Application Method: Online application via official link
Closing Date: 03 April 2026
Enquiries: 031 203 0900

A major opportunity has just opened for emergency medical services personnel in KwaZulu-Natal. The KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Health has officially announced a Training Opportunity for KZN EMS Employees – July 2026 Intake.

The programme is a Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, offered through the KZN College of Emergency Care. This qualification is designed to strengthen the professional skills of emergency medical staff and prepare them for advanced roles in emergency response.

If you are currently working in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in KwaZulu-Natal, this programme could significantly improve your career prospects in the healthcare and emergency response sector.

Programme Structure

The Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care programme includes both classroom training and practical emergency response training.

Participants will study areas such as:

• Patient assessment
• Emergency medical procedures
• Trauma care
• Ambulance operations
• Basic life support
• Emergency scene management
• Medical ethics and professionalism

Because emergency work requires practical experience, students also undergo hands-on training and supervised field practice.

This ensures that graduates are ready to respond effectively in real-life emergencies.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet specific academic and professional requirements to qualify for the programme.

Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:

1. Senior Certificate (Before 2009)

Applicants must have passed the following subjects:

• English
• Mathematics
• Biology and/or Physical Science
• Additional subjects as required

2. National Senior Certificate with Higher Certificate Endorsement

Applicants must have passed:

• English
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
• Life Sciences or Physical Sciences
• Additional subjects required for APS calculation

3. National Certificate (Vocational)

Applicants must have achieved at least 60% in the following subjects:

• English
• Mathematics
• Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences

Additional Admission Requirements

Besides academic qualifications, candidates must also meet the following conditions:

• Minimum APS score of 18
• Must pass medical fitness examination
• Must pass physical fitness assessment

Emergency medical professionals must be physically fit and medically capable of performing demanding rescue duties.

EMS personnel often work in high-pressure environments including accident scenes, disaster areas, and emergency situations.

APS Score Calculation Explained

The Admission Point Score (APS) determines whether a candidate qualifies academically.

The APS is calculated using the top six matric subjects excluding Life Orientation.

Different qualifications use different APS rating systems.

Example APS Rating

Typical scoring works like this:

• 7 = 80–100%
• 6 = 70–79%
• 5 = 60–69%
• 4 = 50–59%
• 3 = 40–49%
• 2 = 30–39%
• 1 = 0–29%

The combined score of the six best subjects must equal at least 18 points.

This requirement ensures students entering the programme have a solid academic foundation for healthcare training.

Application Process

Applications for the programme are done online through the official KZN EMS training portal.

Step-by-step application process:

1. Visit the application portal https://kzncoecapp.kznhealth.gov.za/
2. Access the Higher Certificate programme application form.
3. Complete all required personal details.
4. Upload the required documents.
5. Submit your application before the deadline.

Important Application Notes

• Only in-service EMS staff may apply.
• Applications must be completed before the closing date.
• Late applications may not be considered.

Closing Date: 03 April 2026

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues.