Career guide

Paramedic

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Provides emergency medical care before a patient reaches hospital - at accidents, homes and public places - and stabilises them on the way there. Shift work, unpredictable, physically and emotionally demanding.

This career needs Core Mathematics.
Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for it at South African universities. This choice is made in Grade 9, for Grade 10 — and it is very difficult to reverse later. If this career is on your list, take Core Mathematics.

School subjects

Mathematics (NOT Mathematical Literacy), Physical Sciences and Life Sciences; physical and medical screening applies.

How you qualify

Two levels exist and they are not the same job. A two-year Diploma in Emergency Medical Care allows registration with the HPCSA as a Paramedic. The higher level is a four-year Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care (BEMC / BHSc EMC / BTech EMC), which registers you as an Emergency Care Practitioner - the highest level of pre-hospital care. Holders of the older National Diploma can top up in one to two years. Registration with the HPCSA is compulsory to practise. Entry requirements differ by institution - confirm directly with the institution.

Where to study

Universities and Universities of Technology accredited by the HPCSA Professional Board for Emergency Care

Before you decide. Entry requirements change every year and differ between institutions. We do not publish admission point scores here, because a number that is right for one university in one year is wrong for another. Confirm the requirements directly with the institution before your subject selection form is signed. In KwaZulu-Natal, applications go through the Central Applications Office (cao.ac.za).

Last verified: 2026-08

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