Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Programme overview

This qualification is an entry-level qualification in the three-tier Emergency Care Qualification Framework, as proposed by the Department of Health in the National Emergency Care Education and Training (NECET) policy. The qualification provides the introductory knowledge, cognitive, conceptual tools and practical techniques as well as attitudes necessary for a career in the Emergency Medical Services. The qualification will also provide the key competencies and capabilities necessary for registration with the Health Profession Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as Emergency Care Assistants (ECA). Offering type listed: FULL-TIME: BELLVILLE CAMPUS; PART-TIME: BELLVILLE CAMPUS.

Faculty: Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences | Department: EMS | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Subjects listed on the programme page include Anatomy and Physiology; Clinical Emergency Care; Emergency Care Skills; Foundations of Professional Practice; Physical Sciences; Rescue Safety and Practice.

Career pathways

Career opportunities exist in operational emergency services, mass gatherings and special events, remote sites and mining as well as in education and training. Employment opportunities exist within the private and public sectors as well as with the South African Military Health Services.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Senior Certificate (prior to 2009) At least a minimum of an E symbol on Standard Grade pass for: • English • Mathematics • Biology and/or Physical Science National Certificate (Vocational), must have achieved a minimum pass of 60% for all of the following subjects: ● English ● Mathematics

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications for the 2027 intake open on Monday, 11 May 2026. Certificate and higher certificate applications close on 30 September 2026 for South African citizens and 31 August 2026 for non-South African citizens (30 June 2026 for Dental Assisting; 31 July 2026 for Emergency Medical Care).

The application fee is R110 (non-refundable); the late application fee is R160. A deposit of R1,750 is payable on acceptance and a registration fee of R785 applies.

Apply through the official page: https://www.cput.ac.za/study-at-cput/undergraduate/apply

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