Not qualifying for a specific course or university is not the end of the world. A bridging course can act as a second chance to pursue your medical career. To pursue a career in medicine, you would need a minimum aggregate of 70% from your matric results.
Marks in Maths, Physics and Life Science should be at least 50%, but bear in mind that not all institutions have the same entry level requirements.
Bridging courses can provide a way for students to qualify for specific study programs and work towards their goals by preparing them to rewrite certain subjects and improve their results.
They are designed to be short, focused learning programs with the aim of helping high school students enter into higher education institutions, and essentially "bridge" the educational gap between high school and university.
Various colleges and universities offer bridging courses. The University of South Africa (Unisa) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) both offer bridging courses in the field of medicine, specifically nursing.
With Unisa, you would study for a Diploma in Nursing Education which has the aim of preparing you for the challenging training regime when you finally enroll for the Bachelor's Degree program.
At Unisa, you would be grounded in general health sciences as well as undergo training in nursing. The requirements include a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching and learning.
At UKZN, you can do bridging courses for General Nursing I, General Nursing Sciences II, Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Management, Primary Care, and Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry and Pharmacology. These bridging courses have the objectives of:
- Taking an active part in searching for knowledge that will assist him or her to develop theoretical and practical skills in the care of the patient and his/her family as unique physical, psychological, religious and spiritual beings.
- Developing an appreciation of group dynamics by being able to actively participate in small group discussions and in class presentations.
- Developing and using good communication skills when interacting with patients, families, colleague and the multidisciplinary health team for effective care of the patient.
- Applying scientific approaches to nursing (Nursing Process) for individual and groups at all stages of life span in the following areas: Medical, Surgical, Operating theatre. Pediatrics, Outpatient Department and Casualty.
- Demonstrating skill in partnership building in terms of working with a nursing team in a hospital unit, as well as with a learning group.
- Applying principles of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in managing health problems at all stages of life and in all settings.
- Performing all nursing competencies within the scope of practice for the registered nurse according to SANC regulation R2598 under supervision of a registered nurse.
- Applying principles of responsibility and accountability for own nursing actions and omission according to the Nursing Act 50 of 1978 as amended.
- Demonstrating an understanding of the steps of research in nursing and the ethical issues surrounding research on human subjects.
- Developing an appreciation of nursing as a profession by maintaining her/his own professional registration with SANC up to date, debating why nursing is considered a profession and discussing criteria for a profession and the role of professional bodies.
- Applying unit management skills in planning, organizing, directing and controlling of a nursing unit.
- Applying principle of primary health care (PHC) in working with disadvantaged communities by being able to assess community needs, identifying community health problems and giving suggested plan of action for a particular community
Entry requirements for nursing bridging courses at UKZN include a matric certificate (or a Senior Certificate equivalent), Enrolled Nursing Certificate, proof of current enrolment as a nurse, two years of experience as an enrolled nurse and you must be permanently employed and practicing within a South African Nursing Council approved hospital.
If you are serious about pursuing a career in medicine, make sure to do your research before making any hasty decisions.
Articles About Bridging Courses
- What Is A Bridging Course?
- Why Take A Bridging Course?
- Completing A Bridging Course
- Is There A Bridging Course For Teaching At Unisa
- Universities That Offer Bridging Courses
- Unlock Your Potential With This Bridging Programme?
- Will NSFAS Pay For Bridging Courses?
- Is There A Bridging Course For Teaching?
- Can You Do A Bridging Course At UJ?
- Are There Bridging Courses For Medicine?
- Are There Bridging Courses At CPUT?
- Academic Bridging Year Offers Alternative Route To University
- Where To Find Bridging Courses
- Bridging The Gap Between High School and University
- Bridging Courses Your Second Chance
