Central University of Technology CUT Emergency Medical Care
Quality training at CUT offers real-time simulation of medical scenarios
The Central University of Technology (CUT) has been addressing a significant challenge related to its Emergency Medical Service (EMS) program. In 2016, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) withdrew accreditation for this program, affecting 60 EMS students. To resolve this, CUT has taken proactive steps to ensure these students can still achieve professional qualification.
Key Actions by CUT:
Remedial Program: CUT, in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg and the Department of Higher Education and Training, developed a remedial program that began on April 1st. This program is designed to meet the board’s requirements for professional registration as Emergency Medical Care practitioners.
Financial Support: CUT is covering expenses related to the remedial program to aid the affected students.
Student Placement: Students who were in their third year or had completed their qualification are enrolled in the remedial program. Those in their second year have been placed at other accredited institutions.
National Diploma in Emergency Medical Care:
- Type: Undergraduate diploma.
- Duration: 3 years, full-time.
- Compulsory Subjects:
- First Year: Anatomy and physiology, basic science, medical rescue, emergency medical care, emergency service technology.
- Second Year: Emergency service communication, general pathology, psycho-psychiatric emergency care, primary health care, medical rescue, emergency medical care.
- Third Year: Emergency service administration, pharmacology, primary health care, medical rescue, emergency medical care.
- Careers: Graduates can work as emergency officers or medical officers.
Registration and Accreditation:
Students must register with the Professional Board for Emergency Care Personnel in terms of the Medical, Dental and Supplementary Health Services Professions Act (Act 56 of 1974) and its amendments pertaining to emergency care personnel.
Experiential training is conducted at units approved by CUT and the Professional Board for Emergency Care Personnel.
This situation at CUT highlights the institution’s commitment to its students’ education and future careers, ensuring they meet professional standards despite the challenges faced. For more information, students and interested parties can visit CUT’s official website: www.cut.ac.za.
