South Africa is one country with a lot of medical graduates. This has led to an increase in the number of nurses who are looking for employment. Thanks to this, there is an increasing demand for nurses in various fields such as emergency medicine and palliative care. The nursing degree program at CUT is aimed at preparing students for professional practice and research in their chosen fields. It provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through clinical placements and internships.
Work Integrated Learning
A work integrated learning component is a compulsory component of the B.Cur Degree in Nursing (Basic). The work integrated learning component is a minimum of 12 weeks, but may be extended up to 24 weeks depending on the student’s placement.
The work integrated learning component is taken at the end of your first year of study and allows you to apply your knowledge in a clinical setting under the supervision of registered nurses, where you can gain experience working with patients and learn new skills.
Nursing Studies
You will study the theory of nursing, clinical practice and patient care. You will learn about the different aspects of nursing such as:
- Health care facilities;
- Patient assessment;
- Patient monitoring;
- Infection control;
- Medication administration (including injections);
- Basic life support procedures like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or first aid.
B Cur Degree in Nursing (Basic): 4 years full time
The course takes four years to complete and comprises theory and practical skills. You will be based at a hospital or clinical facility, where you will study both the theory and practical skills for the duration of your degree. At the end of the first year, each student is required to complete a project.
The second and third years build on this knowledge with more advanced classes in nursing. The fourth year culminates in a final project that focuses on personal development with their future career as a nurse.
B Cur Degree in Nursing (Post Basic): 18 months not full time
The Bachelor of Nursing (B.N.) is a three-year, full-time programme. It comprises eight semesters and you will work with patients in hospitals throughout your studies. You’ll also be doing your clinical and exams while working full time as a nurse or midwife in a hospital or clinic, attending lectures at night school during weekdays and completing assignments on weekends. After you graduate, you can apply for further postgraduate qualification programmes such as the Post Basic Diploma in Nursing Science or Post Basic Diploma in Midwifery Science to qualify as an advanced practitioner.
