St Aidan’s Hospital Nursing School, situated within the historic St Aidan’s Mission Regional Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, stands as a beacon of nursing education in South Africa. Operating under the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing (KZNCN), the institution is dedicated to cultivating proficient nursing professionals equipped to address the region’s diverse healthcare needs.
Programmes Offered
The primary programme available at St Aidan’s Hospital Nursing School is the Diploma in Nursing (R171). This comprehensive three-year, full-time course is designed to develop generalist nurses proficient in various healthcare settings. The curriculum integrates theoretical instruction with practical clinical experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to deliver high-quality nursing care.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students must meet specific academic criteria to be considered for admission:
- For National Senior Certificate (NSC) Holders (Post-2008 Matriculates):
- A minimum of 25 points on the Admission Point Score (APS), calculated from the best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
- English: Level 4 (50-59%) as Home Language or Level 3 (40-49%) as First Additional Language.
- Mathematics: Level 3 (40-49%) or Mathematical Literacy: Level 5 (60-69%).
- Life Sciences or Physical Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%).
- For Senior Certificate Holders (Pre-2008 Matriculates):
- A minimum of 25 points.
- English: ‘E’ on Higher Grade or ‘D’ on Standard Grade.
- Biology/Physics/Chemistry/Physiology: ‘E’ on Higher Grade or ‘D’ on Standard Grade.
- Mathematics: ‘E’ on Higher Grade or ‘D’ on Standard Grade.
Application Process
The application process is initiated annually through an advertisement published mid-year on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health website and in at least two newspapers. Applicants are required to follow the instructions detailed in the advertisement, which specify the necessary information and documentation to be submitted. Notably, at this stage, there is no need to complete application forms (Z83), and hand-delivered applications are not accepted.
Key Dates and Deadlines
The advertisement for nurse training posts typically appears mid-year. Applicants should adhere to the deadlines specified in the advertisement, as late submissions are not entertained. It is crucial to regularly check the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health website for the most current information regarding application timelines.
Selection Process
Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted applicants will undergo a compulsory knowledge assessment, medical surveillance, medical examination, and documentation verification. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health offers financial assistance to successful candidates in the form of a bursary. Applicants who have previously benefited from the Department’s financial assistance for training are not eligible to enter the programme.
Training and Commitment
Successful candidates are required to sign an agreement with the Department of Health committing to full-time attendance, participation in lectures, and engagement in work-integrated learning (WIL). As part of the programme requirements, this includes working shifts that may cover public holidays, weekends, and nights within KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health hospitals and clinics.
Registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC)
Upon completion of the training, students will be registered with the South African Nursing Council as General Nurses, in line with the Nursing Act (Act No. 33 of 2005).
Contact Information
For further details, prospective students can contact St Aidan’s Hospital Nursing School at:
- Telephone: +27 (0) 31 329 1417 / 031 329 1454 / 031 329 1242
- Email: Nomfundo.Gwala@kznhealth.gov.za
- Physical Address: 33 Centenary Road, Durban
- Postal Address: Private Bag X01, Overport, 4067
St Aidan’s Hospital Nursing School remains committed to providing quality nursing education, preparing students to become competent and compassionate professionals in the healthcare sector.