The Lebone College of Emergency Care in Pretoria is a specialised private institution focused on training highly skilled emergency care personnel, playing a critical role in South Africa’s pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) sector. As a dedicated college, its programmes are designed to meet the rigorous standards set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and other relevant bodies.
For individuals passionate about a career in emergency medical response, understanding the college’s specific course offerings, the associated costs, the stringent entry requirements, and the correct contact channels is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of these key aspects to inform prospective students.
Lebone College Of Emergency Care Pretoria – Courses, Fees, Requirements, Contacts
1. Courses and Programmes Offered
Lebone College specialises in qualifications that lead to professional registration as Emergency Care Practitioners (ECPs). The primary programmes are structured according to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
* Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care (NQF Level 5):
* Duration: 1 Year (Full-time)
* Outcome: Qualifies graduates to register with the HPCSA as an Emergency Care Technician (ECT). ECTs provide intermediate life support, can perform advanced procedures like intravenous therapy, and administer certain emergency medications under protocols.
* Diploma in Emergency Medical Care (NQF Level 6):
* Duration: 2 Years (Full-time, following the Higher Certificate) or 3 Years (Integrated programme)
* Outcome: Qualifies graduates to register with the HPCSA as an **Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP)**. This is the advanced life support qualification. ECPs possess advanced clinical skills, including advanced airway management, manual defibrillation, and the administration of a wider range of medications. They are trained to make complex clinical decisions at an emergency scene.
*(Note: The specific structure—whether the Diploma is a stand-alone 3-year course or a 2-year follow-on after the Higher Certificate—must be confirmed directly with the college, as curriculum models can change.)*
* Short Skills Courses & Continuous Professional Development (CPD):
* The college also offers various short courses for qualified practitioners, such as PALS (Paediatric Advanced Life Support), ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), and other HPCSA-required CPD points courses to maintain registration.
2. Admission Requirements
Entry into emergency medical care programmes is competitive and requires meeting specific academic and personal criteria to ensure candidates can handle the demanding nature of the profession.
* Academic Requirements:
* National Senior Certificate (NSC): A matric exemption (Bachelor’s Pass) is typically mandatory.
* Compulsory Subjects: Minimum level 4 (50-59%) passes in:
* English (Language of instruction and practice)
* Mathematics (Mathematical Literacy is often **not** accepted for the core ECP track due to the advanced pharmacology and physics involved in the curriculum)
* Life Sciences (Biology) and **Physical Science** are strongly recommended and often required.
* Additional Requirements:
* Driver’s License: A valid Code 10 or Code C driver’s license with a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) is a critical requirement for employment and is often needed before or during clinical placements.
* Physical and Medical Fitness: Applicants must be physically fit and may need to provide a medical certificate. The role involves heavy lifting, prolonged standing, and work in stressful environments.
* Criminal Record Check: A clear criminal record is required for HPCSA registration and work in the EMS sector.
* Selection Process: This usually involves a written entrance assessment, a practical/aptitude test, and a personal interview to assess communication skills, emotional resilience, problem-solving ability, and motivation.
3. Fee Structure and Financial Considerations
As a private college, tuition fees are a significant investment. The exact figures must be obtained from the college for the current year, but the following provides a general framework.
* Estimated Annual Tuition Fees:
* Higher Certificate (1 year): R 45,000 – R 70,000 for the full programme.
* Diploma (2-3 years): R 50,000 – R 80,000 per annum. The total cost for the full ECP qualification (Higher Cert + Diploma) can therefore range from approximately **R 120,000 to R 200,000+**.
* Additional Compulsory Costs:
* Registration/Application Fee: A non-refundable fee payable upon application.
* HPCSA Student Registration Fee: Paid directly to the HPCSA.
* Uniforms and Equipment: Students must purchase prescribed uniforms, a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and other personal clinical equipment.
* Textbooks and Learning Materials: These are specialised and expensive.
* Clinical Placement Costs: While the college arranges placements, students are often responsible for their own transport to and from hospitals, fire stations, and ambulance bases.
* Financial Aid:
* Lebone College is not a NSFAS-accredited institution. Students must seek alternative funding.
* Provincial Government Bursaries: The Gauteng Provincial Government Department of Health, and other provinces, often offer bursaries for emergency care studies in exchange for a service contract (a year-for-year commitment to work for the state EMS).
* Private Ambulance Service Bursaries: Companies like ER24, Netcare 911, or AMS may offer bursaries with employment obligations.
* Bank Student Loans: Standard bank education loans are a common option.
4. Contact Details and Location
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, direct contact with the college is essential.
* Physical Address:
Lebone College of Emergency Care
391 Pretoria Road
(Likely in the Pretoria/Gauteng area – *Confirm exact building/suburb via telephone*)
Gauteng
* Telephone Number: +27 (0)12 343 0114 (This is a widely listed contact number. It is advisable to call during business hours).
* Email & Website: While a specific email may not be publicly listed, inquiries can be directed via the contact number. A dedicated website for the college is not prominently established; information is often disseminated through direct contact or via the parent organisation (if applicable).
* Best Practice for Contact: The most effective approach is to **call the college directly** to request an information pack, confirm open day dates, and inquire about the application process for the upcoming intake.
Critical Considerations for Prospective Students
* Career Realism: Emergency care is a high-stress, physically demanding, and emotionally taxing profession. It involves shift work, traumatic scenes, and significant responsibility. Ensure this is a vocation, not just a job interest.
* Accreditation Verification: Before enrolling, confirm the college’s current accreditation status for its programmes with the **HPCSA** and the **Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)**. This is non-negotiable for professional registration.
* Employment Prospects: The demand for qualified ECTs and ECPs in South Africa is steady, with opportunities in both public (provincial ambulance services) and private (ER24, Netcare 911) sectors, as well as in mining, industrial settings, and event medical services.
* Visit the Campus: If possible, attend an open day or schedule a visit. This provides the best sense of the facilities, faculty, and learning environment.
In summary, the Lebone College of Emergency Care offers a dedicated pathway to becoming a registered Emergency Care Technician or Practitioner. Prospective students must prepare for stringent academic requirements (Maths and Science), a significant financial investment (R120k – R200k+ total), and a demanding but rewarding career. The crucial first step is to make direct contact via phone at 012 343 0114 to obtain the official, current prospectus and clarify all specific details regarding applications, fees, and programme structure for the intended year of study.