Netcare Education’s Faculty of Emergency and Critical Care (FECC) is one of the leading private pre-hospital healthcare training centres in South Africa. It offers accredited paramedic programmes that combine theoretical teaching with practical, hands-on emergency medical training.
Netcare Paramedic Course: Fees, Requirements & Contact Details (Current Year)
Courses Offered
The FECC offers accredited higher education programmes and short courses in emergency medical care.
Diploma in Emergency Medical Care (EMC)
This is the flagship qualification for those aiming to become a fully qualified paramedic. It is a comprehensive, HPCSA-accredited programme.
Key details:
Duration: Typically 2-3 years of full-time study
Admission Points Score (APS): Minimum of 24 points
Subject Requirements: English (Level 4), Mathematics (Level 3), Life Sciences (Level 3), Physical Sciences (Level 3), plus two additional subjects (Level 3)
Application Fee: R900
Estimated Tuition Fees: Approximately R117,900 (total)
Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care (EMC)
This programme is an entry-level qualification that prepares students for careers as Emergency Care Assistants.
Key details:
Application Fee: R900
Estimated Tuition Fees: Approximately R123,713 (total)
Please note that fees are subject to annual change. Contact Netcare Education directly for the current tuition fees for the upcoming academic year.
Short Courses
Netcare FECC also offers a range of short courses and continuing professional development programmes for qualified healthcare professionals. Examples include the Aviation for Healthcare Provider Course, which is a 3-day programme covering flight physiology, scene assessment, patient packaging, and emergency care in aviation settings. These courses often provide CPD points for registered practitioners.
Admission Requirements
Meeting the minimum academic requirements is the first step in a competitive selection process.
Minimum Entry Criteria
For the Diploma in Emergency Medical Care, the academic requirements are:
| Subject | Achievement Level (NSC) | Higher Grade (Senior Certificate) |
|---|---|---|
| English | Level 4 (50–59%) | D or C (SG) |
| Mathematics | Level 3 (40–49%) | E (HG) or D (SG) |
| Life Sciences | Level 3 (40–49%) | E (HG) or D (SG) |
| Physical Sciences | Level 3 (40–49%) | E (HG) or D (SG) |
| Minimum APS | 24 | 10 (M-Score) |
Life Orientation is excluded from the APS calculation.
Additional Requirements
Applicants who meet the academic criteria may be invited to take part in a selection process, which includes:
– Academic Quantitative and Literacy Assessments
– Personal interview
– Physical fitness and swimming proficiency assessment
Candidates must also pass a medical and physical fitness evaluation. It is recommended that applicants complete at least 40 hours of voluntary duties in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) before applying.
General Document Requirements
When applying, you will need to submit:
– Completed application form
– Certified copy of your South African ID document
– Certified copy of your Matric certificate or latest Grade 12 results
– Motivational letter outlining your career aspirations
– Brief Curriculum Vitae (CV)
– Proof of payment of the application fee
– Additional qualifications (if applicable)
– RPL and supporting documents (if applicable)
International Applicants
International applicants may need a letter of endorsement from the Department of Health in South Africa.
Selection and Admission
Scoring above 80% in all assessment sessions increases your chances of acceptance into the Netcare Education Nursing Programme. Applicants scoring between 50% and 80% may be eligible for the Netcare Education Designate programme, which is typically 8 months long.
Study Locations
The FECC has multiple campuses across South Africa:
Durban Campus (KwaZulu-Natal): Block D, 95 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Durban North
Midrand Campus (Gauteng): Riverview Business Park, 410 Janadel Avenue, Halfway Gardens, Midrand
Nelspruit Campus (Mpumalanga): Sonpark, Piet Retief Road, Nelspruit
Accreditation
Netcare Education is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act of 1997. Its programmes are accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
The FECC is also accredited by other professional bodies, including:
Resuscitation Council of South Africa (RCSA)
American Heart Association (AHA)
International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)
Department of Employment and Labour (DoL)
Application Process and Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Applications typically open in April and close in July/August:
– Diploma in Emergency Medical Care: 31 July
– Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care: 31 August
Application Fee
The application fee is currently R900.
Payment Information
Full tuition fees are generally payable upfront with registration, at least one week before the course commencement date. Part payments or instalments are typically not accepted. All payments must be made via direct bank deposit or electronic transfer; cash payments are not accepted at any of the campuses.
Contact Details
Faculty of Emergency and Critical Care (FECC)
National Office: 76 Maude Street (Cnr West), Sandton, 2196
Campus Contacts
| Campus | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Durban Campus (KZN) | Tel: 031 581 8209 Email: secckzn_enquiries@netcare.co.za |
| Midrand Campus (Gauteng) | Tel: 010 020 1060 / 010 209 8383 Email: feccenquiries@netcare.co.za |
| Nelspruit Campus (Mpumalanga) | Tel: 013 741 1620 |
Netcare General Customer Service
– Tel: 086 143 5787
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the application fee?
A: The application fee is R900.
Q: How much does the Diploma in Emergency Medical Care cost?
A: The estimated total tuition fee for the Diploma in Emergency Medical Care is approximately R117,900. However, fees are subject to annual change.
Q: Do I need to be physically fit to apply?
A: Yes, physical fitness is a key requirement for this physically demanding career. Applicants are required to undergo a fitness assessment as part of the selection process.
Q: Are there any voluntary requirements?
A: It is recommended that applicants complete at least 40 hours of voluntary duties in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) before applying.
Q: Can I pay my tuition fees in instalments?
A: Full tuition fees are generally payable upfront with registration. Part payments or instalments are typically not accepted.
Q: What happens if I don’t meet the minimum APS score?
A: Applicants scoring below 50% in the assessment sessions are generally ineligible for admission. However, those scoring between 50% and 80% may be eligible for an 8-month Designate programme before progressing to the main programme.
Q: What additional costs should I budget for?
A: Additional costs may include textbooks, uniforms, stethoscope, penlight, eye protection, safety shears, and other diagnostic tools, as well as the background check and health insurance. You may also need a laptop with a camera and sufficient data for online learning activities.
Disclaimer: All fees, programme details, and dates are subject to change. This information is based on the most recent data available. Please contact Netcare Education directly or visit the official website for the most current information before applying.