Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing is specifically designed to: Strengthen and deepen students’ knowledge and skills in Primary Care nursing. Develop the student’s skills based on current thinking, practice, and research methods in the field of primary care nursing. Empower students with high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence to acquire the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts, to undertake professional and highly skilled work in primary care nursing. This includes prevention of disease, injury, complications, screening, appropriate management, and prompt referral of patients with specific and complex health problems in the primary care nursing health settings.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing allows for registration as a Primary Care Nurse Specialist with the South African Nursing Council (SANC). Vertically, graduates may articulate into any relevant degree at NQF level 9 in health, for example a Master’s in Primary Care Nursing. Also associated Masters’ programme at NQF Level 9 in Health, for example a Master’s in Public Health. Horizontally, articulation is possible to the newly regulated postgraduate diplomas within nursing and other fields in Health Science at NQF level 8.

Admission Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (R.174), alternatively a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (R425), a Diploma in Nursing: General Nurse (R.171) with Advanced Diploma in Midwifery (R.1497). 4 Year Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery offered under Regulation 45 of 22 February 1985 as amended. 2 Year Diploma (Bridging course) leading to registration as General or Psychiatric Nurse offered under Regulation 683 of 14 April 1989 as amended, followed by 1-year Diploma in Midwifery offered under Regulation 254 of 14 February 1975 as amended. A minimum two (2) years’ experience (inclusive of community service), after registration by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse or General Nurse and Midwife. The two (2) years working experience as a professional nurse must be in the field of primary care nursing.  Proof of registration with the SANC as a Professional Nurse or General Nurse and Midwife. Proof of Employment detailing primary care nursing experience in years. Approval from Nursing Service Manager (NSM) to register for the programme. The prospective student should remain employed at the institution where the permission has been granted by the NSM for the duration of training.

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