Khumalo DakaraiThis program prepares graduates to become Emergency Care Practitioners (ECPs) registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Admission to the BHSc in Emergency Medical Care typically requires a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with specific subject achievements and an Admission Point Score (APS) that meets the program’s criteria. The exact APS requirements are detailed in DUT’s admission guidelines, which can be found in the Faculty of Health Sciences handbook.
For applicants with an APS lower than the standard requirement, DUT does not offer a diploma program in Paramedic Studies as an alternative pathway. However, other institutions in South Africa provide programs that may have different entry requirements.
For instance, Mediclinic offers a Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, a one-year program that equips graduates to provide emergency medical care within the Emergency Care Assistant scope of practice. The admission requirements for this program include:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC):
- English: Rating of 4 (50-59%)
- Mathematics: Rating of 3 (40-49%) or Mathematical Literacy: Rating of 6 (70-79%)
- Life Sciences and/or Physical Science: Rating of 3 (40-49%)
- A minimum APS of 19 points (22 if Mathematical Literacy applies), excluding Life Orientation
- Senior Certificate (pre-2008):
- English: Minimum D symbol on Standard Grade (SG) or E symbol on Higher Grade (HG)
- Mathematics: Minimum D symbol on SG or E symbol on HG
- Biology and/or Physical Sciences: Minimum D symbol on SG or E symbol on HG
- National Certificate (Vocational):
- English: Rating of 5 (60-69%)
- Mathematics: Rating of 4 (50-59%) or Mathematics Literacy: Rating of 7 (80-100%)
- Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences: Rating of 4 (50-59%)
- A minimum of 24 points (27 if Mathematical Literacy applies), excluding Life Orientation
Additionally, applicants must pass medical and physical fitness evaluations and may be required to participate in interviews and assessments as part of the selection process.
It’s important to note that admission requirements can vary between institutions and programs. Prospective students with a lower APS are encouraged to explore alternative programs or institutions that may offer paramedic or emergency medical care qualifications with entry requirements that align with their academic profiles.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to contact the admissions offices of the respective institutions directly or visit their official websites.
Career Opportunities Of Bachelor of Health Sciences Degree in Emergency Medical Care
A Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) in Emergency Medical Care (EMC) offers numerous career opportunities in the field of emergency medical services, pre-hospital care, and beyond. Graduates can pursue roles in clinical practice, education, research, and management. Here are some potential career paths:
1. Paramedic and Emergency Medical Practitioner
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) Paramedic: Provide pre-hospital care in emergency situations.
- Flight Paramedic: Deliver emergency care on air ambulances or helicopters.
- Critical Care Paramedic (CCP): Specialize in managing critically ill or injured patients.
2. Emergency Services Management
- Operations Manager: Oversee the operations of emergency medical services (EMS).
- EMS Director: Lead and manage EMS organizations or departments.
- Disaster and Emergency Planner: Develop response strategies for large-scale emergencies and disasters.
3. Clinical Specialist
- Work as a specialist in areas such as:
- Trauma Management
- Cardiac Care
- Pediatric Emergency Care
4. Educator and Trainer
- EMS Lecturer: Teach at colleges or universities offering emergency medical care programs.
- Training Officer: Provide continuing education and training for paramedics and healthcare professionals.
5. Research and Development
- Clinical Researcher: Conduct research in emergency medicine, pre-hospital care, or public health.
- Medical Technology Developer: Collaborate on innovations in medical devices or emergency care technologies.
6. Health and Safety Roles
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: Focus on workplace safety and emergency preparedness.
- Industrial Paramedic: Provide medical care on remote sites such as mines, oil rigs, or construction sites.
7. International Opportunities
- Work with global organizations like:
- Red Cross or Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)
- International disaster response teams
- Humanitarian aid agencies.
8. Further Studies and Specializations
Graduates can pursue postgraduate studies to specialize in fields like:
- Public Health
- Disaster Management
- Healthcare Leadership and Policy
- Advanced Critical Care
Industries Hiring BHSc in EMC Graduates
- Public and private EMS providers.
- Hospitals and trauma centers.
- Aviation companies (air ambulances).
- Industrial sectors (mining, oil and gas, construction).
- Humanitarian and disaster relief organizations.
- Educational institutions.
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Conclusion
The degree equips graduates with both clinical and non-clinical skills, making them versatile professionals ready to address a wide range of emergency and health-related challenges.