If you want to pursue a profession in nursing, asides from passion, patience, and thick skin, you’ll need a lot of dedication to learn the ropes and this learning begins at nursing training schools and colleges. This comprehensive list of the 10 best nursing colleges in Durban provides ideas of places you are sure of getting the training to start your nursing profession.
The Covid 19 epidemic has brought to light the importance of these professionals and their contribution to the healthcare system. Both public and private medical institutions in South Africa, including Durban, are in desperate need of additional nurses. In all medical facilities, more nurses would mean more efficient, well-run, and high-quality care and the colleges they get training from are equally important and that is the reason for this list.
The Best Nursing Colleges In Durban Right Now
If you wish to be a nurse, in Durban you will need to complete the requirements for a nursing degree at one of the nursing colleges in South Africa and interestingly, Durban and its environs, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa’s second-largest province, has a number of notable nursing colleges both publicly and privately owned.
Government Nursing Colleges in Durban
There are quite a number of government-owned nursing colleges in Durban but we picked out these ones for you.
1. University of Zululand UNIZULU Nursing School
- Location: KwaDlangezwa Campus, Durban.
- Address: Corner Guldengracht &, 2 Cent Cir, Road, Richards Bay, 3900, South Africa
- Year Founded: 1981
- Founder: Prince of Phindangene, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the institution’s chancellor when it was first established.
UniZulu Department of Nursing Science was established in 1981 and has trained renowned men and women making an impact in the nursing profession.
With a state of the art facilities, including a Clinical Skills Laboratory which has high fidelity simulation dolls, for students to use to practice clinical skills in a safe environment and lots more, you are definitely in safe hands in your quest for professional training.
The Nursing department of the institution offers a variety of programs which includes:
- Bachelor of Nursing Degree
- Bachelor Curationis Education and Administration Degree
- Master of Nursing Degree
- Doctor of Nursing Degree
- Bachelor Curationis Education and Administration (BCur E et A)
Basic Entry Requirements
UKZN Nursing School offers Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing in Education and Administration certificates. The basic requirement for entry into any nursing science program at the institution are:
- A pass in English of at least 40% (E symbol) at the higher grade (HG) or 50% (D symbol) at the standard grade (SG)
- A pass in Biology of at least 40% (E symbol) at the higher grade (HG) or 50% (D symbol) at the standard grade (SG)
- A full matriculation endorsement, exemption, or conditional exemption or its approved foreign equivalent, a minimum of 30 matric points
For further information, you can visit their website at www.unizulu.ac.za
2. Durban University of Technology DUT Nursing School
- Location: Ritson Campus, Durban
- Address: 10 Ritson Rd, Musgrave, Berea, 4001, South Africa
- Year Founded: 2002
- Founder: N/A
Although DUT Nursing School came into existence 20 years ago as a result of a merger between two technikons, ML Sultan and Technikon Natal, the history of the institution can be traced to 1907 as the former Natal Technical College.
The academic curriculum of the institution is designed as four years of full-time study, with the first two years providing a complete foundation in basic sciences, including basic medical sciences and social sciences, to the future professional nurse.
The core pattern will be attendance at lectures, clinical health settings, community settings, and laboratories, so you are sure of well-rounded professional training at the institution.
Basic Entry Requirements:
DUT Nursing School offers a variety of programs in nursing and each of the programs has its own entry requirements. Here is a list of the programs, click on the links attached to view the basic entry requirement for each of them
- BTech: Nursing (Nursing Management) Entry Requirements
- Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nursing Science Entry Requirements
- Nursing Science Entry Requirements
- MTech: Nursing Entry Requirements
- BTech: Nursing (Occupational Health) Entry Requirements
- DTech: Nursing Entry Requirements
- BTech: Nursing (Primary Health Care) Entry Requirements
3. University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) School Of Nursing
- Location: Congella, Durban
- Address: 238 Mazisi Kunene Rd, Glenwood, Durban, 4041, South Africa
- Year Founded: 2004
- Founder: N/A
This is one of the best places to start your professional training as a nurse. Although the University of KwaZulu-Natal is over six decades old, its nursing school was established in 2004 as a merger between the universities of Natal and Durban-Westville.
The institution offers Bachelor of Nursing (undergraduate) and Bachelor of Nursing Honours (Postgraduate) degrees.
Basic Entry Requirements
- Bachelor of Nursing
To be eligible for the undergraduate program at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) School Of Nursing you will need:
- An NSC degree pass with English (HL/FAL)
- Life Orientation 4 and Mathematics/Maths Literacy 3 and Life Sciences Level 4
- 30 points excluding Life Orientation
Bachelor of Nursing Honours (Postgraduate)
To be eligible for the postgraduate program at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) School Of Nursing, you need:
- An undergraduate qualification in Nursing, with at least two modules in two or more of the following: Psychology, Sociology, Social Anthropology, Industrial Sociology
4. Benedictine Nursing Campus
- Location: Nongoma, Durban
- Address: Private Bag X5007, Nongoma, 3950, South Africa
- Year Founded: 1935
- Founder: Benedictine Sisters
Benedictine Campus was established by the Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing in 1935, first as a training school and in 1976 both the training school and the hospital were handed over to the government.
The nursing college is registered with both the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) at Basic and Post-registration levels and the South African Nursing Council (SANC). It specializes in the training of nurses and midwives
So, if you seek where to achieve excellence in nursing through education, this is a good place to start.
Basic Entry Requirements
The following are the minimum criteria to apply for admission but they do not guarantee entry.
- Mathematics level 4 or Mathematics Literacy level 5
- Physical Science level 4 or Life Science level 4
For additional information visit the college website at www.kznhealth.gov.za
5. Academy of Nursing Education and Healthcare Training
- Location: Durban Central, Durban
- Address: 9 Dorothy Nyembe St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Year Founded: 1995
- Founder: N/A
Academy of Nursing Education and Healthcare Training came into existence in 1995 when the senate and council of the University of Zulu land approved a program called open learning academy of nursing, which later metamorphosed into what is today known as ANEHT.
The institution got its programs approved by the South African nursing council in 1998 and it’s known for delivering on its mission of developing skilled and well-rounded professionals.
So, if you are looking for a top-notch nursing college to study in Durban, you may want to add this to your possible options.
Basic Entry Requirements
To be considered for admission into this noble citadel of learning, you must have the following basic requirements
- Mathematical Literacy (min. 50% or mathematics at NQL level 4 (min. 40%))
- Grade 12 with admission to higher certificate or equivalent with an average of 50% Senior certificate
- Any science subject at NQL level 4 (min. 40%)
Best Private Colleges in Durban
There are also quite a handful o privately owned nursing colleges in Durban in serious competition with the government-owned ones. You may also want to choose from this list.
6. Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School
- Location: Durban
- Address: 82 Khuzimpi Shezi Street, (formerly Williams Road), Delbridge, Durban, 4000
- Year Founded: N/A
- Founder: N/A
Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School is one of the leading and well-known Private Nursing Institutions in Durban and was accredited by the South African Nursing Council in 1997. This institution is your sure bet if you are looking for somewhere to gain high-quality training and learning.
Basic Entry Requirements
Prospective students seeking admission at Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School just have the following:
- Mathematics level 4 or Mathematics Literacy level 5
- Physical Science level 4 or Life Science level 4
There are other requirements to be met before being admitted but this is dependent on the type of course you choose (Degree, Diploma, or high certification). For more information about this, you can check out the school website at www. candlelight nursing school.co.za
7. Gandhi Mandela Nursing Academy
- Location: Durban Central, Durban
- Address: 52 Ismail C Meer St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Year Founded: N/A
- Founder: N/A
Looking for a well-equipped nursing institution that goes beyond theories to give you a practical advantage before you eventually go into the field to practice? then choosing Gandhi Mandela Nursing Academy is a worthwhile decision.
Basic Entry Requirements
To gain admission into a higher certificate or diploma program, prospective students must
- Achieve the statutory minimum requirements based on the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent school leaving certificate, as well as the applicant’s educational certificate
- Final Grade 12 results
There are specific requirements for all particular programs. To assign point values to NSC subjects or other courses, the Admission Point System (APS) is used.
8. Netcare Education Durban
- Location: Durban North, Durban
- Address: Block C95, Umhlanga Rocks Dr, Durban North, Durban, 4016, South Africa
- Year Founded: N/A
- Founder: N/A
Netcare Education is the educational arm of the Netcare Group and has become one of the leading private education and training institutions for healthcare professionals in South Africa.
They are registered with the relevant health professional bodies and are affiliated with various private and state hospitals, as well as community facilities, to ensure you get nothing short of excellent training to start your nursing career.
The institution offers a variety of interesting courses which includes:
- Maternity nursing
- Pediatric cardiothoracic nursing
- Infection prevention and control nursing
- Operating room skills
- Neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) nursing.
- Critical care nursing.
- Trauma and emergency nursing
- Anaesthetic and recovery room nursing
Basic Entry Requirements
Requirements for admission differ, depending on the course you desire to study, however, there are basic entry requirements every prospective student must meet irrespective of the course of study and they include:
- English minimum 40% (forty percent)
- Mathematics or Mathematic literacy minimum 40% (forty percent)
- Life Sciences minimum 40% (forty percent)
9. JMM Nursing School
- Location: Durban Central, Durban
- Address: 537 Dr A B Xuma St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Year Founded: 1994
- Founder: N/A
JMM nursing school is another place you are sure to get the best training to start your career in nursing. This was established by the Nursing Act of 1944 (Act No. 45 of 1944) and is now independently owned and financed.
Basic Entry Requirements
Just like many other nursing colleges in the city, JMM offers a variety of interesting courses, and the requirements for admission to study any of these courses differ, depending on the course you desire to study, however, there are basic entry requirements for the prospective student must meet irrespective of the course of study and they include:
- English minimum 40% (forty percent)
- Mathematics or Mathematic literacy minimum 40% (forty percent)
- Life Sciences minimum 40% (forty percent)
NB: For a nursing diploma, you must have an overall grade of C plain or above in English and Biology, and at least a C- (minus) in one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics.
10. Charles Johnson Memorial Campus
- Location: Durban
- Address: Nqutu, 3135, South Africa
- Year Founded: 1960
- Founder: N/A
Last but not least on our list of 10 Nursing colleges in Durban is Charles Johnson Memorial Campus. The history of this training school for nurses can be traced back to British Wars which were prevailing during the 1879 era.
Many years after the war, the Charles Johnson Memorial Hospital was developed and the nurse training center was established in the late 1960s. By 1990, it had built a Nursing Campus and became a full-fledged nursing college.
The school offers a Diploma in Nursing, Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, and Diploma in Nursing (General, Psychiatric, and Community) and Midwifery.
Basic Entry Requirements
- Mathematics level 4 or Mathematics Literacy level 5
- Physical Science level 4 or Life Science level 4
These are just the basic requirements. Applicants should note that they must meet other specific requirements for admission, depending on the course they desire to study.
How Lucrative Is A Nursing Degree In South Africa?
It is important to note that while some people go into nursing for the passion and desire to save lives, others have the lucrative salaries as their driving force, thus, the question of how lucrative a nursing degree is is coming up every time.
Notably, the nursing profession is quite lucrative in SA as it’s in many parts of the world. In South Africa, nurses earn between R13,000 to R38,000 each month; this figure can be higher, depending on qualification and experience.
