Health & Medicine
Nurse
You are the heart of patient care, monitoring, treating and comforting people.
- Starting salary
- R16 000 – R28 000
- Job demand
- Always needed
- Key subjects
- Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You are the heart of patient care, monitoring, treating and comforting people.
A day in the life
You check vitals, give medication, assist procedures, support families and keep records.
Skills you need
- Compassion
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork
- Resilience
School subjects that help
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy
- English
How long does it take?
4 main steps after school, usually 1–3 years of study, or longer at university.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2Nursing diploma or degree
- 3Community service
- 4Registered nurse
- 5Specialisation
Ways in: University degree · Nursing college · TVET College · Work-based training. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of the Western Cape
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Pretoria
- North-West University
- University of South Africa
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- TVET Colleges nationwide
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R16 000 – R28 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R28 000 – R45 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R45 000 – R70 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Volunteer at a clinic
- • Learn first aid
- • Practise caring for someone who is sick at home
Try this career
Spend an afternoon shadowing or interviewing a nurse in your area.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.