Auxiliary Nursing Course at UNISA. The field of nursing offers a range of career paths, each with its own set of qualifications and specializations. One such path is auxiliary nursing, a crucial role that supports the healthcare system by providing essential care under the supervision of registered nurses. In South Africa, the University of South Africa (UNISA) offers accredited programs in auxiliary nursing, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field.
Auxiliary Nursing Course at UNISA
First Level
At the first level, the course introduces students to fundamental concepts in health care and health sciences education. It’s important to note that ENG1503 has replaced the module ENN103F, and students who have already completed ENN103F are not required to register for ENG1503.
Compulsory Modules:
- CMH1501 – Comprehensive Primary Health Care I: This module covers the basics of primary healthcare, emphasizing prevention and health promotion.
- CMH1502 – Comprehensive Primary Health Care II: A continuation of CMH1501, delving deeper into primary healthcare practices.
- CMH1503 – Health and the Environment: This module explores the relationship between health and environmental factors.
- ENG1503 – Academic Language and Literacy in English: Essential for developing academic writing and literacy skills.
- HMA1501 – Planning and Organising in Health Services Management: Introduces students to the fundamentals of planning and organizing in health services.
- HMA1502 – Leading and Control in Health Services Management: Focuses on leadership and control mechanisms in healthcare settings.
- HSE1501 – Contextualisation of Health Sciences Education: Examines the context and relevance of health sciences education.
- HSE1502 – Principles of Health Sciences Education: Covers foundational principles and educational practices in health sciences.
Second Level
The second level builds on the knowledge gained in the first level, with a stronger focus on practical skills and community health.
Compulsory Modules:
- CMH2601 – Community Health Practical: Practical application of community health principles, requiring completion of CMH1501 and CMH1502. Co-requisite: CMH2602.
- CMH2602 – Health in Communities: Studies the health dynamics within communities, with prerequisites CMH1501 and CMH1502.
- COM2603 – Intercultural, Development and Health Communication: Explores communication strategies in diverse health contexts.
- HMA2601 – Human Resource Management in Health Services: Focuses on HR management within healthcare, requiring HMA1501 and HMA1502.
- HMA2602 – Labour Relations in Health Services: Examines labor relations in healthcare, also requiring HMA1501 and HMA1502.
- HMA2603 – Health Services Management Practical: A practical module with co-requisites HMA2601 and HMA2602.
- HSE2601 – Education Management in Health Sciences: Covers management principles in health sciences education, requiring HSE1501 and HSE1502.
- HSE2602 – Teaching and Assessment in Health Sciences: Focuses on effective teaching and assessment methods, with prerequisites HSE1501 and HSE1502.
- HSE2603 – Health Sciences Education: Practical: A practical module co-requisite with HSE2601 and HSE2602.
- NUD2601 – Nursing Dynamics: Addresses the dynamics of the nursing profession.
- PUB2604 – Welfare and Social Services: Discusses welfare and social services, with prerequisites PUB1501 and PUB1601.
- RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences: Introduces research methods in social sciences, essential for evidence-based practice.
Third Level
In the final level, students engage in advanced studies, focusing on leadership, management, and contemporary issues in health services.
Compulsory Modules:
- CMH3701 – Basic Epidemiology in Health Sciences: Introduces the principles of epidemiology, a co-requisite for RSC2601.
- HMA3701 – Financial Management in Health Services: Covers financial management principles, with prerequisites HMA2601 and HMA2602, and co-requisite HMA2603.
- HMA3702 – Quality in Health Services Management: Focuses on quality management, requiring HMA2601 and HMA2602.
- HMA3703 – Leadership in Health Services Management: Explores leadership theories and practices in healthcare, with the same prerequisites as HMA3701.
- HMA3704 – Contemporary Issues in Health Services Management: Discusses current trends and issues in health services management.
- HSE3701 – Cultural Diverse Education in Health Sciences: Addresses cultural diversity in health sciences education, requiring HSE2601 and HSE2602.
- HSE3702 – Contemporary Trends in Health Sciences Education: Examines modern educational trends in health sciences.
- HSE3703 – Developing Health Science Curricula: Foundations: Covers the foundational aspects of curriculum development in health sciences.
- HSE3704 – Developing Health Science Curricula: Principles and Process: Focuses on the principles and processes involved in developing curricula.
- HSE3705 – The Caring Ethic in Health Sciences: Discusses the ethical considerations in health sciences.
Program Details
UNISA’s auxiliary nursing courses are accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), ensuring that the curriculum meets national standards for nursing education. This accreditation is crucial as it guarantees that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the healthcare industry and eligible for registration with SANC.
Course Duration
The duration of the auxiliary nursing programs at UNISA varies depending on the level of qualification pursued:
- Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing: This program is designed to be completed over one academic year. It provides foundational knowledge and skills in nursing, focusing on basic patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention. This course is ideal for those looking to enter the nursing field quickly and begin working in supportive roles within healthcare settings.
- Diploma in Nursing: This more comprehensive program extends over three academic years. It offers in-depth training in nursing practice, including clinical skills, patient care management, and community health. The diploma program prepares students for a broader range of nursing responsibilities and provides a pathway to becoming a registered nurse after further studies and meeting additional registration requirements.
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of these programs, graduates are equipped to work in various healthcare environments, including hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and long-term care facilities. The Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing prepares students for entry-level positions, while the Diploma in Nursing offers a more advanced career trajectory, potentially leading to further studies and specialized roles in the nursing profession.
Conclusion
UNISA auxiliary nursing courses offer flexible and accredited pathways for individuals looking to enter or advance in the nursing field in South Africa. With a focus on both foundational and advanced nursing skills, these programs cater to different career aspirations and provide essential training to meet the healthcare needs of the community. Whether you’re seeking to quickly enter the workforce or aiming for a more comprehensive education in nursing, UNISA provides valuable opportunities for your professional growth.
