Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Emergency Medical Care Programme
General Programme Information
To be successful at this programme, students should be willing to commit extensive volumes of effort and time into required studies throughout the year. Additionally, experiential learning shifts in the field are booked during the weekends and semester breaks.
Candidates should also be aware that currently this programme is only offered full time and that the general requirements of NUST are that students attend a minimum of 80% of classes for each course (subject).
This programme is designed to provide students with a systematic and coherent introduction to the broad knowledge, principles, concepts and problem-solving techniques of pre-hospital emergency medical care.
The programme will enable students to acquire cognitive/intellectual skills, practical/clinical skills, and key transferable skills for a career in the profession of emergency medical care. Graduates of this programme will be able to competently integrate and apply theoretical principles and practical clinical procedures and techniques in order to independently provide emergency medical care to injured and/or ill patients in urban, peri-urban and rural areas within the scope of practice stipulated by the Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA).
The programme allows for early exit with a Diploma in Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Care after successful completion of the second year of study. Students who exit with a Diploma will be able to find employment in industry as mid-level emergency care practitioners and will be eligible to register with the HPCNA as Emergency Care Technicians. Successful completion of the Bachelor of Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Care will enable registration with the HPCNA as an Advanced Life Support Practitioner, while graduates will be able to find employment in more senior positions, typically as Advanced Life Support Practitioners (Paramedics).
The programme has been endorsed by members of the Programme Advisory Committee, as well as the HPCNA, while academics in South Africa have been consulted for purposes of international benchmarking.
Courses offered
- Bachelor of Pre- Hospital Emergency Care
This three year degree programme is designed to provide students with a systematic and coherent introduction to the broad knowledge, principles, concepts and problem-solving techniques of Pre-hospital emergency medical care. The programme allows for exit with a Diploma in Pre- hospital Medical Care after successful completion of the second year of study. Graduates of this programme will be able to competently integrate and apply theoretical principles and practical clinical procedures and techniques in order to independently provide emergency medical care to injured or ill patients in urban, peri-urban and rural areas within the scope of practice stipulated by the Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA).
Candidates may be considered for admission to this programme, if they meet the General Admission Requirements of the Polytechnic of Namibia (GI2.1 in Part 1 of the Yearbook), and comply with the additional requirements below:
• a minimum D symbol in English as a Second Language at NSSC Ordinary Level or a 4 on Higher Level;
• minimum D symbols in Mathematics and Biology, or Physical Science, at NSSC Ordinary Level or 4 on Higher Level.
Mature age candidates will be considered provided they meet the requirements and pass the mature age entrance examinations of the Polytechnic of Namibia (GI2.2 in Part 1 of the Yearbook). Students are required to obtain a minimum final score of at least 60% in the language proficiency test and 50% in the mathematics proficiency test.
The final selection of candidates to this programme shall follow a three step process as follows:
- Applicants, who meet or surpass the minimum admission requirements, as stated above, will be shortlisted based on academic merit. Such candidates shall receive an invitation and information package for the selection assessments of the second stage.
- Candidates are to be assessed in terms of their physical, medical fitness/abilities and phobias, and will be required to do a short written test as well. Based on the outcome of these assessments, a final shortlist shall be compiled and those candidates will be invited to participate in a selection interview (Stage Three).
- Candidates shall undergo an interview by the programme staff after which the final selection for admission shall be made. The results of the Selection Committee are final and no discussion or correspondence will be entered into. If the final Grade 12 results of candidates, who were selected provisionally, do not meet the minimum requirements, then admission to the programme will be withheld.
Holders of the National Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care may be considered for admission to this programme provided they are registered with the Health Professions Council of Namibia as Emergency Care Technicians. These candidates, if admitted, will be granted credits on a course by course basis.
What are the qualities of an Emergency care practitioner (Paramedic)
✓ Needs to stay calm and focused when dealing with life and death situations
✓ Highly skilled, quick thinking and decisive at times of high stress whilst supporting and reassuring the patient and their relatives.
✓ Work long hours – days and nights in all and any weather
✓ A high level of self-discipline, motivation and responsibility.
✓ Sympathetic and a strong sense of humility and emotions.
✓ Good interpersonal and communication skills in English and an ability to take charge in situations when all seems to be going wrong.