Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) At WITS University

Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs)

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) degree is a 4 year, full-time course.

The degree programme includes theoretical study at the Braamfontein and Medical School campuses and clinical training at University affiliate hospitals, community clinics and special areas such as specialist units in hospitals and the health care train.

The curriculum includes a core of knowledge in the biological, natural, physical and social sciences as well as the theory and practice of nursing science. A strong emphasis on the sciences is a characteristic of a Wits Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.

Nursing courses commence in the first year with correlated periods of community based learning activities and in the second semester, hospital-based clinical practice. These become incremental over the next four years of the degree.

Nursing is one of the health care professions that is diverse and uniquely rewarding. Nursing combines compassion, knowledge and sophisticated health technology to achieve its goals: to restore, maintain and promote the health of individuals, groups or communities.

Nursing is both a science and an art: The science component is the development and application of nursing knowledge and techniques. The art of nursing is the establishment of a caring, compassionate relationship through which nurses apply knowledge and skill in a discerning and ethical manner.

Wits nurses study in a rigorous, vibrant multidisciplinary environment that stimulates intellectual inquiry and professional responsiveness. Small group learning is the main teaching / learning strategy- students engage in cooperative learning to systematically work through carefully constructed real-life health scenarios, deciding what learning is needed to access information, discerning which information produces the best evidence into the management of health issues.

Nurses practice in a range of contexts and health care settings, some of these include: hospitals, community clinics, industry, the military, private practice, homes in specialised areas such as hospice, rehabilitation and aged care facilities.

Opportunities for further study in Nursing are also available at Wits.

Career Opportunities

Nurse
Midwife
Paramedic
Health service manager

Entry Requirements

Health Sciences – View the Wits University Revised Health Sciences Admissions Policy
Programme	Minimum Admission Requirements		Selection procedures
	APS	Subjects & achieved scale
Bachelor of Health Sciences BHSc (3 years) Biomedical Sciences Biokinetics Health Systems Sciences Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBBCh (6 years)Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy BSc (Physiotherapy) (4 years)Bachelor of Pharmacy(BPharm) (4 years)	The Faculty of Health Sciences does not calculate an APS score. Academic performance and National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores are used for consideration. There are two points of entry into the MBBCh degree: 1st year MBBCh for applicants currently completing Matric 3rd year MBBCh (i.e. the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) for applicants who have completed a prerequisite degree. Click here for more info.	English HL or 1st Add Lang – 5 Mathematics – 5 Life Sciences and/or Physical Science – 5	If you are applying to the Faculty of Health Sciences, you will not be selected solely on your school leaving results, although they are very important. A composite index is calculated, taking into consideration (1) your academic results for FIVE subjects and (2) National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores. Only five subjects are used to derive a matriculation score, which is calculated according to the percentages obtained, NOT symbols. These are English Language, Mathematics, Physical Science/ Life Sciences and the best two other subjects. (Dentistry requires Physical Science and Life Sciences and the best other subject). ALL applicants (excluding applicants who are applying to the Graduate Entry Medical Programme – GEMP only) are required to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT). GEMP applicants may be invited to the Wits Additional Placement Test (WAPT) and all applicants are advised to prepare in the event that they are invited. For more information on the WAPT please refer to: www.wits.ac.za/health/gemp ALL GEMP applicants who are invited to the WAPT will be expected to complete a Biographical Questionnaire on the day of the test. ALL applicants to BSc (Occupational Therapy) and/or BSc (Physiotherapy) must spend time (16 hrs) observing and/or assisting an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist and complete a certificate of attendance. Only observation hours completed between 1 July 2017 and 31 July 2019will be accepted as valid.
Bachelor of Dental Science BDS (5 years)		English HL or 1st Add Lang – 5 Mathematics – 5 Life Sciences and Physical Science – 5
Bachelor of NursingBNurs (4 years)Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy– BSc (OT) (4 years)		English HL or 1st Add Lang – 4 Mathematics – 4 Life Sciences and/or Physical Science – 4
Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP) (3 years)Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences(BOHS) (3 years)		English HL or 1st Add Lang – 4 Mathematics – 4 or Mathematical Literacy – 7 Life Sciences and/or Physical Science – 4

Application Process

Your application

You may apply for three programmes (degrees).
Applications to Wits must enclose a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for international applicants, R700).

Documentation / Checklist

Submit your Grade 11 report which must be signed and stamped by your school principal.
If you have already matriculated, attach a copy of your matric certificate.

Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.

Apply now

Closing Dates

30 June
Faculty of Health Sciences (All programmes)
Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelor of Audiology
Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology

30 September
All other University programmes
Residence applications

Online applications

Complete an online application to study at Wits

Apply now

Course Costs

The average course costs for local students range from R34 000 to R62 000, depending on the course and the number of years of study.
Tuition fees are payable for each course for which a student is registered.