Are you a nurse currently working in a children’s ward, or in an adult setting where you are, at times, responsible for the care of children and their families? Would you like to increase your knowledge and confidence, and improve outcomes for hospitalised children?

If yes, join us on the next Essentials of Nursing Sick Children short course!

Calendar

Course dates:

  • This course is 16 weeks long and is offered in January and August each year.
  • Applications are now closed for January 2026. Will open early 2026 for August course.
People

Admission requirements: Applicants need to:

  • Have completed basic nurse training and be registered with the South African Nursing Council (or equivalent) as a Professional or Enrolled Nurse.
  • Be working in a paediatric nursing setting or work in a predominantly adult setting where, at times, you are responsible for the care of children and their families.
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Course format:

The courses are all offered FULLY ONLINE asynchronously through Amathuba (UCT’s learning management system).

This means that:

  • There is no need to be in class, or even online, at any set time in the week. The course can be completed at a time to suit the participant, scheduled around other family/work/life commitments.
  • Each participant requires easy and regular access to a computer (not just a smartphone) and a reliable, strong internet connection.
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Lessons:

  • A new lesson is released each week, on Monday at 08h00 and will require approx. 3 hours of work.
  • Each lesson consists of a set of learning activities and one assignment which is due on Sunday evening.
  • Learning activities and assignments will commonly require engagement with children, families and clinical staff.

All courses are offered in English only. 

Certificate

UCT Certificate of Completion: awarded to those who complete all learning activities and assignments to an adequate standard.

All courses are registered with the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) at UCT. As soon as is viable, they will be registered for South African Nursing Council Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. The courses do not carry any academic credit but are designed at a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 7.

For more information about course learning outcomes and content:

Fees

Fees: R7,860 (Includes full online access to course material and support from Specialist Children’s Nurse Educators).

N.B. If offered a place, FULL payment is required within approx. 4 weeks of the closing date. Failure to make payment by this date will result in loss of your place on the course.

A limited number of bursaries are available: 

How to apply for Essentials Course Bursaries

Apply here

Apply:

  • We encourage you to apply early as places on the course are limited and offered on a ‘first come, first served' basis.

    APPLY NOW

Disclaimer statement: This course serves to introduce nurses working with children to essential knowledge and skills. An assessment of clinical skills competence in the participant’s clinical setting is recommended.