he Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON) is a professional nursing education institution established by the Gauteng Department of Health. It came into being through a strategic merger of all public nursing colleges in the province. The consolidation aimed to improve the quality of nursing education, ensure consistency across campuses, and meet the new national standards set by South African nursing reforms.
A Unified Nursing Institution with Six Campuses
GCON operates from six well-established campuses located across Gauteng. Each campus retains its historical identity while aligning with a single curriculum and governance structure under the GCON umbrella. The six campuses are:
- Ann Latsky Campus (Johannesburg)
- Bonalesedi Campus (Randfontein)
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus (Soweto)
- Ga-Rankuwa Campus (near Pretoria)
- Rahima Moosa Campus (Coronationville, Johannesburg)
- SG Lourens Campus (Pretoria)
These campuses ensure that prospective students from various parts of the province have access to high-quality nursing education without needing to relocate too far from home.
Accredited Nursing Qualification: Diploma in Nursing (R.171)
In line with updated national requirements, GCON offers the Diploma in Nursing (R.171) programme. This qualification is a professional nurse training programme that leads to registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a general nurse.
The programme received:
- Full accreditation from the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and SANC in November 2019, and
- SAQA registration on 14 December 2019, confirming it meets the required academic and professional standards.
The R.171 programme is designed to prepare nurses for modern healthcare environments through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experience. It equips students with the skills needed to provide safe, ethical, and effective nursing care in both public and private healthcare sectors.
Also check: Nursing Requirements in South Africa: What You Need to Study
Career Opportunities and Pathways
Graduates of the Diploma in Nursing programme can register with SANC and are eligible for employment in various healthcare settings, including:
- Public hospitals
- Clinics
- Private healthcare facilities
- Community health centres
Nursing is also a pathway to further professional development. After completing the diploma and gaining experience, nurses can pursue advanced specialisations in fields such as midwifery, psychiatric nursing, community nursing, or nursing education.
Strategic Partnerships and Support
GCON operates in partnership with key government institutions, including:
- Gauteng Department of Health – the primary oversight body.
- Lebone College of Emergency Care – for complementary healthcare training.
- Gauteng Jobs Center – assisting graduates in finding employment.
- Gauteng Provincial Government and Office of the Premier – supporting education and employment initiatives.
- National Department of Health – ensuring alignment with national healthcare goals.
These partnerships not only reinforce the quality of training offered but also help ensure that graduates are well-integrated into the healthcare workforce.
Gauteng College of Nursing Application and Admission
Admission into GCON is competitive and typically announced annually through the Gauteng Department of Health’s recruitment platforms, including the Gauteng Jobs Center. Applicants must:
- Have a National Senior Certificate (Matric) with a diploma endorsement.
- Meet subject requirements, especially in Life Sciences, Mathematics, and English.
- Pass medical and background checks, as nursing is a regulated profession.
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The Gauteng College of Nursing represents a forward-thinking step in nursing education in South Africa. By bringing together six historic campuses under one accredited institution, GCON ensures that future nurses receive consistent, high-quality education. With strong links to government departments and healthcare providers, graduates are well-positioned to serve their communities and advance in their careers. Anyone passionate about healthcare and helping others should strongly consider applying to GCON as a first step into the rewarding world of nursing.
