OFO No: 221101

Other names for Medical Doctor:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Career of a Medical Doctor

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Medical Doctor?

Medical Doctors are on the ‘SCARCE & CRITICAL SKILLS LIST’.

A Medical Doctor (GP) is a highly skilled, primary health care professional.  They are usually the first person a patient sees when they have a medical problem. 

GP’s are often called ‘Family Doctors’ as they tend to treat the family or an individual over a long period of time.  They keep detailed records and are then able to track illnesses and family medical history etc which may help them in diagnosis and long-term treatments.  They may even be able to warn patients of potential medical problems because of this, like hereditary high cholesterol, so that patients can then take preventive action to lower their cholesterol themselves.

GPs are trained to treat injuries or diagnose a condition or ailment at an early stage. They will then advise and treat the patient for a physical or emotional issue and may prescribe medicine for the problem.  If in any doubt, they will refer their patients to a specialist in that field eg, an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, Psychologist, Neurologist etc.
Medical Doctors usually work in private practice, clinics or in hospitals, cruise ships, large companies, mines etc.

What does a Medical Doctor do?

• makes patients feel at ease  
• diagnoses problem and prescribes treatment for patients
• refers some patients to specialists
• dealswith a variety of patients (eg: ages, sexes, races, cultures, religions, etc)
• diagnoses a variety of problems: (eg: rashes, sexual diseases, in-grown toenails, heart problems, bronchitis, diabetes, depression and anxiety,etc)
• makes house calls when necessary
• keeps up to date with new technologies, discoveries, medicines etc
• keeps detailed patient records
• attends conferences and other medical-related workshops
• shares information with other medical professionals

Are you . . . ?

• interested in medicine?
• a peoples’ person?
• professional?
• organised and methodical?
• caring?
• discreet?
• a person with excellent communication skills
• able to work on your own?
• a team player?
• a good listener?
• responsible?
• detail orientated?
• willing to keep up to date with medical science?
• prepared to work long, sometimes unusual hours?

How do I become a Medical Doctor?

STEP 1

You will need to complete a 5 year Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery

• Stellenbosch University
• University of Cape Town
• University of the Free State
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Witwatersrand
• Walter Sisulu University

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

STEP 2

• Work 2 years as a Clinical Intern

STEP 3

• Designation: Awarded by the HPCSA. Only then can you call yourself Medical Doctor and put the title behind your name
  

STEP 4

• Do 1 year of compulsory community service

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Pharmacist or Microbiologist

Is becoming a Medical Doctor the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 221206

Other names for Paediatrician:

What is a Paediatrician?

A Paediatrician is a medical doctor who has specialised in children (from birth upwards and including teenagers).

They diagnose and treat diseases and disorders in the youth.

What does a Paediatrician do?

• meets with the parent/guardian and the baby / child
• examines the child
• diagnoses
• prescribes the correct medicines or treatments
• liaises with other specialists on complicated cases
• advises parent/guardian on nutrition
• keeps records
• keeps up to date with medical science and paediatric issues
• attends conferences

Are you . . . ?

• interested in medicine?
• a person who is good with children?
• caring?
• positive?
• friendly?
• intelligent?
• good at maths and science?
• a hard worker?

How do I become a Paediatrician?

STEP 1

• Become a Medical Doctor: CLICK HERE 

STEP 2

• Work as a qualified doctor for 2 years

STEP 3

Complete 4 year Master in Medicine (Paediatrics)

• University of Cape Town
• University of the Free State
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Witwatersrand

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

STEP 4

• Designation: It’s awarded by the HPCSA. Only then can you use the title Paediatrician behind your name.

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Gynaecologist or Biotechnologist

Is becoming a Paediatrician the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 321402

Other names for Dental Technician:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Looking at Dental Technician careers

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Dental Technician?

Dental Technicians can also be called Dental Ceramists.  They are qualified people who make and repair dental items such as dentures, bridges, crowns, fillings, braces and other orthodontic correctional devices.

Dental Technicians follow prescriptive directions from a dentist and do not deal with patients directly.

The dentist supplies the Dental Technician with drawings and measurements taken from their patient.

Dental Technology is divided into 4 main groups:

• fixed prosthesis:  (crowns, bridges and implants)
• removable prosthesis:  (dentures)
• maxillofacial prosthesis: (ocular and craniofacial prosthesis)
• orthodontics and auxiliaries like mouth-guards

What does a Dental Technician do?

• meets with dentist to discuss requirements
• makes desired model
• makes new items and restores old ones
• works in a laboratory
• takes measurements
• keeps records

Are you … ?

• good with your hands?
• interested in dentistry?
• able to follow directions accurately?
• able to work in 3-D?
• a person who likes detailed work?
• prepared to work overtime?
• patient?
• neat?
• a person with good vision?

How do I become a Dental Technician?

National Diploma in Dental Technology

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology

Write an admission examination set by the SA Council for Dental Technicians

Register as at Dental Technician with HPCSA. Only registered members may use the title Dental Technician behind their name.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

• SADA: South African Dental Association

http://www.sada.co.za/E_SADA2014.asp

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za/board_dental.php

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Dental Oral Hygienist or Dentist

Is becoming a Dental Technician the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 321403

Other names for Dental Therapist:

What is a Dental Therapist?

A Dental Therapist offers basic dental services and preventative dentistry. They would refer more complicated procedures and treatments to a dentist.

Dental Therapists may not practise independently unless they have practised for at least one year under the control and supervision of a qualified dentist. 

Dental Therapists can work in the public or private sector – they usually work in clinics and may visit schools. 

What does a Dental Therapist do?

• carries out dental examinations and diagnoses
• plans treatments and procedures
• refer sserious conditions to dentists or orthodontists
• performs simple extractions, fillings, flossing and scaling
• cleans and polishes
• takes X-rays
• treats gum disease
• performs preventative measures against the more common oral/gum diseases
• educates patients on up-to-date oral health and hygiene

Are you . . . ?

• interested in dentistry?
• a person with good judgement?
• a peoples’ person?
• service driven?
• confident?
• a person with good hand-eye co-ordination?
• able to perform detailed work accurately?
• a person with good eye sight?
• a person with good 3-D/special skills?

How do I become a Dental Therapist?

Bachelor of Dental Therapy degree

• University of KZN
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
  

• 1 year internship after completion of degree under supervision of a Dentist or Senior Dental Therapist

• Designation: Awarded by the HPCSA. Only registered members can use the title Dental Therapist
  

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

• SADA: South African Dental Association

http://www.sada.co.za/E_SADA2014.asp

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za/board_dental.php

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Veterinary Technologist or Beauty Therapist

Is becoming a Dental Therapist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 226907

What is a Dermatologist?

A Dermatologist has studied medicine and has specialised in the field of Dermatology (the study of the skin and skin diseases, including the scalp, hair and nails). 

Some of the disorders that they treat include skin cancer, warts, fungal infections (e.g. athlete’s foot), acne, dandruff, moles, sun damage, aging, discolourations, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis 

Dermatologists also carry out skin surgeries for either clinical reasons (eg removal of unsightly or cancerous growths) or for cosmetic reasons (e.g. removal of a mole).

What does a Dermatologist do?

• consults with patients and conducts examination of the skin
• prescribes appropriate medical treatment/procedures
• consults with other specialists
• performs biopsies to diagnose exact cause of problem
• performis surgical procedures: removal of benign or malignant growths
• keeps up to date with new developments: both in drugs and techniques
• performs cosmetic procedures: laser treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and Botox injections
• teaches and/or does research

Are you . . . ?

• interested in medicine and the well-being of others?
• fascinated with the skin and its problems?
• highly intelligent?
• empathic and sensitive to others?
• responsible?
• a problem-solver?
• a person with good hand-eye co-ordination?
• able to do fine and detailed work?
• willing to keep yourself up-to-date with new drugs and techniques?
• organised and methodical?

How do I become a Dermatologist?

STEP 1

• Become a Medical Doctor: CLICK HERE 

STEP 2

• Work as a qualified doctor for 2 years

STEP 3

Complete 4 year Master in Medicine (Dermatology)

• Stellenbosch University
• University of Cape Town
• University of the Free State
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Witwatersrand

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

STEP 4

• Designation: It’s awarded by the HPCSA. Only then can you use the title Dermatologist behind your name.

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Dentist or Biomedical Engineer

Is becoming a Dermatologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 226903

Other names for Podiatrist:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Looking at the career of a Podiatrist

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Podiatrist? 

Podiatrists are highly trained medical professionals.

Podiatrists treat lower-leg conditions such as knock-knees, inwardly turned feet, skin infections, diabetes, arthritis, circulation problems, and sports injuries.

They also treat foot and leg disorders in children, older people, or disabled people. 

Areas of podiatry:

• General foot problems
• Growth and development
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Circulation problems
• Sports injuries

They may refer the patient to a medical specialist, if they find symptoms of other problems. 

Podiatry is a challenging career for someone who wants to work in the medical field and can be financially rewarding.

What does a Podiatrist do?

• discusses treatments options with patients
• advises patients on foot care
• carries out a range of treatments using scalpels, chemicals and occasionally local anaesthetics
• provides long-term care for people at high risk of foot injury or disability, such as people with diabetes
• performs minor surgery such as removing bunions
• screens children for foot problems
• diagnoses and treats sports injuries
• educates the public about the importance of healthy feet

Are you . . . ?

• interested in working in the medical industry?
• willing to work with feet and legs?
• happy to work with people of all ages?
• patient?
• caring?
• responsible?

How do I become a Podiatrist?

You will need a successfully complete a 4 year BTech Podiatry programme.
If you want to, you can complete a MTech too.

• University of Johannesburg

Once qualified you will need to apply to the HPCSA to be awarded designation. Only then can you use the title: Professional Podiatrist.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

• PASA: Podiatry Association of South Africa

This is the official website of the Podiatry Association of South Africa, which represents podiatrists around the country.

http://www.podiatrist.co.za/

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za/board_physio_pod.php

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Audiologist or Physiotherapist

Is becoming a Podiatrist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 226902

Other names for Occupational Therapist:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Career of an Occupational Therapist

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Occupational Therapist?

An Occupational Therapist is also known as an OT.

An OT is a medical professional who assists people (young and old) with various forms of disabilities.

These disabilities could be:

• Temporary:  For example:  from illness, surgery, accident or sporting/work injury etc
• Long term:  For example: from birth, accident, or sporting/work injury  etc (usually permanent)

There are 3 fields an OT can specialise in:

• adult physical rehabilitation
• paediatric
• psychiatry

The OT assists patients, through specialised exercises to recover as quickly as possible. 

For those patients with severe or permanent disabilities or special needs, the OC helps them to adapt to society and daily tasks as best as they can.  They try to help the patient to be an independent as possible.

Occupational Therapists also advise people on how to adapt their environments to help them cope by using aids or special devices.  They also advise on making structural alterations to buildings to assist patients.

Here are some of the tasks OT’s may re-teach patients to:

• dress themselves
• bath
• prepare food
• shop
• return to school
• return to work – related tasks: phones, computers etc
• concentrate
• interact with others
• express themselves
• manage emotions etc

Tools that patients may use, include:  walkers, canes, wheelchairs etc.

OT’s not only deal with the physical side, but also assist with mental and emotional challenges and helping patients to socialise and interact with people.

The goal of an OT is to help a person lead an independent, productive, and rewarding life.

What does an Occupational Therapist do?

• assessws patients physical, mental and emotional needs
• works out programmes that best fit the patient for a speedy road to independence
• assists patients with the exercises
• introduces various devices and tools to assist patient
• keeps progress reports

Are you … ?

• caring?
• people-orientated?
• interested in helping people?
• patient?
• kind?
• methodical?
• understanding?
• emotionally stable

How do I become an Occupational Therapist?

You will need a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree

• University of Cape Town
• University of Kwazulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Free State
• University of Western Cape
• University of Witwatersrand
  

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA

http://www.otasa.org.za/

• SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

http://www.sajot.co.za/index.php/sajot

• HEALTH PROFESSIONS COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA

www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Sports Massage Therapist or Chiropractor 

Is becoming an Occupational Therapist the right career choice for me? 

OFO No: 214901

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – All about Biomedical Engineers

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Biomedical Engineer? 

Biomedical Engineers are employed in the medical industry.

They will need good research skills and a thorough knowledge of:

• Biology
• Medicine
• Electrical/electronics
• Technology
• Mechanical engineering etc

Biomedical Engineers design and develop a great variety:

• X-ray machines and other medical machines
  
• Joint replacements
• Prosthetics (false arms, legs etc)
• Artificial organs
• Safety equipment
• Medical instruments
• Products (wheelchairs, braces etc)

What does a Biomedical Engineer do?

• does intense research
• liaises with doctors and other medical staff
• analyses research
• makes calculations and designs new equipment or products
• draws up plans
• makes prototype and tests it
• makes adjustments and improvements
• makes sure all safety requirements are followed

Are you . . . ?

• intelligent?
• a creative thinker?
• good and maths and science?
• analytical?
• dedicated?
• a team player?
• mechanically minded?
• interested in medical careers?
• inquisitive?
• a problem solver?

How do I become a Biomedical Engineer?

PATH 1

Bachelor of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering

• University of the Witwatersrand

• This qualification does not qualify for professional registration. You will still require a degree in medicine or electrical engineering or Honours in physics.

PATH 2

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at most universities

Master of Science (Med) Biomedical Engineering

PATH 3

Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery

• University of Cape Town
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Free State
• University of the Witwatersrand
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 4

Honours degree in Mathematical Science, Science (Med), Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering or Biomedical Science

Master of Science (Med) Biomedical Engineering

• University of Cape Town

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

• ENGINEERING COUNCIL of SA (ECSA)

https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Biokineticist or Life Scientist

Is becoming a Biomedical Engineer the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 321103

Other names for Nuclear Medical Technologist:

• Nuclear Radiographer
• Radiochemist
• Radioisotope Technician / Technologist

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Nuclear Medicine Technologists Careers Overview

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Nuclear Medical Technologist?

The main job of a Nuclear Medical Technologist is to give radioactive drugs to patients help doctors determine the nature of the patient’s sickness. They are often found in cancer units.

The Nuclear Medical Technologist administers radioactive drugs to patient and then uses cameras to find the problem. This is a very responsible job. Special care is needed to prevents fellow workers getting too exposed to these drugs.

A Nuclear Medical Technologist uses equipment like:

• x-rays
• ultrasound
• magnetic imaging
• video etc

What does a Nuclear Medical Technologist do?

• puts patient at rest
• explains the nature of the drugs being administered as well as the procedures
• makes sure patient understands
• wears protective devices
• ensure safety is adhered to at all times
• administers measured radioactive drugs and monitors patient
• reviews and evaluates x-rays, video or computer generated images
• keeps doctors and other medical staff informed

Are you . . . ?

• a very good communicator (read, write and speak)?
• caring?
• observant?
• responsible and reliable?
• safety conscious?
• a team player?
• thorough and systematic?

How do I become a Nuclear Medical Technologist?

PATH 1

National Diploma in Radiography (Nuclear Medicine)

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg

Designation: Only once registered with the HPCSA may you then use the title.

PATH 2

National Diploma in Radiography (Nuclear Medicine)

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Radiography

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology

Designation: Only once registered with the HPCSA may you then use the title Professional Radiographer

PATH 3

Bachelor of Radiography degree

• University of Limpopo
• University of the Free State

Designation: Only once registered with the HPCSA may you then use the title Professional Radiographer

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Biomedical Engineer or Clinical Biochemist

Is becoming a Nuclear Medical Technologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Pharmacist?

Pharmacists are on the ‘SCARCE & CRITICAL SKILLS LIST’.

Pharmacists are the link between pharmaceutical companies and medical, prescribing practitioners. The main task is to prepare and supply safe medicinal products for the prevention or cure of disease, pain relief etc, in people and animals. They work closely with doctors and veterinarians.  

Pharmacists may work in 4 different areas:

• Local, community pharmacies: 

The Pharmacists in this field deal mainly with the public and prepare doctors’ prescriptions by reading the document carefully, finding and counting out the right dosages and making sure that drug combinations that the patient is taking is safe.  These Pharmacists can also advise patients regarding minor issues and dispense medicines accordingly.  They may also deal with small injuries and apply bandages etc when required.

• Cruise Ships: 

These Pharmacists are similar to the local, community Pharmacists but on a smaller scale.  They will work closely with the ship’s doctor.

• Manufacturing/Laboratories: 

These Pharmacists work for pharmaceutical companies and research laboratories and are responsible for the control and production of the various medicines and/or research.  They are constantly developing and testing new ones.  These Pharmacists may also be involved in writing up reports, or product information brochures for doctors or may even be involved in marketing the product.

• Hospitals:

These Pharmacists are responsible for dispensation of medicines, surgical materials and instruments and may be involved administrative duties as well.

What does a Pharmacist do?

• reads and understands doctors’ prescriptions
• makes sure that medicine dispensed is exactly what the doctor ordered
• checkis to see if combinations of medicines are safe for patient
• advises patients/public on preventative measures with regard to their health
• assistis patients with minor injuries
• offeris generic (usually local and cheaper) alternatives to prescribed medicines
• manages staff
• orders and stocks the pharmacy with the right amount of product and medicines
• meets with medical representatives to discuss new medicines and technologies
• keeps up to date with new products
• keeps detailed records of patients’ medicines – limiting the possibility of patients becoming dependent or addicted
• educates the public on various issues like flu vaccines etc

Are you . . . ?

• interested in the medical profession?
• interested in chemistry and science?
• passionate about the well-being of others?
• a person who enjoys working with people?
• responsible?
• literate?
• professional?
• discreet?
• able to stand on your feet for long periods?
• a person with a head for business?
• organised?
• observant?
• a good listener?

How do I become a Pharmacist?

You will need to study a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree at an accredited university. 

• SOUTH AFRICAN PHARMACY COUNCIL (SAPC)
  

http://www.pharmcouncil.co.za/B_Edu_AccOfCourses.asp

All the course/learning programmes that lead to registration of persons becoming a Pharmacist, MUST be accredited/approved by SAPC.

A 4 year, full-time BPharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy), followed by a 12 months practical training.  

‘After successful completion of the year of practical training, as well as a pre-registration evaluation, the intern is registered as a Pharmacist, and must do one year of pharmaceutical community service in a public sector facility before he/she can practise independently as a pharmacist.’ – SAPC
 

• NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

• RHODES UNIVERSITY

• SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY

• NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (Potchefstroom Campus)

• TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
• UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO (Turfloop Campus)
• UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL (Westville Campus)

• UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE

• UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Minimum Requirements: 

These are different for each institution but here is a rough guide if you want to do a BPharm. Check with your university of choice for theirs.

• English and Mathematics (NOT mathematics literacy)
• Physical Science (NQF Level 4).
• Life Sciences (NQF Level 4)

Recommended Subject: Computer Literacy (NQF Level 3)

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Pharmacist Assistant or Animal Care Attendant

Is becoming a Pharmacist the right career choice for me?