Editor AlexandreIf you are a student or young man/woman who wants to acquire the best nursing skills, there are certain steps you must take to accomplish this dream.
Those steps are sometimes tricky and may require you to make one or two sacrifices in your lifetime. This may include studying long hours, ensuring you understand what is needed to effect the needed changes, and making yourself available to the course when needed.
Now, Healthnicon Nursing School is one of those institutions that will give you the best nursing training you can get. You do not get into the institution, but you meet the students.
You merit it by putting in the work that is needed, and trust me, you will never regret making those sacrifices in your lifetime.
Before you start applying for Healthnicon Nursing College, there are certain things you must make sure you have in place. Putting these things in place will determine if you will be among those who are celebrated or not, and based on my research and experience, I have come up with 10 of these.
Trust me, if you consider 80% of these things, you will come out with flying colours. These things are difficult, but they may determine whether your dreams are accomplished.
1. Complete a Community Health Worker (CHW) Course First
Completing a Community Health Worker (CHW) course before diving into a formal nursing program at Healthnicon is one of the smartest steps. This is more than a recommendation—it’s a strategic move that lays a solid foundation for your nursing journey. Healthnicon understands that nursing is not just a career choice; it’s a lifelong commitment to care, and CHW training helps you test that commitment early on.
A CHW course introduces you to the realities of community-based healthcare. You’ll learn how to communicate with patients, promote healthy habits, and recognize common health issues in underserved areas. These are not abstract concepts—they’re real-life daily skills that nurses use. By entering a nursing classroom, you’ll already understand the human side of health, not just the academic.
More importantly, CHW training gives you a front-row seat to what it truly means to serve others. You’ll be out in the field, engaging with people from all walks of life. That kind of experience can either ignite your passion or make you reconsider. And that’s the point. You need to know if this path is truly for you before you commit years of your life and thousands of rands.
The CHW course serves as a filter and a mirror in many ways. It filters out those who are unsure, and it reflects your genuine desire to become a nurse. If you complete it and still feel drawn to nursing, you’re likely ready for the challenges ahead. Skipping this step is like building a house without a foundation—possible, but risky.
2. Prepare a Personal Motivation Statement
Before submitting your online application to Healthnicon Nursing College, write a personal motivation statement—even if it’s not listed as a requirement. Many overlook this step, but doing so can be a quiet game-changer. It shows that you are not applying out of impulse, but from intention.
Think of it as your compass. In your statement, explain clearly why you want to become a nurse. What moments shaped that desire? Was it a personal health experience, watching a family member suffer, or simply a calling you’ve felt for years? The answers don’t have to be dramatic, but they must be honest. Admissions panels, bursary committees, and interviewers all value sincerity when you’re clear about your “why,” it becomes easier for others to believe in your journey, too.
From a practical angle, this statement becomes a valuable tool in other parts of your nursing journey. You can adapt it when applying for bursaries or preparing for interviews. Applicants who can confidently speak about their motivations often stand out. According to health education experts, students who begin with a clear purpose tend to perform better, stay committed during tough times, and complete their studies on time.
More than that, writing your motivation gives you time to reflect. Nursing is challenging, and having a written reminder of your purpose can keep you grounded when the pressure rises. This is not just a statement for others—it’s one for yourself. Prepare it, polish it later, and carry it through your training.
3. Get Your Documents Certified Early
One of the most overlooked yet crucial steps before applying to Healthnicon Nursing College is certifying your documents ahead of time. You may think it’s a minor task, but it can make or break your application timeline. The college requires certified copies of your South African ID, Grade 12 certificate, and proof of residence. These are not optional. Without them, your application won’t be processed.
So why the urgency? Certification isn’t just photocopying. You must take your original documents to an official authority—like the police station, post office, or commissioner of oaths—where they’ll stamp and sign them to confirm authenticity. This process can take longer than expected, especially during peak periods like college application season. Waiting until the last minute could mean missing the deadline or being disqualified because your paperwork is incomplete.
Having certified documents ready also shows you are serious, disciplined, and organized—qualities any nursing school looks for. Organization is not just an application skill; it’s a life skill in nursing. As a future nurse, you must manage patients’ files, track medications, and meet strict schedules. How will you manage patient care if you can’t organize your own paperwork?
Additionally, keeping your documents prepared in advance means you’re always ready for opportunities—be they a bursary, an interview, or a last-minute placement. Many learners miss out simply because they weren’t ready on paper.
Preparation is everything in nursing. Start by getting your documents in order; you’ll be one step ahead of the competition.
4. Shadow a Nurse or Volunteer at a Clinic
Based on my knowledge, one of the most impactful things you can do is gain real-world exposure by shadowing a nurse or volunteering at a local clinic. This step is more than just helpful—it’s essential in helping you understand the realities of the nursing profession beyond what you read in books or see in ads.
When you spend time in an actual healthcare setting, you begin to see what nursing involves: long hours, emotional moments, fast decisions, and above all, patient-centered care. You’ll witness how nurses handle pressure, work with doctors, comfort families, and stay calm in emergencies. No career guide or prospectus can give you that depth of understanding.
This experience is not just for your insight, but also strengthens your application. Mentioning volunteer work or shadowing in your motivation letter or during interviews shows initiative. It says you’ve already tested the waters and still want in. It tells the admissions team you’re not chasing a trend but making an informed choice.
Many students enter nursing with only a vague idea of the job. Volunteering gives you clarity. It helps you decide if nursing is your calling or if another health field suits you better. And it builds confidence. When you enter your first lecture or clinical training at Healthnicon, you won’t start from zero.
So don’t wait for acceptance to get involved—start now. Find a clinic, hospital, or outreach program and offer your time. What you learn in that environment could shape your entire future in healthcare.
5. Calculate Your APS Score
Many people live their lives based on assumptions. Do not be like them. You must calculate your Admission Point Score (APS). This score isn’t just a formality—it’s the college’s benchmark to determine if you qualify for the program you’re applying to. Knowing your APS early can save you from wasted time, disappointment, and false hope.
So, what is the APS? It’s a point system based on your final Grade 12 results. Each subject is scored from 1 to 7, depending on your percentage. For example, 80–100% earns 7 points, while 30–39% only gives you 2. Healthnicon requires a minimum APS for different programs, especially in subjects like Life Sciences, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and English. Your application may be rejected without further review if you don’t meet that threshold.
Now, this matters: knowing your APS helps you make informed choices. If your score is below the requirement, you might consider upgrading one or two subjects before applying. Or you may target a bridging course, such as a Community Health Worker program, which can serve as an alternative pathway.
Failing to check your APS in advance is like entering an exam without knowing the syllabus. It reflects poorly on your planning skills—something nursing, as a profession, cannot afford. Nurses must assess situations, make calculations, and anticipate needs. This is your first chance to show you can do just that.
Don’t just guess, but make sure you calculate. Use official APS calculators available online or speak with a career counselor. Knowing where you stand academically puts you in control and helps you approach your Healthnicon application with strategy, not just hope.
6. Take a Computer Literacy Course
Completing a computer literacy course is the most brilliant move you can make to set yourself apart. While this is a requirement for Community Health Worker (CHW) applicants, it’s incredibly beneficial for all future nursing students, especially in today’s digital learning environment.
Healthnicon, like many modern institutions, uses online portals for assignments, announcements, and accessing course materials. From the moment you register to the day you graduate, you’ll interact with digital platforms almost daily. You will quickly feel left behind if you’re uncomfortable with basic tasks like logging into a student portal, sending professional emails, uploading documents, or using video conferencing tools.
An introductory computer course teaches you far more than just how to type. You’ll learn to navigate essential software like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, manage digital files, browse the internet safely, and troubleshoot common issues. These skills are not just for school—they are lifelong assets. According to the World Health Organization, digital health literacy is becoming a critical skill for all health professionals in training.
Even more importantly, being computer literate boosts your confidence. You won’t have to rely on others to help submit your assignments or check your schedule. You’ll be able to focus on your studies, not your tech struggles. This independence is precisely what nursing demands: confidence, adaptability, and competence.
So, don’t wait until you’re accepted to start learning. Enroll in a short, accredited computer literacy course now. It’s a small investment that pays off with smoother studies and a stronger start to your nursing career.
7. Download and Study the Prospectus
Studying and educating yourself is a key to standing out. One of the most important documents you must read carefully is the official prospectus. This is not just a marketing booklet—it is your roadmap. The prospectus outlines everything you need to know about your chosen program, including course structure, duration, fees, admission requirements, and theoretical and practical training expectations.
Think of the prospectus as your first textbook. It gives you a complete picture of what lies ahead, so you’re not caught off guard later. For instance, it explains how many clinical hours you’ll need to complete, what subjects you’ll study, and whether you’ll be based at a specific campus. If you ignore these details, you risk choosing a program that doesn’t align with your career goals or personal situation.
Studying the prospectus also helps you prepare mentally. Nursing is not a casual field—it demands commitment, time management, and emotional strength. By reading ahead, you’ll enter the application process clearly, not be confused. You’ll also be better equipped to answer interview questions or explain your interest during bursary applications because you’ll already understand the school’s structure and values.
Another reason this matters: understanding the tuition fees and additional costs listed in the prospectus allows you to plan your finances early. Many students delay or drop out not because they lack motivation, but because they didn’t prepare financially.
Do not rush to apply. Download the latest Healthnicon prospectus and read it from start to finish. Highlight key sections, write down your questions, and ensure you understand what you’re signing up for. A successful nursing career starts with informed choices, and the prospectus is where that begins.
8. Research Financial Aid and Bursaries
Before submitting your application to Healthnicon Nursing College, thoroughly research available bursaries and financial aid options. Nursing education is an investment—not just of time and effort but also of money. If you wait until you’re accepted before looking into funding, you may already be too late.
Healthnicon does offer bursaries, but like most institutions, these are limited and highly competitive. Many deserving students miss out simply because they didn’t apply early or weren’t prepared. Don’t let that be your story. Start researching funding opportunities as soon as you begin planning your application.
To apply for financial assistance, you’ll need specific supporting documents: certified proof of income (yours or your household’s), a well-written motivation letter, and possibly reference letters. These aren’t documents you can throw together overnight. A motivation letter, in particular, must reflect your story, passion, and commitment to the nursing profession. It’s often the deciding factor between candidates with similar academic backgrounds.
You should also explore external funding options—from provincial health departments to private bursary schemes offered by NGOs or healthcare companies. Many funders prefer applicants with initiative, need, and a clear career direction. Your application will stand out if you’ve already written a strong personal motivation statement and have shadowed a nurse or volunteered.
The truth is, financial challenges are one of the main reasons nursing students drop out. But this can be avoided with early research and planning. By preparing your financial aid documents ahead of time, you’re not just increasing your chances of getting support—you’re showing that you take your future seriously. In nursing, preparation can mean the difference between success and struggle. Start with your finances.
9. Mark Key Dates and Set Reminders
If you are serious about applying to Healthnicon Nursing College, one of the first habits you must develop is time management, starting with marking all critical application dates. The online application typically opens in January and closes in September, but don’t be fooled by the long window. Procrastination is the enemy of opportunity.
Every year, capable students are rejected simply because they missed the deadline. It’s not that they weren’t qualified; they failed to act on time. In nursing, punctuality isn’t optional. It’s a professional expectation. From medication schedules to shift handovers, timing can impact lives. That mindset starts now—with your application.
Set calendar alerts on your phone or laptop. Mark reminders for document collection, bursary applications, and follow-up communication. If possible, aim to submit your application by mid-year. That gives you breathing room in case any issues arise with your documents or online submission. Remember, last-minute uploads often face technical glitches or missing files, and support offices may be overwhelmed by then.
Also, watch for internal deadlines if you’re applying for bursaries or need to submit proof of upgrading. These may have separate timelines; missing even one could delay or cancel your application.
Being early isn’t just about being “safe”—it shows you’re organized and serious. Healthnicon is not just looking for students who qualify on paper; they want future nurses who understand responsibility and preparation. Master your deadlines now, and you’ll already be ahead of many others still scrambling.
10. Contact the Campus Directly
One of the smartest things you can do before applying to Healthnicon Nursing College is to contact the campus directly. Yes, the website has helpful information, but nothing beats speaking to the people who handle admissions daily. It shows initiative, maturity, and a proactive mindset—qualities every nurse-in-training should develop early.
Calling or emailing the admissions office allows you to ask specific questions. Maybe you’re unsure about the APS requirements or need clarification on the CHW course pathway. Perhaps you’re worried about document deadlines or want to confirm if your upgraded matric results will be accepted. Whatever your concerns, speaking to someone directly removes the guesswork.
Many students miss out on opportunities—not because they didn’t qualify, but because they didn’t ask. Sometimes bursaries, short courses, or application extensions are offered but not posted online. A five-minute call could lead you to a chance others don’t even know exists.
Beyond that, contacting the campus prepares you for the professional communication expected in healthcare. Nurses don’t rely on assumptions—we confirm, follow up, and take responsibility. By practicing those habits now, you’ll improve your application and begin training your mindset for the field you’re entering.
When you contact the staff, be polite, prepared, and respectful of their time. Introduce yourself, explain your query, and take notes. Keep their number and email on file for future reference—you never know when you’ll need it again.
Conclusion
You should never think applying for Healthnicon Nursing College online is just as simple a clicking “submit.” It demands planning, awareness, and professional habits—because nursing is a calling that starts long before you step into a hospital.
You must lay a firm foundation that helps you understand whether the realities of care work are your passion and confirm if nursing is your true path.
Success begins before you even apply. Start smart, prepare well, step in with confidence, and make sure you are ahead of the other applicants. That is how you win.