A medical student is required to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and, on completion of his/her training, as a medical doctor.

Medical specialists require postgraduate study of four years to obtain a MMed or FCP(SA). On successful completion of the examination to qualify as a specialist, the candidate must register with the HPCSA as a specialist, for example a paediatrician.

• Moderately high growth (10%-15%) in the demand for medical practitioners and specialists is expected outside government. However because a sizeable proportion of people in these fields are employed in government, growth in demand here is restricted.
• A dentist must register with the HPCSA after completion of the required training (BDS or a BChD degree). Moderate growth (5%-10%) in demand for dentists and dental specialists is foreseen.
• Veterinarians undergo six years (duration period depends on Minister of Education's approval) theoretical and practical training, after which a BVSc degree is obtained. Qualified veterinarians should register with the SA Veterinary Council. Moderate growth (5%-10%) in demand for veterinary surgeons is foreseen.
• Overall, pharmaceutical professions are expected to show moderate growth of 5%-10% in demand over the next five years. Growth in demand for employment in government is, however, restricted, although moderately high growth can be experienced in the non-government economy.
• Most supplementary medical professions are required to register with HPCSA. Included here are physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dental therapists, audiologists and radiographers.

• Qualified nurses have to register with the South African Nursing Council. The nursing profession is expected to grow moderately (5%-10%). Higher growth is foreseen outside government (private health care) than in the government sub-sector (limited finances).
• Optometrists, health inspectors, chiropractors, naturopaths and homeopaths form part of the other health service professions category. These professions will most likely experience moderate growth over the next five years.