The SA Nursing Council is the body entrusted to set and maintain standards of nursing education and practice in the Republic of South Africa. It is an autonomous, financially independent, statutory body, initially established by the Nursing Act, 1944 (Act No. 45 of 1944), and currently operating under the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005).

The SA Nursing Council is a statutory, SAQA-recognised professional body. They have four professional designations:

1. Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary;
2. Enrolled Nurse;
3. Midwife;
4. Registered Nurse