Yes, it is compulsory for all registered South African nurses to finish one year of community service on completion of their programmes. In June or July of the year in which the students complete the nursing programme, they have to fill in forms to request placements for their community service year. After completion of the degree (meaning that all requirements have been met regarding theory and practice), a certificate of completion is sent to the South African Nursing Council. Nurses are then registered with the South African Nursing Council as community service nurses. Once the South African Nursing Council has received evidence of the completion of the community service, the graduates are registered as professional nurses.