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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diploma in Veterinary Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100976  Diploma in Veterinary Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2026-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
72645  National Diploma: Veterinary Technology  Level 6  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification is offered at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 6 and is aligned with the requirements of the Higher Education Qualifications. Sub-Framework (HEQSF). The purpose of this qualification is to provide veterinary and public health services with registered veterinary technologists who are trained in the use of various technologies used in specialised units, diagnostic laboratories, research centres, state, private or education sectors, where they will function in multiple veterinary laboratory disciplines including among others preparation of veterinary biological products, such as antigens for diagnostic tests and vaccines for the prevention of diseases. This involves large scale cultivation of bacteria and viruses and to develop and validate diagnostic assays for efficient diagnosis of veterinary diseases. The learners will be equipped with knowledge to influence opinion on policies and legislations of public interest relating to veterinary technology. In addition, the qualification will provide the learner with skills such as organisational, inter and intrapersonal communication, quality monitoring and assurance. They will be multiskilled trained which will allow them to continue with the advanced diploma in order to obtain specialised training.

Rationale:
This qualification will support the entire veterinary profession by providing diagnostic services and the production of biological products (vaccines and diagnostic reagents for animal use). The institution is the only in South Africa that is accredited by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) to train veterinary technologists. The opening of the trans-boundary parks has increased the need for veterinary technologists who can render support to other neighbouring countries in the South African Development Community (SADC) region as well, as they do not have any formal training facilities for veterinary technologists. This qualification will allow prospective learners who are interested in veterinary sciences but prefer a career in laboratory technology than in a clinical field such as a veterinary nurse or veterinarian. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
As per institutional policy, Credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 and 6 totalling 372 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5,156 Credits:
  • Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.
  • Animal Anatomy and Physiology I, 24 Credits.
  • Information Literacy I, 2 Credits.
  • Chemistry I, 24 Credits.
  • Veterinary Technology I, 12 Credits.
  • General Mathematics, 24 Credits.
  • General Physics I, 24 Credits.
  • Life Skills I, 2 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Microbiology I, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 216 Credits:
  • Clinical Veterinary Technology II, 24 Credits.
  • Biochemistry II, 12 Credits.
  • Veterinary Haematology II, 18 Credits.
  • Immunology and Serology II, 24 Credits.
  • Histology II, 18 Credits
  • Work Integrated Learning(WIL) in Veterinary Technology I, 36 Credits.
  • Veterinary Virology III, 21 Credits.
  • Biochemistry III, 21 Credits.
  • Veterinary Parasitology III, 21 Credits.
  • Veterinary Microbiology III, 21 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes for National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 5:
    1. Function in an appropriate laboratory environment and demonstrates knowledge of areas related to veterinary technology.
    2. Understand the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of fields related to veterinary technology and select and apply standard methods, procedures or techniques within the field.
    3. Demonstrate an ability to identify, evaluate and solve defined, routine and new problems within a familiar context, and apply solutions based on relevant evidence and procedures under supervision.
    4. Demonstrate an ability to communicate information reliably, accurately and coherently, as well as operate in a range of familiar and new contexts, demonstrating an understanding of different kinds of systems, their constituent parts and the relationships between these parts, and to understand how actions in one area impact on other areas within the same system.
    5. Understand basic management skills, and demonstrate an understanding of basic ethical behaviour and code of conduct within an organisational context.
    6. Function effectively in an appropriate Veterinary environment by demonstrating detailed knowledge in Microbiology, Immunology, Parasitology, Virology and Molecular Biology.
    7. Apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories in the various fields of Veterinary Technology (such as farming, diagnostics, veterinary medicine, vaccination, food safety, assist in research development and innovation).
    8. Work effectively in a multidisciplinary team demonstrating the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems in unfamiliar contexts, gathering evidence and applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to the field, discipline or practice, under supervision of a certified Veterinarian or laboratory manager.
    9. Communicate effectively with supervisors and colleagues, by applying organizational, inter- and intrapersonal communication skills, and taking responsibility for his or her decisions and actions, as well as assist in the management of resources in the veterinary or related industries including environment, health and safety aspects.
    10. Evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures or techniques used in the investigation or experimentation of veterinary technology processes in the fields of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Parasitology, Immunology and Virology by applying good laboratory practices.
    11. Apply and communicate basic management skills, and demonstrate an understanding of basic ethical behaviour and code of conduct within an organisational or professional context. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Explain and apply correctly the appropriate sampling technique to obtain clinical and necropsy specimens, external and internal parasites and environmental samples. The transport, preservation, storage and safety procedures are appropriate to the sample and explained or performed correctly. The sample complies with the requirements of the test.
  • Prepare the routine and specified media, stains, solutions and reagents according to prescribed procedures. Calculations are correct. The quality of the sample is assessed relative to the test required and according to accepted criteria. The appropriate test is applied to the specimen, according to quality control procedures. Principles, methods, application and purpose of tests are explained and/or performed correctly. Data is captured correctly, using manual or electronic means. Manual and electronic data retrieval skills are demonstrated.
  • Use a range of instruments proficiently. Instruments and equipment are calibrated and maintained to manufacturer requirements and specifications. The appropriate instrument is selected for the specific technique.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge of the Code of Ethics is demonstrated verbally or in writing. Selected laboratory animals are handled and used according to accepted guidelines.
  • Recorded and compared the results with established reference ranges and/or appropriate control specimens. Data processing is performed according to appropriate mathematical and statistical methods. Laboratory results are evaluated through correlation of data in the context of the principles, techniques and instruments used. Factors that affect procedures and test results are recognized and appropriate action taken. Corrective and preventive maintenance of equipment is performed.
  • Ensure that the verbal communication is clear, correct and specific. Written reports are concise, clear, scientific and correct.
  • Explain the principles of Quality Assurance in the context of the tests performed. Quality Control and Quality Assurance results are evaluated and interpreted and appropriate action is taken.
  • Assess, reviewed and updated SOPs where necessary. Instruments are monitored for efficient functioning and appropriate action is taken.
  • Comply with the relevant sections of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)-Act on National Occupational Safety Association(NOSA) regulations. Wear applicable protective clothing. Knowledge of personal vaccination and booster requirements is demonstrated. Use equipment and experimental materials safely. Waste material is disposed of safely and correctly.
  • Comply with the Code of Ethics for the profession.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment will include written tests and formal examinations, individual projects and assignments and a practical test and/or examination. Formative assessment will be done on a continuous basis so that learners are given feedback in their achievement of learning outcomes. Summative assessment will include written tests, formal examinations, individual projects and assignments, a practical test and/or examination and practical reports. In the practical reports, the learners identify and apply appropriate methodologies and techniques, discuss results and reach conclusions. This will indicate the learner's ability to integrate knowledge and skills as stated in the outcomes of a module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Similar qualifications are not offered in any other country. Various universities and colleges worldwide (United States of America: 28; Canada: 5; Europe: 5; Australia: 3; Mexico: 1; New Zealand: 1 and West Indies: 1) offer accredited veterinary technology diplomas. Their programmes are, however, more inclined to clinical procedures and patient care (nursing). Qualifications vary from two year diplomas to four year Degrees (part-time or full-time). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for vertical articulations.
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Technology, National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.