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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Biomedical Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101142  Diploma in Biomedical Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The intended purpose of this qualification is to give the successful learner a professional, vocational and sound understanding of the general theoretical principles and their applications in the field of Biomedical Technology. Learners who want to become registered Medical Technologists will work in a registered Medical training laboratory. After registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), they may work in government, private and research health care laboratories. To practice independently as a Medical Technologist 2 year post-registration experience is required. Unregistered Biomedical Technologists may work in non-diagnostic laboratories.

Rationale:
The qualifying learner will be able to perform and organize laboratory operations in clinical diagnostic laboratories and related fields in compliance with statutory requirements for ethics, safety and quality assurance. Supervisory, management and research skills are developed. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
The Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures are followed. Learners who do not meet entry requirements can apply for access to the qualification through RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence which will be internally assessed. Credits may be awarded based on the assessment results and learners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment result where credits were not awarded.

Entry Requirements.
The minimum requirement is:
"National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 and 6 totalling 385 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 142 Credits:
  • Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Skills 1, 10 Credits.
  • Calculations and Statistics 1.1, 10 Credits.
  • Physics 1, 10 Credits.
  • Anatomy and Physiology 1.2, 10 Credits.
  • Anatomy and Physiology 1.1, 10 Credits.
  • Chemistry 1, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Medical Technology 1.1, 6 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 1.2, 8 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 1.1, 8 Credits.
  • Microbiology Theory 1.1, 8 Credits.
  • Cellular Pathology Theory 1.1, 8 Credits.
  • Chemical Pathology Theory 1.1, 8 Credits.
  • Microbiology Practical 1.1, 7 Credits.
  • Chemical Pathology Practical 1.1, 7 Credits.
  • Cellular Pathology 1.1, 7 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship 1, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 243 Credits:
  • Immunology 1.1, 10 Credits.
  • Biochemistry Practical 1.1, 6 Credits.
  • Pathophysiology 1.1, 10 Credits.
  • Biochemistry Theory 1.1, 6 Credits.
  • Chemical Pathology Practical 1.2, 7 Credits.
  • Cellular Pathology Practical 1.2, -7 Credits.
  • Haematology Theory 1.1, 8 Credits.
  • Cellular Pathology Theory 1.2, 8 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 2.1, 8 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 2.2, 8 Credits.
  • Haematology Practical 1.1, 7 Credits.
  • Chemical Pathology Theory 1.2, 8 Credits.
  • Blood Transfusion Practical 1.1, 7 Credits.
  • Microbiology Theory 1.2, 8 Credits.
  • Blood Transfusion Theory 1.1, 8 Credits.
  • Microbiology Practical 1.2, 7 Credits.
  • Haematology Theory 1.2, 8 Credits.
  • Cellular Pathology Theory 1.3, 8 Credits.
  • Chemical Pathology Practical 1.3, 7 Credits.
  • Cellular Pathology Practical 1.3, 7 Credits.
  • Haematology Practical 1.2, 7 Credits.
  • Chemical Pathology 1.3, 8 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning (Biomedical Technology), 60 Credits.
  • Microbiology Practical 1.3, 7 Credits.
  • Microbiology Theory 1.3, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1.Select and perform routine and specialized clinical diagnostic techniques in specified disciplines in accordance with statutory requirements through application of knowledge of principles of techniques and instruments, physiological and pathophysiological conditions (Haematology, Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, and Cellular Pathology) in the place of study, workplace or both.
    2.Perform and monitor Quality Assurance procedures within predetermined limit.
    3.Manage resources efficiently and effectively.
    4.Participate in research in Medical Technology in compliance with ethical research principles. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for and Associated Assessment Criteria:
  • Assess specimens for suitability for tests requested.
  • Prepare routine and specified specialised media, stains, solutions and reagents according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Analyse specimens using appropriate Standard Operating Procedures SOPs and Quality Control procedures.
  • Describe principles, methods and application of different SOPs.
  • Record and compare results with established reference ranges and / or appropriate control specimens.
  • Capture and retrieve data electronically and manually.
  • Evaluate laboratory results through correlation of data in the context of the principles, techniques and instruments used.
  • Recognise factors that affect procedures, test results, and take appropriate action.
  • Evaluate laboratory results through correlation of data with physiological and pathological conditions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for and Associated Assessment Criteria:
  • Explain and apply principles of Quality Assurance applied in the context of the tests performed.
  • Evaluate and interpret Quality Control results and Quality Assurance data and take appropriate action.
  • Assess, review and update SOPs where necessary.
  • Monitor Instruments for efficient functioning and take appropriate action when necessary.
  • Perform corrective and preventive maintenance of equipment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for and Associated Assessment Criteria:
  • Draw up, explain and implement an appropriate budget for the laboratory.
  • Explain and implement appropriate legislation.
  • Develop and implement appropriate training programme for staff and Continuing Professional Development programmes.
  • Demonstrate selection, recruitment and interview techniques.
  • Apply mechanisms for stock control.
  • Evaluate economic viability of instruments and methods.
  • Demonstrate effective utilization of laboratory space taking into account physical constraints, safety, personnel equipment and the provision of service.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for and Associated Assessment Criteria:
  • Identify and investigate changes in methodology and disease profiles in clinical diagnostic laboratories.
  • Select appropriate information from relevant sources.
  • Collate, analyse, synthesise and present information in a coherent and scientific manner including statistical and graphical methods.
  • Access, organise and present information using appropriate Information Technology.

    Integrated Assessment.
    Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the qualification and have application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. All teaching and learning activities in the qualification are aligned to the assessment approach of the individual modules indicating a constructive alignment approach in the design of the qualification. The assessment activities form an integral part of the teaching and learning process. They are utilised to generate data for grading both systematically and purposefully. Timely feedback to learners' forms part of the assessment strategy of the institution. It informs teaching and learning and to improve the curriculum. Learning outcomes in all modules indicates what is to be assessed in the module and thus ensures constructive alignment of the modules within the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There are similar international qualifications, but individual institutions have unique offerings which may/may not articulate with this qualification entirely. There is undoubtedly synergy in courses with variations ranging from slight to extreme synergy-depending on the institution. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This allows qualification for horizontal and vertical articulation:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Biotechnology, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science in Biomedicine, Level 8. 
    		•

    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. Vaal University of Technology 


    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.