SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Health Sciences: Medical Laboratory Science

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101689	Bachelor of Health Sciences: Medical Laboratory Science
ORIGINATOR
Durban 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
National First Degree(Min 480)	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Rehabilitative Health/Services
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	480	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2034-06-30

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to produce a graduate who will be competent in analysing and managing human and animal specimens for diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases and for research purposes, integrating laboratory tests with pathophysiological conditions in a specified area of specialisation in accordance with statutory and operational requirements, and be able to recognise ethical standards within their scope of practice. The areas of specialisation include, Clinical Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Virology, Clinical Chemistry, Haematology, Immunohaematology, Cytology, Histopathology, Cytogenetics, Immunology, and Forensic Medicine.

This qualification enables the learner to be able to competently apply an integration of theory, principles, proven techniques, practical experience and appropriate skills to the solution of well-defined and complex problems in the selected field of Medical Laboratory Science. The learner will become a reflective practitioner and a life-long learner in his or her profession, thereby benefiting the community and society.

Upon completion of this qualification graduates will also be able to demonstrate skills in management and research allowing the graduate to work independently within the health care team and be able to contribute to the body of knowledge in the profession.

The following six focus areas are reflected in the qualification and relate to the main objectives throughout the medical laboratory scientist's career that would result from obtaining this qualification. Thus, the learner will be able to:

Understand diagnostic techniques required for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of patient care.

Keep abreast of new trends in technology, equipment and diagnostic methodology that ensure the continued professional development (CPD) of the medical laboratory scientist and, in turn, promote improved health services to society.

Understand the development of research potential to place South African medical services at the forefront of international patient care.

Understand the management and quality assurance skills required for effective, efficient and sustained delivery of quality laboratory services supporting the medical profession.

Apply the ethical and safety considerations required to underpin the profession.

Display empathy and communication skills required by practitioners to deliver relevant and accurate information to the different health care participants and sectors.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Health Sciences: Medical Laboratory Science is designed to provide learners with knowledge and skills that will enable them to operate as qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists. These operational competencies include, management skills, supervision, mentoring and leadership skills. The Medical Laboratory Scientist is a specialised health professional who plays an integral role in the healthcare field. Qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists conduct laboratory analyses on human specimens and sometimes involve the use of animal specimens. Input from laboratory analyses is vital in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases. The analytical and diagnostic services provided by Medical Laboratory Scientists are required to have knowledge and skills with a strong foundation in the medical, scientific and technological spheres, as well as graduates need to be trained with reasoning ability and empathy for humanity.

There is a great demand for highly skilled and suitably qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists as a health care resource and there is currently a critical shortage in South Africa, which has been highlighted at Advisory Board meetings as well as other national meetings held with stakeholders in the profession. This qualification has been structured to meet this need through the development of higher level competencies associated with this professional Degree at Level 8. The promulgation of the NQF and Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) has informed the level of qualification. It is also in response to the requirements from the National Health policy for the offering of a four-year Bachelor's Degree for all health care professionals.

The acquisition of advanced competencies is required by the sector in order to meet the legislative and operational requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The flexibility of career pathing for Medical Laboratory Scientists, both vertically and horizontally, is possible through personal growth and job advancement within and across the health sector.

Currently, students who qualify with a National Diploma in Biomedical Technology are trained for four years (the additional year is spent doing an internship and writing a board examination). The Degree will provide graduates the status that they deserve for the amount of time put into training.

This qualification is designed to produce professionals to be Medical Laboratory Scientists within private and public-sector environments. Graduates will practice primarily within South Africa in rural and urban contexts that range from sophisticated quaternary medical care facilities to remote primary health care settings. This qualification also aims to promote an understanding of the multi-disciplinary approach to effective and efficient patient care. In addition, this qualification aims to produce a professional practitioner who will take cognisance of the South African history and will be able to adapt to the unique circumstances of a changing South Africa with emphasis on equity in health care, social upliftment and reduction of the burden of disease.

The qualification is also designed for career progression and will allow the graduate to diversify in the managerial, education, training, research, laboratory equipment & reagent sales and professional development sectors of industry which promote lifelong learning. It also aims to address the needs of the medical laboratory industry by providing an advanced Medical Laboratory Practitioner and Health Service Manager as well as promote the local research output in the field. It will also assist in meeting industry's requirements of reaching the rural-urban, gender and race equity targets. The profession will benefit from an increased scope of practice and an educational career path that will aid in the retention of practitioners within the health care system. This qualification will also allow for upward mobility of midlevel professionals.

Academic progression through Master's and Doctoral Degrees will allow for growth and development in the profession leading to evidence-based practice. Scientific growth will allow the profession to develop its own knowledge base. Development of research activity in the field will allow for international collaborations, partnerships and reciprocity.

On completion of this qualification, a graduate wanting to practice as a medical laboratory scientist will be required to register with the HPCSA after which they may work in government, private and research health care laboratories. Unregistered medical laboratory scientists may work in non-diagnostic laboratories.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners will be admitted into this qualification by awarding credits to prior learning which will be assessed as per the university's policy. Some modules towards the qualification may be credited though demonstration in those modules through an RPL policy. A qualification can then be granted after the required credits have been achieved taking into consideration both RPL and formally registered subjects credits, according to the policies governing higher education and this institution. A qualification will be conferred provided the learner can demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the qualification as required by the Fundamental, Core and specialisation areas stipulated in the Qualification and the Exit Level Outcomes.

Entry Requirements:
Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission:

A senior certificate with endorsement.
Or

National Senior Certificate granting admission to Bachelor studies and with appropriate subjects.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 512 Credits.

Level 5, 128 Credits:

Physics 1: Module 1, 8 Credits.

Physics 1: Module 2, 8 Credits.

Chemistry, 16 Credits.

Anatomy and Physiology 1A, 8 Credits.

Anatomy and Physiology 1B, 8 Credits.

Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.

Community Health Care and Research 1, 12 Credits.

Community Health Care and Research 2, 12 Credits.

Immunology, 16 Credits.

Biochemistry, 16 Credits.

Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Science, 12 Credits.

Level 6, 100 Credits:

Fundamentals of Pathology, 8 Credits.

Cytology 1, 12 Credits.

Molecular Biology, 8 Credits.

Clinical Chemistry 1, 12 Credits.

Medical Microbiology 1, 8 Credits.

Immunohaematology 1, 16 Credits.

Histopathology 1, 12 Credits.

Haematology 1, 12 Credits.

Systematic Pathophysiology, 12 Credits.

Level 7, 144 Credits:

Restorative Justice, 8 Credits.

Principles of Management, 8 Credits.

Medical Microbiology, 16 Credits.

Medical Microbiology 2B, 16 Credits.

Haematology 2, 20 Credits.

Cytology 2, 20 Credits.

Clinical Laboratory Practice 1, 24 Credits.

Principles of Research, 12 Credits.

Clinical Chemistry 2, 20 Credits.

Level 8, 84 Credits:

Statistics, 8 Credits.

Laboratory Management, 16 Credits.

Research Project, 32 Credits.

Integrated Pathophysiology, 28 Credits.

Elective Modules:
Clinical Laboratory Practice 2 includes the following specialisation options, 40 Credits (select one):

Clinical Pathology 3, 40 Credits.

Clinical Chemistry 3, 40 Credits.

Medical Microbiology 3, 40 Credits.

Haematology 3, 40 Credits.

Cytology 3, 40 Credits.

Histopathology 2, 40 Credits.

Immunohaematology 2, 40 Credits.

General education modules to choose from in year 1, 8 Credits (select one):

Values in the workplace, 8 Credits.

Law for life, 8 Credits.

World of Work, 8 Credits.

General education modules for students to choose from in year 2, 8 Credits (select one):

The entrepreneurial edge, 8 Credits.

The global environment, 8 Credits.

Equality and diversity, 8 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Perform and integrate laboratory tests with pathophysiological conditions in a field of specialisation in accordance with statutory and operational requirements and make appropriate decisions and recommendations based on the critical evaluation of available information.
2. Apply complex research skills to conduct formal and informal research within an area of a specialised field of medical laboratory science, provide meaningful interpretation of findings to solve problems and present the results to peers.
3. Competently apply and integrate advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to perform routine and specialised tests and techniques in the context of medical laboratory sciences.
4. Effectively integrate and apply knowledge of entrepreneurship and management functions in complex and dynamic situations within the medical laboratory science context demonstrating responsibility and accountability for the management of human resources, procurement, ethics, human rights, medical law and quality assurance both as an employee and an employer.
5. Demonstrate an ability to operate and communicate effectively within the context of medical laboratory science and an understanding of the roles and relationships within the health and related sectors.
6. Critically evaluate current and new trends in technology, to improve practice and to solve problems in a variety of contexts within the discipline.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Select, perform, interpret and integrate routine and specialised diagnostic techniques (including molecular biology techniques) in a specific field in accordance with statutory requirements in place of study, workplace or both.

Evaluate laboratory results through correlation of data in the context of the principles, techniques and instruments used.

Recognise factors that affect procedures and test results and appropriate action taken.

Interpret laboratory results through correlation of data with physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

Evaluate, interpret and integrate findings a through application of an in-depth knowledge of disease processes.

Describe, apply and evaluate quality assurance procedures and change them if required.

Integrate learning across general and chosen field of study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Analyse, synthesise and evaluate information relative to the constraints within a given laboratory.

Evaluate new equipment, techniques and methods.

Recommend appropriate new techniques and methods on the basis of sound principles and evidence.

Understand and appreciate diversity within a local and global context.

Conduct research in the field of Medical Laboratory Science in compliance with legislated and ethical research principles.

Identify, articulate and investigate research needs within the field of medical laboratory sciences.

Apply appropriate research methods.

Review and document applicable literature according to accepted scientific practices.

Collect, analyse and interpret data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.

Evaluate research findings and recommend conclusions and recommendations based on sound theoretical principles.

Produce a research report in accordance with the required accepted research guidelines.

Demonstrate and apply social responsibility including understanding of the physical and natural world, and ethical reasoning in dealing with complex societal challenges and dilemmas.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Assess, review and update standard operating procedures where necessary.

Monitor equipment for efficient functioning and appropriate action is taken when necessary.

Plan, organise and prioritise work activities.

Describe, apply, evaluate and change laboratory safety if required.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Manage human, infrastructural, operational and financial resources efficiently and effectively.

Develop, approve and implement a business plan.

Explain principles of entrepreneurship skills.

Demonstrate appropriate professional conduct.

Demonstrate innovative and creative initiative including entrepreneurship and leadership.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Investigate factors that affect test procedures and results and generate reports on findings.

Align all clinical interactions and related principles with the provisions and rules of the codes of ethics of the HPCSA and professional associations.
Collect, analyse and interpret and report data correctly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Explain and apply appropriate legislation.

Demonstrate intellectual and practical skills, including written and oral communicative competence in English, mathematical and quantitative reasoning, analytical and critical inquiry, and technology applications.

Communicate with patients, colleagues and other service providers effectively, clearly, directly and accurately with appropriate use of modality including electronic media and terminology consistent with the usage in the profession.

Integrated Assessment:
Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably aligned. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Exit Level Outcomes are integrated through the practical application of diagnostics, technology and research in a specified medical laboratory sciences specialisation discipline. Assessment of the communication, language, literacy and mathematical competencies will be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and will use authentic Medical Laboratory Science contexts wherever possible.

A variety of methods will be used in assessment and activities and will be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques will be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

The assessment strategy which will be used for both developing and assessing the appropriate and relevant graduate characteristics required for the Medical Laboratory Science qualification will include both norm-referenced and criteria-referenced, and involves formative and summative assessments. Written, theoretical assessments will be conducted by the institution, in alignment with assessment and moderation policies. Performance and theoretical assessments will be a joint assessment by lecturers and clinical laboratory Training officers. An external summative examination will be conducted for a specialist category in fourth year, and moderated by university academics to ensure quality control.

The focus of assessments will be on the demonstration of core knowledge and comprehension of module content, as well as the ability to apply, evaluate and analyse theoretical and practical concepts, principles and skills.

Formative assessments will take the form of:

Written assignments (individual and group projects and assignments).

Written and oral tests.

Performance assessments (practical examination, proficiency assessment).

Problem based assessments.

Online forums.

Case studies and case presentations.

Reflective journaling (Critique of journal articles).

Self and peer assessment.

Summative assessments will take the form of:

A Final Examination.

Competency assessment of clinical laboratory skills (Competency Based Assessment).

Portfolio of evidence.

Oral presentation.

Research project.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The challenge of selection for international comparability resides in the fact that direct comparison needs to consider a number of best practices internationally while at the same time making provision for the diversity within the South African operating context.

The University of Technology: Sydney (UTS) offers a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science as a three-year full-time, or six-year part-time Degree.

The components of the UTS curriculum is similar to the South African qualification as it consists of Physiology, Pathophysiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology and Clinical subjects such as Haematology and Microbiology. Also this is a four-year full-time qualification recognised by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).

These competencies compare favourably with the competencies outlined in the South African qualification. In addition, this qualification emphasises competencies such as laboratory management, quality assurance and ethical conduct, which are explicitly stated in the competencies outlined in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science as offered by UTS.

The second qualification investigated is the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Level 7) a 480-Credit qualification offered by Auckland University of Technology (AUT). This qualification is also recognised in Australia by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). This is a four-year full-time study qualification with the following specialisations:

Clinical Chemistry.

Haematology.

Histology.

Immunology.

Medical Cytology.

Medical Microbiology.

Transfusion Science.

The specialisations in the qualification offered at Auckland University of Technology are similar to those in this qualification. This qualification includes the additional specialisations of Virology, Cytogenetics and Clinical Pathology and provides for specialisation in the theory of four majors and intense specialised practical competence in one discipline in the fourth year.

The core competencies of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Level 7) offered by Auckland University of Technology include:

Scientific Communications.

Statistical Models.

Microbiology.

Organic Chemistry.

General Chemistry..

Histological Techniques.

Human Anatomy & Physiology.

Biological Chemistry.

Genetics.

Clinical Chemistry.

Haematology.

Immunology and Virology.

Transfusion Sciences.

Molecular Genetics.

Research.

The University of Wales Institute, Cardiff offers the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours qualification in Biomedical Sciences (Applied Biomedical Sciences) that is recognised by the Welsh National Health Service. This is similar to this qualification in that it is also designed to encourage, develop, integrate and apply scientific knowledge, understanding and skills into a multi-disciplinary investigation of human diseases and disorders. The core and fundamental competencies are similar to the South African Professional Degree. On successful completion of the integrated work-based professional training undertaken in the accredited clinical laboratory, the learners will be awarded with a "certificate of competence" and graduates successfully completing this qualification are eligible to apply to become registered with Health Professions Council.

The University of Zimbabwe offers an internationally recognised Degree namely, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours Degree). The competencies required are similar to those of the South African Professional Degree. The theory component of the qualification is covered in the first, second and fourth years of study (900 hours per year) while the third year is dedicated to working in accredited clinical laboratories. The design of the Zimbabwe qualification differs from the South African qualification with regards to work integrated learning (WIL). The Zimbabwean qualification has no WIL component. The extra semester spent on developing practical competence in the South African Professional Degree is considered to strengthen the South African professional Degree.

Another SADC country that offers a similar Degree is the Polytechnic of Namibia. This qualification is called the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences Degree and has a total of 500 Credits and this qualification is a four-year qualification. There has been close collaboration between Namibian and South African professionals in the development of the Namibian qualification.

Conclusion:
This qualification compares well with qualifications offered in Australia, New Zealand, Wales Zimbabwe and Namibia. The comparison is particularly strong with regard to the core operational areas of medical laboratory sciences. All the qualifications used for comparison are 4-year qualifications that require professional recognition before the learners can practice.

In the qualifications selected for comparison a similarity of competencies is clearly identifiable, and in some instances, in order to meet the South African requirements in the field of Medical Laboratory Science the South African qualification provides a broader scope of choice of specialisation. These requirements are catered for by the intended learning time in the work place, research competencies and the national standards set for the integrated exit level assessment.

In contrast to all international qualifications investigated, assessment in this qualification is strengthened by incorporation of the professional body requirements into training and the final external summative examination. In addition, this qualification is further strengthened by the international qualifications investigated by the incorporation of a substantial research project undertaken by learners.

It is clear from the comparison of qualifications that a similar approach is followed with different focus areas to provide for South Africa's unique requirements. The main areas of competence shared amongst the qualifications are certainly on par.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers systemic vertical articulation with qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum admission requirements.

Vertical Articulation:

Master in Medical Laboratory Science, Level 9.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.	Durban University of Technology