SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Medicine in Haematological Pathology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102936  Master of Medicine in Haematological Pathology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  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  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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   2031-06-30  

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 qualification enables the learner to:
  • Demonstrate the ability to use specialist knowledge and a wide range of specialised skills in Haematological Pathology.
  • Identify, apply, conceptualise, design and implement methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging clinical and laboratory diagnostic problems.
  • Have an understanding of the consequences, including ethical and professional, of any solutions or insights generated within the field of Haematological Pathology.
  • To communicate the results effectively.

    Rationale:
    The 4-year qualification is for medical doctors wishing to pursue a career in Pathology. The training period and training requirements as per the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

    The health sector in South Africa has a shortage of medical doctors, especially pathologists. This qualification helps address this existing shortage by producing medical specialists, namely Haematological Pathologists, who can work both in public and private health sectors.

    The qualification equips learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes befitting a pathologist specialising in Haematological Pathology through teaching/training, work-based-learning and active research.

    Upon completion of the qualification, learners register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as an Independent Specialists in Haematological Pathology and practice as Pathologists (Haematological) thus addressing the current skills shortages in the county.

    The qualification produces suitably qualified haematological pathologists that can work in either the public or private health care sectors.

    The primary aim is for qualified pathologists (Haematological) to pursue a career in either the public or private health care sector in South Africa providing diagnostic laboratory services and consultations to medical doctors in the country.

    A wide range of employment opportunities is available to Pathologists (Haematological). These include, but not limited to:
    Government sector:
  • Pathologist (Haematological) at Public Laboratories, e.g. NHLS.
  • Academic pathologists-Lecturer at Universities.
  • Research pathologist in research institutions such as the Medical Research Council (MRC), Human Science Research Council (HSRC) etc.
  • Management (health care sector).

    Private Sector:
  • Pathologist (Haematological).
  • Lecturer at Private Universities.
  • Management (health care sector).

    Other career paths include Management, Medical education (lecturer), Research, Further studies (Doctor of Philosophy or sub-specialisation) etc.

    These learners should be sought after, be gainfully employed and contribute actively to both a healthier society and economy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The internship and community service periods are per the institution's RPL Policy. Securing a training post is competitive; therefore, prior learning/work experience in a clinical diagnostic laboratory or related field, and research output is advantageous in securing a position.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Registration with HPCSA as a medical practitioner (Independent Practice).
    And
  • Appointment to an accredited registrar post recognised by the HPCSA.). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 720 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 720 Credits:
  • Physiology for Haematological Pathology, 180 Credits.
  • Molecular Biology, 32 Credits.
  • Haematological Pathology, 148 Credits.
  • Haematological Pathology (Major), 180 Credits.
  • Haematological Pathology (mini-dissertation), 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate competence in both clinical and laboratory knowledge and skills at the specialist level for haematological pathology.
    2. Demonstrate the necessary skills to apply the specialised theoretical knowledge of haematological pathology to solve clinical diagnostic problems and have the ability to transfer appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in the field of haematological pathology.
    3. Engage with and critiquing current research and practices in the field of haematological pathology, demonstrate competency in research methodology and can implement evidence-based findings into the practice of haematological pathology.
    4. Demonstrate ethical and professional ability in all aspects of specialist practice in haematological pathology.
    5. Demonstrate specialist knowledge in haematological pathology and can teach and train others in the speciality.
    6. Work independently and direct self-learning to meet personal, educational needs, thus demonstrating the aptitude of being a lifelong learner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner:
  • Demonstrate specialist knowledge with regards to aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of diseases relevant to haematological pathology and transfusion medicine.
  • Outline the principles of laboratory procedures for diagnosis of disease processes related to haematological pathology.
  • Demonstrate the ability to interpret laboratory tests and communicate these findings.
  • Submit a research proposal to the ethics committee and obtain ethical approval. Compile a mini-dissertation that reveals an adequate acquaintance with the research methodology and scientifically written.
  • Make sound judgments using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences relevant to the practice of the haematological pathology.
  • Demonstrate respect, compassion, integrity and responsiveness to the needs of patients.
  • Demonstrate proper respect for other members of the team.
  • Demonstrate the necessary skills required to initiate and manage a pathology service laboratory.
  • Demonstrate ability to develop his/her learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic and professional development.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use a wide range of specialised skills in Haematological Pathology to identify, conceptualise, design and implement methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems; and have an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within the field of Haematological Pathology.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Physiology for Haematological Pathology (MHPA190):
    The assessment of learners will be regularly using written tests, oral presentations and during work-integrated learning. Physiology underpins the understanding of pathological processes, and this the assessment of the knowledge and application thereof is t throughout the four-year training period.
    The summative assessment comprises two three hour written assessments.

    Molecular Biology (MMMA190):
    Learners are assessed after each topic or submit written assignments on each topic, write three class tests, two written examinations and an oral examination in the presence of an external examiner for vulnerable students. The year mark will contribute 50% towards the final combined mark (FCM).

    Haematological Pathology (MHPB190):
    The assessment of learners is regularly using written tests, oral presentations and during work-integrated learning. The summative assessment comprises one three hour written assessment, one practical examination and an oral examination.

    Haematological Pathology (MHPC190):
    The assessment of learners is regularly using written tests, oral presentations and during work-integrated learning. The summative assessment comprises two three hour written assessments, a practical laboratory component, a clinical component and an oral component.

    In addition to the above, Learners need to compile a portfolio of evidence during their four-year training. Work-based learning continuously tests all exit level outcomes when students are required to apply knowledge in haematological pathology to solve clinical diagnostic problems/analytical laboratory process-related issues and communicate their findings accordingly.

    Research Project in Haematological Pathology (MMMA080):
    The compilation of a research proposal for ethical approval and the final mini-dissertation showcases the learners applied competence in scope of haematological pathology knowledge; knowledge literacy; methods and procedures; problem solving; assessing, processing and managing information; management of learning; ethics and professional practice, communication (oral and written) and accountability.

    The final research report is in the form of a mini-dissertation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Internationally - aligned to the Royal College of Pathologists except that in South Africa, specialists are in the laboratories. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine in Anatomical Pathology, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Medicine, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.