SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
109456	Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Preventive Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	480	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-05-29	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2033-06-30

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 is intended to develop the academic skills, applied competence, values and attributes through student entered learning to create practitioners with solid ethical principles and a desire for life-long education. It will enable successful learners to become technologically advanced medical laboratory scientists who are primarily employed in laboratory diagnostic services and who are able to successfully undertake research and implement innovative practices.

The qualifying learner will be able to:

Integrate laboratory tests with pathophysiological conditions in a chosen field of specialisation in accordance with statutory and operational requirements.

Critically evaluate current and new trends in technology to improve practices and to solve problems in a variety of contexts.

Conduct research in the field of medical laboratory sciences, in compliance with legislated and ethical research principles.

Apply management and entrepreneurship skills in the context of medical laboratory sciences.

Rationale:
There is a shortage in South Africa of highly skilled and suitably qualified medical laboratory scientists as a health care resource. This qualification has been structured to meet that need through the development of higher level competencies associated with a professional Degree at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.

The medical laboratory scientist plays an integral role in the healthcare of society. The health sector relies on the effective diagnosis and management of patient care, as well as the implementation and management of a legislative framework that protects people's rights to reliable and accurate healthcare services. Qualified medical laboratory scientists are specialised health professionals who provide vital information about a patient's state of health. Their input is necessary in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. The analytical and diagnostic services provided by medical laboratory scientists require a strong scientific knowledge, as well as trained reasoning ability and empathy for humanity.

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 a career path for medical laboratory scientists, both vertical and horizontal, is possible through personal growth and job advancement within and across the
health sector. Therefore, the qualification provides for learners with operational competencies as well as management skills, including supervision, mentoring and leadership.

Successful completion of this qualification will enable the graduate to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (in the category: Independent Practice). The graduate will also meet the minimum entrance requirements for vertical articulation to a Masters in Health Sciences on NQF Level 9 of the higher education qualification sub-framework of South Africa.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
As per institutional policy, and in agreement with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA), Credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as per guidelines of the RPL policy of the University of Technology (TUT, 2012). Such guidelines will be followed for prospective students who intend to enter into the Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may take the form of verified testimonials, or other appropriate evidence, such as verified accounts of previous relevant work experiences or performance records.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirements are:

Senior Certificate with English, Mathematics, Physical Science and Biology.
Or

National Senior Certificate with English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 538 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5 (136 Credits):

Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.

Computer Literacy,10 Credits.

Foundation Life Skills, 2 Credits.

Mathematics and Statistics I 12 Credits.

Chemistry for Health Sciences l, 12 Credits.

Physics for Health Sciences I, 12 Credits.

Human Anatomy I, 18 Credits.

Human Physiology I, 18 Credits.

Research Principles I 6, Credits.

Medical Laboratory Science I, 12 Credits.

Cell Biology I, 12 Credits.

Immunology I, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6 (144 Credits):

Research Principles II, 6 Credits.

Medical Laboratory Science II, 6 Credits.

Haematology II, 24 Credits.

Clinical Chemistry II, 24 Credits.

Pathophysiology II, 18 Credits.

Cytology II, 18 Credits.

Histology II, 12 Credits.

Immunohaematology II, 12 Credits.

Microbiology I, 12 Credits.

Medical Microbiology II, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7 (126 Credits):

Research Principles III, 6 Credits.

Integrated Pathophysiology III, 12 Credits.

Clinical Chemistry III, 12 Credits.

Integrated Cytology and Histology III, 12 Credits.

Haematology III, 12 Credits.

Medical Microbiology III, 12 Credits.

Clinical Laboratory Practice III, 60 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8 (42 Credits):

Diagnostic Laboratory Management IV, 12 Credits.

Research Principles IV and Project , 30 Credits.

Elective or specialisation modules at Level 8, 90 Credits (choose ONE):

Clinical Laboratory Practice lV in Clinical Pathology, 90 Credits.

Clinical Laboratory Practice IV in Clinical Chemistry, 90 Credits.

Clinical Laboratory Pactice IV in Haematology, 90 Credits.

Clinical Laboratory Pactice IV in Medical Microbiology, 90 Credits.

Clinical Laboratory Pactice IV in Immunohaematology, 90 Credits.

Clinical Laboratory Pactice IV in Cytology, 90 Credits.

Clinical Laboratory Pactice IV in Histology, 90 Credits.

Clinical Laboratory Pactice IV in Immunology, 90 Credits.

Clinical Laboratory Pactice IV in Virology, 90 Credits.

Clinical Laboratory Pactice IV in Cytogenetics, 90 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Analyse and interpret methods and techniques relevant to the field of specialisation, as well as the ability to apply such knowledge in the context of the research process in a field of specialisation in medical laboratory sciences.
2. Select and apply the appropriate standard laboratory procedures and diagnostic techniques, as well as to demonstrate the ability to evaluate and interpret clinical laboratory results within a specialised field of Medical Laboratory Science Practice.
3. Identify, analyse and evaluate current and new trends in technology to improve practices as well as to solve a variety of problems in the context of a medical laboratory science practice.
4. Identify and address ethical and legal issues based on critical reflection upon the appropriateness of medical laboratory management, principles, concepts and requirements to ensure professional and ethical service delivery and good practice within medical laboratory sciences.
5. Critically review information, gather and synthesis data, evaluate and manage processes offering creative insights and rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems in the field of specialisation in medical laboratory sciences.
6. Present and communicate academic, professional or occupational ideas, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems effectively to a range of audiences as well as to various members in the multi-professional health care team appropriate to the field of specialisation in medical laboratory sciences.
7. Apply management and entrepreneurial skills in the context of medical laboratory sciences based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within the system.
8. Apply in a self-critical manner, learning strategies for personal professional and ongoing learning needs. Be answerable for own work, decision-making and use laboratory resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate within a field of specialisation in medical laboratory sciences.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Knowledge, principles and concepts of the fields of specialisation are identified and explained.

The relationship between principles and concepts of the fields of specialisation are demonstrated and applied.

Theoretical and practical knowledge is applied for problem-solving in the working environment.

Information from various sources are synthesised and evaluated within context.

Learning strategies/opportunities for achieving self-directed continuous professional development and transfer are demonstrated through portfolios.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Routine and specialised diagnostic techniques (including molecular biology techniques) in a specific field are selected, performed, interpreted and integrated in accordance with statutory requirements and situational standard operating procedures.

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 recognised and appropriate action is taken to nullify these.

Laboratory results are interpreted through correlation of data with physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

Findings are evaluated, interpreted and integrated through application of an in-depth knowledge of disease processes.

Equipment is monitored for efficient functioning and appropriate action is taken when necessary.

Laboratory safety procedures, including infection control, are described and applied throughout all operating procedures.

Quality assurance procedures are described and applied throughout all operating procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Constraints within a given laboratory are analysed, synthesised and evaluated relative to the services required of the facility.

Use of new equipment is learned in depth to obtain the maximum use thereof.

Appropriate new techniques and methods are recommended on the basis of methodological scientific principles.

New techniques and methods which have been written up and/or presented formally are analysed, recommended with motivation and applied where applicable.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Describe comprehensively the ethical principles and identification.

Ethical behaviour within the working environment is applied and demonstrated when dealing with personal information and laboratory results of patients.

Professional behaviour and attitude in all professional and academic environments are demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Research needs, knowledge and methods within the chosen specialisation in the field of medical laboratory sciences are appropriately identified, applied, articulated and investigated within a legal and ethical framework.

Applicable literature is reviewed and documented according to accepted scientific practices when accessing the library, internet and other academic information sources.

Data is accurately collected, analysed and interpreted using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.

Research findings are evaluated and conclusions and recommendations, based on sound theoretical and ethical principles, are formulated.

A research report is produced and presented in accordance with the required institutional research guidelines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Scientific information is presented either verbally and/or by reports in a scientific/academic format.

Scientific language and medical terminology is correctly used to produce clear, concise documents.

Referencing methods of the institution are applied as prescribed with consideration of policies regarding plagiarism and intellectual property.

Multiple sources of appropriate scientific information are thoroughly scrutinised to produce a coherent debate within the contextual setting.

Appropriate use of electronic media and medical terminology, with patients, colleagues and other service providers, is clear, direct and accurate and delivered in terms of maintaining patient confidentially.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Human, infrastructural, operational and financial resources are analysed and managed efficiently and effectively within legislated Acts.

Business plan for a new medical laboratory service is developed, approved and implemented within a structured situation.

Principles of entrepreneurship skills are explained in terms of the proposed business model.

Current, relevant legislation is explained and applied where applicable, such as within the proposed business plan.

All clinical interactions and related activities are aligned with the provisions and rules of the relevant institution and the codes of ethics of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and relevant professional associations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Learning strategies/opportunities for achieving management of learning transfer is demonstrated through critical reflection reports and other evidence-based materials.

Self-directed continuous professional development is demonstrated through portfolios and other documentary or electronic evidence.

Strategies/opportunities for achieving accountability in the learning environment are demonstrated through policies, portfolios, critical reflection reports and other evidence-based materials.

Integrated Assessment:
Assessments will focus on learners' ability to demonstrate applied knowledge and competence. Evidence of applied competence will be evident in the learners' ability to integrate concepts, ideas and actions in authentic, real-life contexts, and will be expressed as practical, foundational and reflexive competence.

Formative and Summative assessment strategies will be used throughout the qualification to ensure that module outcomes, according to specific study year outcomes, as well as qualification Exit Level Outcomes are met.

Formative Assessment may include:

Tests.

Written and practical assignments.

Literature reviews.

Case studies.

Class presentations.

Seminars.

Peer evaluation.

Simulations in structured learning environments.

Summative Assessment may include:

Written examinations.

Oral examinations.

Practical examinations.

Supervisor reports where appropriate.

Objective Simulated Clinical Evaluation Scenarios (OSCE's).

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. Internationally, qualifications in medical laboratory sciences e.g., Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, are not offered at the level of a Diploma which strengthens the case for the South African qualification to be upgraded to be in line with international practices.

Australia:
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 UTS programme is not in an outcomes based format which makes it difficult to compare credit allocation. However, components of the course similar to those of the South African Qualification consist of Physiology, Pathophysiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology and clinical subjects such as Haematology and Microbiology. The overall credit points for this qualification is 144 Credit points of which 24 Credit points consist of electives that may be taken as a sub-major. This is a four - year full-time study programme recognised by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).

These competencies compare favourably with the competencies outlined in the South African Professional Degree. In addition, the South African Professional Degree emphasises competencies such as laboratory management, quality assurance and ethical conduct, which are not explicitly stated in the competencies outlined in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science as offered by UTS.

New Zealand:
The second qualification used for comparison is the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Level 7) 480 Credits offered by Auckland University of Technology (AUT) which is also recognised in Australia by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).

The specialisations in the programme offered at Auckland University of Technology are similar to those of the South African Qualification. The South African Qualification includes the additional specialisations of Virology, Cytogenetics and Clinical Pathology. It also requires specialisation in the theory of four majors and intense specialised practical competence in one discipline in the fourth year.

Wales:
The University of Wales Institute, Cardiff in the United Kingdom offers the Bachelor of Science (BSc). Honours programme in Biomedical Sciences (Applied Biomedical Sciences) that is recognised by the Welsh National Health Service. This is similar to the South African 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 those of the South African Qualification.

Zimbabwe:
The University of Zimbabwe offers an internationally recognised Degree namely, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Honours Degree). The competencies required are equivalent to those of the proposed South African Qualification. The theory component of the course 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 programme differs from the South African Qualification in terms of the intended practical work-based learning. The extra semester spent on developing practical competence in the South African Qualification is considered to give strength to the graduate as a potential practitioner.

Namibia:
Namibia offers a similar Degree at the Polytechnic of Namibia. This qualification is called the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences Degree and is worth 500 Credits at NQF Level 8.

In terms of the Credits, the Namibian qualification equates to 50 Credits at NQF Level 5, 75 Credits at NQF Level 6, 235 Credits at Level 7 and 140 Credits at Level 8. The total number of Credits is 500. In the South Africa Qualification, the credit values are as follows: 76 Credits at NQF Level 5, 114 Credits at NQF Level 6, 158 Credits at NQF Level 7 and 154 Credits at NQF Level 8. The total number of Credits is 502. There has been close collaboration between Namibian and South African professionals in the development of the Namibian qualification.

Conclusion:
The South African Qualification compares well with the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science as offered by the University of Technology: Sydney; Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Level 7) 480 Credits offered by Auckland University of Technology; the BSc. (Honours): Biomedical Sciences offered by University of Wales Institute, Cardiff's; the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Honours) offered by the University of Zimbabwe and the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences Degree offered by the Polytechnic of 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 graduates 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 sciences, 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 the South African Qualification is strengthened by incorporation of the professional body requirements into the final summative examination. In addition, the South African Qualification is further strengthened over all the international qualifications used for comparison through the incorporation of a substantial research project to be 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 equal to international best practice.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers the following articulation possibilities.

Horizontal Articulation:

Honours or Professional Degrees in related fields of Laboratory Medicine at Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Masters in Health Sciences at 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.

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