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: 

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110421  Bachelor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  Promotive Health and Developmental 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  2019-07-25  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 the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine is to develop qualifying learners who are competent in the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required for diagnosing patients and formulating treatment plans in the field of Complementary Medicine for health promotion. The qualifying learner will be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence based techniques, practical exposure and appropriate skills under supervision. The qualifying learner will be competent to compound, dispense and prescribe Complementary Medicine (CMs) within that scope of practice. The learner will also be a team player capable of working in multidisciplinary teams to promote the profession.

On completion of this programme the learner will be able to:
  • Derive, analyse and interpret clinical data in order to identify and assess the range of health problems presented to CM therapists and practitioners, using a comprehensive and holistic approach with the integration of relevant clinical competency and CM knowledge.
  • Integrate biomedical, behavioural and social sciences relevant to health promotion within a primary health care setting.
  • Develop and implement prevention plans and basic treatment protocols that would promote health, with an understanding of the role and function of other health disciplines and their relevance in multi-disciplinary patient management.
  • Communicate effectively and apply the principles of medical ethics and professional behaviour within a multi-cultural and international context.
  • Evaluate and interrogate multiple sources of literature as critical users and developers of research in a CM related field.
  • Identify the pharmaceutical and legislative requirements pertaining to the manufacture and sale of CMs and the operation of a dispensary, including related compounding and dispensing procedures.

    Rationale:
    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has indicated a willingness to support the integration of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM), as a global term, into public health care systems. In the South African context, the term Complementary Medicine (CM) is contained in the General Regulations to the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 1965). Practitioners within the field of CM are required to be registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA), under Act 63 of 1982. Registration entitles the practitioner to diagnose and treat any ailment in humans, and to compound and dispense applicable medicine in terms of their scope of practice and in terms of Section 22C(1)(a) of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 1965).

    This qualification is a professional Bachelor's Degree which seeks to address needs of the profession and requirements of the AHPCSA. This qualification seeks to produce a graduate competent to act as a primary-contact practitioner appropriately skilled for the prescribed scope of practice. This qualification allows the qualifying learner to register with the AHPCSA as an acupuncture therapist in view of the acupuncture component.

    The qualification will also prepare the learner for further study in the CM field; namely Homeopathy and Physiotherapy. As per the Allied Health Professions Act, 1982 (Act 63 of 1982), a minimum qualification of a Diploma is required for registration as an acupuncture therapist (acupuncturist) with the AHPCSA. The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) (Complementary Medicine) will cater for possible registration as an Acupuncturist and will also allow for articulation into the additional Master of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine programme. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and status will be given for credits that are aligned to the learning outcomes of the programme and to promote lifelong learning.

    The RPL policy, and will be applied as follows for the purposes of this qualification:
    Through Recognition of Prior Learning, a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A Senior Certificate, NQF Level with Matriculation Exemption or equivalent qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 506 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 5: 89 Credits:
  • Anatomy and Physiology I, 35 Credits.
  • Chemistry I, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Chemistry I, 10 Credits.
  • Physics, 10 Credits.
  • Biology, 10 Credits.
  • Personal and Professional Development I, 10 Credits.
  • Basic Life Support, 4 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 6: 112 Credits:
  • Botany for Complementary Medicine, 10 Credits.
  • Complementary Medicine Practices I, 20 Credits.
  • Sociology of Health and Complementary Health Care, 10 Credits.
  • Physiology II, 30 Credits.
  • Personal and Professional Development II, 10 Credits.
  • Medical Microbiology, 10 Credits.
  • Pharmacology, 14 Credits.
  • Practice Management and Jurisprudence I, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 7:170 Credits:
  • Anatomy II, 30 Credits.
  • Human Biochemistry and Disease, 25 Credits.
  • Complementary Medicine Practices II, 20 Credits.
  • Pathology, 25 Credits.
  • Clinical Psychology, 15 Credits.
  • Nutritional Medicine, 15 Credits.
  • Phytochemistry, 10 Credits.
  • Complementary Medicine Practices III, 10 Credits.
  • Clinical Diagnostics, 20 Credits.

    Elective modules, Level 7: 15 Credits (Choose ONE):
  • Homeopathic Materia Medica I, 15 Credits.
  • Phytotherapy I, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 8, 75 Credits:
  • Clinical Practice I, 30 Credits.
  • Applied Nutritional Medicine, 10 Credits.
  • Good Pharmacy Practice, Level 10 Credits.
  • Compounding and Dispensing for Complementary Medicine, 10 Credits.
  • Research Methods in Complementary Medicine, 10 Credits.
  • Research Project in Complementary Medicine, 5 Credits.

    Elective modules, Level 8, 45 Credits (Choose one from each group):
  • Homeopathic Materia Medica II, 20 Credits.
  • Phytotherapy II, 20 Credits.
    Or
  • Applied Homeopathic Materia Medica I, 25 Credits.
  • Applied Phytotherapy I, 25 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Derive, analyse and interpret clinical data in order to identify and assess the range of health problems presented to Complementary Medicine (CM) therapists and practitioners, using a comprehensive and holistic approach with the integration of relevant clinical competency and CM knowledge.
    2. Integrate biomedical, behavioural and social sciences relevant to health promotion within a primary health care setting.
    3. Develop and implement prevention plans and basic treatment protocols that would promote health, with an understanding of the role and function of other health disciplines and their relevance in multi-disciplinary patient management.
    4. Communicate effectively and apply the principles of medical ethics and professional behaviour within a multi-cultural and international context.
    5. Evaluate and interrogate multiple sources of literature as critical users and developers of research in a CM related field.
    6. Identify the pharmaceutical and legislative requirements pertaining to the manufacture and sale of CMs and the operation of a dispensary, including related compounding and dispensing procedures. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and solve clinical problems through the process of collecting, analyzing and organising information, including identifying and implementing basic therapeutic interventions for pre-diagnosed patients.
  • Solve complex Complementary Medicine (CM) problems holistically through the innovative application of knowledge and conceptual thinking skills.
  • Demonstrate competency in applying the theoretical principles of problem identification and solving in the field of CM and reflecting on the application made.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community.
  • Identify the appropriate therapeutic acupuncture protocols as it relates to body systems and disorders.
  • Apply the relevant acupuncture techniques to the treatment of pre-diagnosed conditions in a clinical/practical setting.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply an integrative approach, with emphasis on relevant biological, psychological and social aspects of health, in relation to health promotion within a primary health care setting.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the major pathologies that affect the various systems of the body in terms of their pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment.
  • Integrate biomedical knowledge with evidence-based practice in the treatment and management of common health conditions related to the studied body systems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological attributes that are deemed important within health and apply this knowledge to the field of CM.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate specialist knowledge in the formulation of strategic solutions in the CM environment, in order to identify and apply appropriate methodologies to solve these problems, and recommend alternative solutions.
  • Provide evidence of the ability to choose between various methods of managerial decision-making and action needed for the achievement of the organisational objectives that determine the long-term performance of the organisation.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, at an advanced level with the different role players in the health field by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application thereof.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Accept the responsibility for their own activities and progress in the field of CM.
  • Act in accordance with the requirements of a health professional.
  • Take account of and act in accordance with prescribed organisational and professional ethical codes of conduct, values and practices as well as seek guidance on ethical and professional issues where necessary.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Provide evidence of the ability to plan and exercise limited research in the field of CM and related management, including: the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpreting of information on economic and business management issues correctly, utilising the relevant theoretical research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken.
  • Investigate a research question or problem, by applying advanced knowledge to the main areas of one or more fields, disciplines or practices, including an understanding of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories related to CM.
  • Demonstrate intellectual competencies and research skills in the areas of CM and implement strategies in order to address changes in climate, the political arena, culture, disease and disasters.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Provide evidence of ethical, legal and therapeutic considerations in all facets of dispensing medicines and therapeutic devices through correct application.
  • Write, evaluate and correctly interpret a prescription.
  • Record relevant patient information.
  • Compound the required medication according to good manufacturing and good pharmacy practice.
  • Dispense the required amount of medication and provide appropriate advice.
  • Correctly advise patients to ensure quality use of medicine and improve health status.
  • Manage the procurement and storage of medicines in terms of legislative and documentation requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is an integral part of the teaching and learning process and is systematically and purposefully used to generate data for grading, ranking, selecting and predicting but also to provide timely feedback on learner performance that should inform teaching methods and curriculum design. The number of assessments are informed by module and module outcomes as well as by the nature of the knowledge area or skills that are being assessed, e.g. written tests to assess cognitive processes/skills and/or knowledge of theory and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), clinical sessions and or simulations to assess clinical skills. The actual number of assessments offered will be in-line with institutional and faculty policies on assessment, and designed according to stipulated requirements from the regulatory body Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA). A variety of assessments will be used.
  • Observation of real or simulated learner-patient interaction e.g. practical exercises/demonstrations, role-plays, presentations.
  • Evaluation after a task has been completed e.g. projects, assignments, case studies, portfolios, artifacts, log books, reflective journals.
  • Questions, oral or written, used either separately or in combination with (a) and/or (b) e.g. tests/examinations, including short or long questions, essays, and multiple choice questions.
  • Clinical examinations and treatment of patients by learners done under supervision of a clinician.

    Formative Assessment refers to assessment that takes place during the process of learning and teaching. Formative assessments may include tutorials, conducting class presentations, active participation in group work, peer assessments, written class tests and assignments.

    Summative Assessments are conducted for the purpose of making a judgment about the level of competence of learners in relation to the outcomes of a unit/module and/or programme. The results of such formal assessment (e.g. tests, assignments, projects, presentations, creative production or traditional examinations) are expressed as a mark reflecting a pass or a fail. The minimum number of summative opportunities required, are contained in the Academic Regulations. The Faculty of Health Sciences has its own assessment policy, to which the Department subscribes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Internationally, similar qualifications are offered by the University of Delhi, University of Westminster; Herbal Medicine and Medicinal Plant Science, University of Maryland, and University of Missouri.

    The articulation for learners exiting with this 4-year qualification will allow advancement into a professional Managed Healthcare Systems (MHS) Complementary Medicine (CM) with elective focus in the disciplines of Homeopathy and Phytotherapy. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Masters Degrees in Public Health or Business Administration, 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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.