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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Health Science in Veterinary Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110813  Bachelor of Health Science in Veterinary Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
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  Preventive Health 
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  2019-08-19  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 Bachelor of Health Science in Veterinary Technology is to provide the veterinary and public health services with registered veterinary technologists equipped with specialised knowledge of and engagement in the disciplines Molecular Biology, Virology, Bacteriology, and Parasitology at the forefront of the field in Veterinary Technology.

The qualifying learners will be competent to accurately select and perform optimal diagnostic laboratory procedures to solve veterinary and research-based problems in the veterinary field as well as the application of various technologies in specialised units, diagnostic laboratories, research centres, state and private laboratories as well as institutions of higher learning.

The qualification will contribute to the development of Veterinary Technologists with an understanding of the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the field and know how to apply such knowledge and skills in context with research in Veterinary Technology.

Successful completion of the qualification will equip learners with knowledge, skills and advanced techniques in multi-disciplinary veterinary laboratories related to the diagnosis of animal diseases and veterinary research. The scope of practice will include evaluating and communicating laboratory findings through writing scientific reports and presentations, contributing to the solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the field of Veterinary Technology.

The qualifying learners will demonstrate the ability to identify and address ethical issues, Code of Ethics, Acts and regulations regarding health and safety, based on critical reflection, innovative, analytical and problem solving skills in a professional environment. This qualification will provide qualifying learners with skills to take full responsibility for decisions and actions in the clinical veterinary laboratory practice, as well as justification of decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches where applicable in order to support the entire veterinary profession in diagnostic services, research and the production of biological products. The qualifying learners produced can serve an array of private and government corporations which include among others: Deltamune; IDEXX; Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries; Land Reform and Rural Development; NRF's National Zoological Gardens of South Africa; and the Agricultural Research Council. Neighbouring countries in the South African Development Community (SADC) region also have a need for qualified veterinary technologists trained by the institution as they do not have any formal training facilities that present this qualification.

This qualification will allow prospective learners who are interested in a laboratory-orientated career in veterinary science with the opportunities to be employed in private or government veterinary laboratories as veterinary technologists in specific disciplines and/or research.

Rationale:
The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) resolved on the 25th and 26th of October 2017, that due to the sufficient number of qualifying learners as veterinary technologists offered by this institution, the Competence Specific Registration (CSR) examination for persons who are not holders of the prescribed qualification will no longer be offered. The perceived shortages that existed has been sufficiently addressed by the institution.

The SAVC resolved that the institution implemented changes to the curriculum and learners graduated from the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) (Veterinary Technology) are fully qualified registerable professionals who may demand a competitive market related salary from prospective employers.

Employers rendering veterinary laboratory services or performing functions will be familiarised with the scope of practice that belong to that of a veterinary technologist with the requirements as contained in the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, Act No 19 of 1082. Section 23(1)(c) of the Act.

The professional degree qualification as stipulated and required by the SAVC, replaces qualifications in the vocational pathway.

Annual discussions on the curriculum and industry demand for the qualification are held with the Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives from various stakeholders such as government- and private laboratories. The Advisory Committee justifies the need of this qualification to supply specialised skills in veterinary science. Veterinary problems on a national and international scale such as disease outbreaks, bioterrorism, zoonosis and public health amongst others, threaten the socio-economy, tourism and food safety and security. Outbreaks of diseases such as foot and mouth, bovine tuberculosis, avian flu and tick infestations as well as tick-borne diseases are common in South Africa, accompanied by massive losses in profits and livestock (Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries and Provincial Departments of Agriculture). The profession will support diagnostic, research ventures focusing on these and other diseases, and promote research through veterinary technology, leading to curbing of losses in revenue and threats to food security. Furthermore, the profession will assist in advisory roles with regard to treatment and prevention of diseases. This is, in turn, vital for the health and productivity of livestock in Southern Africa. The learning pathways within which this qualification resides will be qualifying learners with specialised knowledge of and engagement in the disciplines Molecular Biology, Virology, Bacteriology, and Parasitology at the forefront of the field in Veterinary Technology.

Completion of this qualification meet the minimum requirement for admission to a related Masters of Health Sciences Degree in the area of specialisation or related Health Sciences discipline. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
As per institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Guidelines stipulated in the RPL policy of the institution will be followed for prospective learners who intend to enter into the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 502 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5: 124 Credits:
  • Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Foundation Life Skills, 2 Credits.
  • Research Principles I, 6 Credits.
  • Mathematics and Statistics I, 12 Credits.
  • Physics for Health Sciences I, 12 Credits.
  • Chemistry for Health Science I, 12 Credits.
  • Animal Anatomy I, 12 Credits.
  • Animal Physiology I, 12 Credits.
  • Microbiology I, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Technology I, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6: 120 Credits:
  • Research Principles II, 6 Credits.
  • Biochemistry II, 12 Credits.
  • Microbiology II, 12 Credits.
  • Veterinary Haematology II, 12 Credits.
  • Immunology II, 12 Credits.
  • Histology II, 12 Credits.
  • Serology II, 12 Credits.
  • Clinical Veterinary Technology II, 42 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7,120 Credits:
  • Research Principles III, 6 Credits.
  • Clinical Veterinary Technology III in:
    > Helminthology, 18 Credits.
    > Protozoology, 18 Credits.
    > Entomology, 18 Credits.
    > Virology, 18 Credits.
    > Veterinary Microbiology, 18 Credits.
    > Molecular Biology, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 138 Credits:
  • Research Principles IV and Project, 30 Credits.
  • Laboratory Management IV, 12 Credits.
  • Clinical Veterinary Technology IV in:
    > Virology, 24 Credits.
    > Bacteriology, 24 Credits.
    > Parasitology, 24 Credits.
    > Molecular Biology, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge and understating of:
    1.1 Molecular Biology, Virology, Bacteriology, and Parasitology at the forefront of the field in Veterinary Technology.
    1.2. The theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the field of veterinary technology, and an understanding how to apply research principles in context with research in Veterinary Technology.
    1.3. Critical review of scholarly information, gathering tools and sources, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in the subfields of Veterinary Technology to develop creative responses to problems and issues relating to Veterinary Technology.
    2. Ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge and to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production in the veterinary technology-working environment.
    3. Understand the complexities and uncertainties through scientific investigation of discipline related issues and accurately select and perform optimal standard operating diagnostic laboratory procedures to solve veterinary and research-based problems.
    4.1. Utilise scientific and research skills and procedures in order to conduct scientific investigations and to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract veterinary technology related problems, and to effectively evaluate data derived from such investigations.
    5. Identify and address ethical issues, Code of Ethics, Acts and regulations regarding health and safety, based on critical reflection in the field of Veterinary Science.
    6. Present and communicate academic, professional or occupational ideas and results effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the field of Veterinary Technology.
    7. Operate effectively within the Veterinary Technology environment, and be able to understand and manage the roles and relationships between components within the environment of Veterinary Technology.
    8. Apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies, which effectively address the professional needs as part of Veterinary technology practice as well as the ongoing learning needs of others.
    9. Take full responsibility for decisions and actions in clinical veterinary laboratory practice, as well as justification of decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches where applicable. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated across all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Critically analyse and accurately apply the deeper theories of Single-and Double-stranded Ribonucleic acid (RNA), and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) viruses to demonstrate specialised knowledge and applied competency within the professional scope and requirements of Veterinary Technology practice.
  • Integrated and advance knowledge of parasite biology, types of lifecycles and evaluation of harmful effects of selected parasites of veterinary and economic significance on their host is critically evaluated and applied within the professional scope and requirements of Veterinary Technology practice.
  • Demonstrate and accurately apply in-depth knowledge and understanding of parasite-host interactions, mechanisms involved in infection and persistence, host defence against parasite invasion, as well as evasion of the host's immune system by parasites within the professional scope and requirements of Veterinary Technology practice.
  • Critically analyse in-depth knowledge of integrated control strategies, methods of formulating different types of parasiticides and their application, including methods of administration of antiparasitics for the significance and control of selected parasites commonly diagnosed in the field of veterinary science.
  • Synthesise and accurately apply expanded knowledge and understanding of the epidemiological factors involved in development of parasitic diseases, dissemination of infections from one host to another through vectors and other means, as well the evaluation of the zoonotic significance of veterinary parasites within the professional scope and requirements of Veterinary Technology practice.
  • Demonstrate the ability to cross-examine different types of bacteria based on how they are isolated, identified and treated in the field of veterinary technology.
  • Critically outline and integrate specialised knowledge in the general properties, habitat, mode of infection and transmission of bacteria to animals and pathogenicity with pathogenesis of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in animals and clinical veterinary practice.
  • Critically evaluate, synthesise the general properties of Mycoplasmas and fungi of veterinary importance, their isolation and identification in the laboratory and treatment of diseases caused by mycoplasmas and fungi in animals are competently applied in the veterinary laboratory field.
  • Review and discuss the structure and metabolism of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), the two major molecules that are central to the specialised field of molecular biology.
  • Advise and elaborate on the functions of management in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory, theories of leadership styles and management to maximise laboratory information systems.
  • Develop and construct plans for financial and human resource management applicable to the veterinary laboratory environment.
  • Formulate and adapt the selection and evaluation of diagnostic methodologies to be applied in an automated veterinary laboratory setting.
  • Research study designs, frequency distribution tables, and graphs of bio-statistical results are compared, summarised, and contextualised for conducting a clinical veterinary technology research project.
  • Outline and selectively apply the structures and composition of research reports or dissertations, as well as a journal manuscript during veterinary technology research and report writing.
  • Integrate and produce the different bio-statistical concepts related to research study designs, and the presentation of calculated bio-statistical results in the context of clinical veterinary research.
  • Examine and discuss the disseminations of research outputs in various journals to demonstrate advanced knowledge and application in veterinary technology research.
  • Demonstrate the ability to analyse, synthesize, and evaluate different sources of scholarly academic literature and other information resources to compose and produce written and/or oral assignment-based information, report writing, laboratory management reports, as well as to conduct and compile a research project followed by an article/dissertation based on a specified research project related to a field of specialisation in veterinary technology.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and evaluate current and new trends in technology to improve veterinary laboratory practices, as well as to develop creative responses to a variety of problems in the context of a veterinary technology laboratory practice.
  • Integrate and apply clinical competency in the execution of standard operating procedures and processes are successfully demonstrated to assist in the differential diagnosis of identified virus families during clinical veterinary laboratory practice and research studies.
  • Ability to select and apply optimal standard operating procedures for the identification of parasites are integrated in a wide range of parasitological techniques to aid in diagnosis of associated diseases in a diagnostic laboratory.
  • Integrate and apply clinical competency in the standard operating procedures and processes are followed to assist in the differential diagnosis of identified bacterial species of veterinary importance are successfully demonstrated during clinical laboratory practice.
  • Demonstrate and apply in-depth knowledge of PCR and other associated techniques to resolve research and diagnostic problems related to the molecular biology discipline in Veterinary Technology.
  • Compile and evaluate relevant documentation related to the correct methods and standard operating procedures to follow for specimen collection for the management of good clinical laboratory management practice.
  • Design and perform a cloning experiment for cloning of clone a foreign gene into a vector, with the aim of transforming host cells for application in research and development in Molecular Biology in the field of veterinary Technology.
  • Design, perform and analyse transformation and transfection experiments for analysis of introduction of DNA into cells with the aims to express foreign genes in cells, analyse effects of expression of specific cells and for transgenesis, and apply these methods for provision of solutions in the veterinary field.
  • Critically review, analyse and perform various gene analytical methods and standard operating procedures used in the veterinary field for analysis of genes, for detection of pathogens, sequencing of genes, analysis of expression and veterinary forensics, all of which are important for managements of veterinary disease outbreaks and control.
  • Compose and develop the quality assurance mechanisms appropriate to the validation and calibration of analytical laboratory instruments.
  • Critically evaluate and report diagnostic test results to address complexities and solutions to veterinary-related issues.
  • Conduct and compile a research project followed by an article/dissertation to address or investigate a veterinary related problem to illustrate curiosity and problem-solving abilities and skills.
  • Apply extract and purify nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from various veterinary samples/sources for subsequent utilisation in cloning experiments and gene analytical methods to provide molecular biology-based solutions for problems in the veterinary field.
  • Critically review and identify a problem and select appropriate molecular biology techniques to provide solutions to occurring problems in veterinary science.
  • Demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of the laws and ethics relevant to general veterinary practice in South Africa.
  • Peruse the required legislation relevant to the particular field of practice for Continued Professional Development (CPD) compliant whilst practicing in South Africa.
  • Appraise and clinically apply veterinary laboratory management, principles, concepts and requirements to ensure professional and ethical service delivery and good veterinary technology practice in the Veterinary Technology disciplines and practice.
  • Demonstrate competency in the ability to present and communicate diagnostic laboratory test results, and research outputs to various platforms to offer useful insights and solutions to issues related to veterinary virology.
  • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and compile reports based on the diagnostic laboratory findings within a specific veterinary discipline.
  • Conduct and present a summarised research output in the form of a poster, or a poster presentation, or an oral presentation at a conference to any relevant veterinary specialised panel or audience.
  • Align all clinical interactions and related activities with the provisions and rules of the relevant institution and the codes of ethics of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC( and relevant professional associations.
  • Demonstrate learning strategies for achieving management of learning through critical reflection reports and other evidence-based materials.
  • Ability to apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies which effectively address the professional needs, part of Veterinary Technology practice, as well as the ongoing learning needs of other members in the veterinary health science team.
  • Critically review diagnostic test results to demonstrate competency and full accountability for decisions and actions taken during clinical veterinary laboratory practice.
  • Demonstrate independent decision-making and the responsible use of laboratory resources for the realisation of full accountability for the decisions and actions of others and to be answerable for own work where appropriate within a field of specialisation in Veterinary Sciences and clinical research.

    Integrated Assessment
    According to the Policy on Assessment and Moderation, year modules require a minimum of six assessment opportunities during the course of the year, while a minimum of three assessment opportunities are required for semester modules. Scores obtained in these assessments will be collectively calculated to determine the predicate mark. The six assessments required for year modules will be all formative in nature, while the examination is summative in nature.

    Formative Assessments will be a combination of written, practical or oral assignments, individual and group projects, case studies, tests and Objective Structured Practical Evaluations (OSPE), depending on the module content, stipulated outcomes and educational level of the student. Year modules in the fourth year will be continuous assessment (modules without a theoretical summative examination paper), with a minimum of six assessments, of which five will serve as formative plus an integrated summative in the form of a logbook.

    Work Integrated Learning will be assessed by means of a variety of authentic continuous assessment opportunities such as Practical assessments, Objective Structured Practical Evaluations (OSPE), assignments, case studies, and projects. Six formative assessments will be conducted, of which a logbook will serve as the final summative assessment to determine day one competencies. From the first to the fourth year of study all assessments will be conducted in the fully equip clinical veterinary laboratory on campus, e.g. simulations or practical sessions. A checklist is utilised for the monthly evaluation of the logbooks. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications:

    Country: United State of America USA (Indiana).
    Institute: International Business College (Vet Tech Institute).
    Qualification Title: Associate of Applied Science Degree program.
    This is an 18 months full-time qualification. There are similarities in terms of the admission requirements with the proposed qualification. However, limited comparability in terms of the scope and depth of specialised veterinary laboratory theoretical knowledge and associated clinical competence.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institute: Institute of Animal Technology (IAT).
    Qualification Title: Three Higher Education (HE) qualifications in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology which can lead to a full Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or Higher Degrees. The HE qualifications offered are: IAT Level 4, IAT Level 5, IAT Level 6 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology.
    Learners are required to have completed the Level 3 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology, the Business and Technology (BTEC) National Certificate in Science (Animal Technology) or the IAT Membership examination prior to commencing the Higher Education Units.

    A full Level 6 IAT qualification is equivalent to the third year of a traditional Bachelor of Science Honours Degree.

    Country: New Zealand.
    Institute: Massey University of New Zealand.
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Veterinary Technology BVetTech.
    There are similarities in terms of the admission requirements and the duration of this qualification with the proposed qualification.

    Massey University is the only university in New Zealand to offer veterinary degrees.
    The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology is unique in New Zealand. It is only one of four that are available internationally. It is a diverse qualification that will give you the transferable skills such as how to effectively collect evidence, analyse it and develop solutions. These sorts of transferable skills open up the opportunity to work in many different industries.

    Country: Australia:
    Institute: The University of Queensland.
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Veterinary Technology.
    This is a three (3) year qualification for qualifying learners to gain skills in routine laboratory practice, clinical support procedures including veterinary radiography and diagnostic practices; anaesthesia; surgery; clinical pathology and pharmacology; nutrition; veterinary therapeutics; and animal reproduction. Learners will also develop knowledge and professional skills in animal management, technology and welfare that can be used beyond the clinical setting.
    The qualification displays only one similar component in comparison to the qualification related to routine laboratory practice and clinical support.

    Country: United States of America:
    Institute: The North Dakota State University (NDSU) for Animal Sciences.
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology.
    This is a four (4) year qualification mainly related to technical nursing skills, clinical pathology, radiography, pharmacology, anesthesiology, microbiology, surgical nursing and animal diseases. Except for the component related to microbiology, no further similar scope of knowledge or clinical veterinary technology practice in comparison.

    Country: United States of America, Kentucky.
    Institute: Morehead State University (MSU).
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology.

    It is a four (4) qualification in the paraprofessional field that provides support services to the veterinary profession. It caters for activities involving animal care and potential employment opportunity. Some of these opportunities include positions in private veterinary practices, government regulatory agencies and humane associations, or in the areas of zoo/wildlife management, biomedical research, and academics. Except for aspects related to biomedical research, no similar scope of knowledge or clinical veterinary technology practice in comparison to the proposed qualification. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science Honours, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Health Sciences, 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. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    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.