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: |
Advanced Diploma in Biomedical Technology |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
111815 | Advanced Diploma in Biomedical Technology | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
Vaal University of Technology | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
- | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
Advanced Diploma | 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 | 120 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 07 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Reregistered | EXCO 0821/24 | 2019-09-03 | 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 Advanced Diploma in Biomedical Technology is structured in a way that include the latest advances in science and technology in all the major modules; it includes research methods, medical laboratory management skills and genetics study. Upon completion, qualifying learners will be able to organise operations in clinical diagnostic laboratories and related fields, in line with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), which includes good discretion where quality, ethics and safety are concerned. Qualifying learners will be able to apply good business and management skills and also encourage entrepreneurial opportunities. This qualification additionally provides an opportunity to develop marketing and training skills within the Biomedical Sciences sector. Sound theoretical knowledge of genetics that is not covered in the Diploma: Biomedical Technology yet crucial for the current scientific developments will also be covered. This qualification will also enhance the learner's knowledge in integrating laboratory test, results with the pathophysiological conditions. Learners will also gain theoretical knowledge of research methods required in order to conduct research projects at higher levels. This qualification is well aligned with the National Health Act (No. 61 of 2003) which requires the setting, monitoring and enforcing of quality control standards applicable to pathology services to ensure patient safety. The White paper on the National Health Insurance for South Africa also highlights the importance of expanding access to laboratory services. Upon completion, the qualifying learner in Advanced Diploma in Biomedical Technology will be well rounded to meet the industry and community needs. Upon completion of the Advanced Diploma in Biomedical Technology, qualifying learners will be able to organise operations in clinical diagnostic laboratories and related fields. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) which includes 'good' discretion where quality, ethics and safety are concerned is an integral component in the qualification. Qualifying learners will be able to apply 'good' business and management skills and also encourage entrepreneurial opportunities. This qualification additionally provides an opportunity to develop marketing and training skills. Sound theoretical knowledge of genetics that is not covered in the National Diploma: Biomedical Technology yet crucial for the current scientific developments will also be covered. This qualification will also enhance the learner's knowledge in integrating laboratory tests, results with the pathophysiological conditions. Learners will also gain theoretical knowledge of research methods required in order to conduct research projects at higher levels. Rationale: Qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists are specialised health professionals who play an integral role in the healthcare of the society by providing vital information about the patient's state of health. Their input is necessary in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases. The analytical and diagnostic services provided by the Medical Laboratory Scientists require an in-depth scientific knowledge, good reasoning ability, and empathy for humanity. There is a great demand for highly skilled and suitably qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist as a health care resource and there is currently a critical shortage in South Africa. This qualification has been structured to meet that need through the development of competencies associated with this Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7. The Advanced Diploma in Biomedical Technology is unique to institutions of technology environment and was designed to address specific niche areas in the field of Biomedical Technology. The qualification is structured in a way that would include the latest advances in science and technology in all the major modules; it will include research methodology and methods, medical laboratory management skills and genetics study. A comparison has been carried out with national and international higher education institutions. This qualification compares favourably with some international universities. Inputs were received from the advisory committee/board and other stakeholders in the Biomedical Technology discipline, therefore meeting the needs of industry. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification may be granted, according to policies governing higher education, to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses provided they can demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the qualification as required by the fundamental, core and elective areas stipulated in the qualification and Exit Level Outcomes. An RPL process may also be used to grant credits to learners in which they have developed the necessary competency because of workplace and Work-Integrated Learning. RPL may also be used by learners who are not in possession of a qualification to gain access to this qualification. Learners submitting for RPL will be thoroughly briefed prior to assessment, and may be required to submit a portfolio or evidence in the prescribed format to be accessed for formal recognition. The details of the RPL policy are as follows, presuming no prior accredited learning has taken place: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, 80 Credits: Elective Modules, 40 Credits (Choose/Select two): |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Identify and analyse the problem, then execute critical problem-solving skills as encouraged in medical laboratory management and all the laboratory based electives.
2. Apply principles learnt in genetics, research methodology, laboratory management and all the electives in order to systematically diagnose, interpret and solve well defined medical laboratory problems. 3. Perform procedural design of biomedical components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation. 4. Define and conduct investigations and experiments of broadly defined problems within human genetics, laboratory management and specific fields of specialisation. 5. Apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern medical laboratory diagnostic tools including management to bring about solution of well-defined medical laboratory problems. 6. Communicate medical laboratory related information effectively, both orally and in writing within the Biomedical (Medical laboratory) context and the health fraternity in general. 7. Demonstrate integrated knowledge, understanding and application of acquired principles as a member or a leader in a diverse team. 8. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills. 9. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of practice within own limits of competence. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
The following Associated Assessment will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner:
Integrated Assessment: Assessment of modules in the Advanced Diploma in Biomedical Technology will be in accordance with the assessment policy of the institution. The learning guides for the modules contain the module outcomes and assessment criteria which must be satisfied in order to pass. The lecturer will make use of summative, formative assessment strategies to develop the learners' competence in this qualification. The formative assessments will be formal and informal. More emphasis will be placed on application of knowledge at this level. Informal formative assessments will typically include discussions, quizzes, feedback sessions, and peer assessments, among others. The formal formative assessments will include class tests, class presentations, and assignments. Summative assessments will typically include semester tests (usually three per semester, 100 marks each), and a final examination at the end of the semester (three hours, 180 marks). All assessments are at the appropriate NQF level (in this case, NQF Level 7). A range of assessment methods will be employed to ensure that assessment is educationally sound, appropriate, all outcomes assessed and the criteria of validity, reliability, authenticity and feasibility are met. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
Country: Mumbai, India.
Institution: Maharashtra Institute of Medical Science and Technology. Qualification Title: Advance Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (ADMLT). These are the specialities: Country: Australia. Institution: Curtin University. Qualification Title: B-LABMED Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine). A learner of this qualification will be able to: Upon qualifying learners will be professionally recognised by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
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. |