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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111818  Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative 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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2019-09-03  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
5965  Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics  Level 7  NQF Level 08  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the four-year professional qualification, the Bachelor of Radiography is to develop a highly trained professional Radiographer to become an effective and efficient practitioner with skills in rendering quality care and professional services to the healthcare provider community, patients and society at large.

The Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification will allow the learner to practice his/her skills to the benefit of the community and to share their skills and knowledge with other learners and peers. An attitude of lifelong learning will be fostered, ensuring continuing self-development and development in the field.

Rationale:
Diagnostic Radiography is one of the identified scarce skills in South Africa. Healthcare is set to change in the future from the curative paradigm of the 20th century to a pre-emptive model. Imaging is central to this model and will drive that change to the benefit of the patient. Medical imaging in general plays a key role in understanding complex biological systems and is dependent on interdisciplinary fields (e.g. physics, human biology, computer sciences) to extract that information.

The qualification is necessary in both the public and the private sectors as part of a multidisciplinary team providing a holistic health care service in general and a diagnostic radiography service in particular. This qualification is recognised by the relevant Professional Health Council as a requirement for registration to practice in the field of Diagnostic Radiography. This qualification will enable the qualified Radiographer to work in the public or private health care sectors or operate as an independent practitioner. Registration will be assurance to the community and society that the professional will practice at all times within the relevant scope as determined by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution's policy on RPL applies to learners who do not meet the formal or statutory requirements for entrance, but who can demonstrate that they possess the appropriate (context-specific) knowledge and skills required for admission.

Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) is applied where learners transfer between or within institutions of higher education. For intra-institutional transfers, credits are transferred between qualifications based on a comparison and evaluation of the content of specific components (modules). Transferring learners may receive credits for modules passed at other institutions of higher education.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 514 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 144 Credits:
  • Academic Information management (AIM 101), 6 Credits.
  • Academic English for Health Sciences 121 and 122 (ELH 121 and 122), 12 Credits.
  • Radiographic Anatomy 100 (RAN 100), 20 Credits.
  • Radiation Physics 100, 10 Credits.
  • Physiology 161 and 162 (FSG 161 and 162), 24 Credits.
  • Medical Terminology 180 (MTL 180), 12 Credits.
  • African language: Sepedi110 / isiZulu 110 (SEP 110/ZUL 110), 12 Credits.
  • Diagnostic Radiation Science I, 15 Credits.
  • Diagnostic Radiography I, 15 Credits.
  • Diagnostic Radiography clinical practice I, 10 Credits.
  • Integrated Healthcare Leadership 120 (IHL 120), 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 127 Credits:
  • Radiographic Anatomy (RAN 280), 10 Credits.
  • Radiation Physics 200, 20 Credits.
  • Physiology 251, 252, 262 (FSG 251;252;262), 18 Credits.
  • Basic Emergency Care 286 (GNK 286), 5 Credits.
  • Anatomical Pathology 210 (ANP 210), 10 Credits.
  • Diagnostic Radiation Science II, 15 Credits.
  • Diagnostic Radiography II, 22 Credits.
  • Diagnostic Radiography clinical practice II, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to radiation therapy, radiobiology, and nuclear medicine, 9 Credits.
  • Integrated Healthcare Leadership (IHL 210), 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 123 Credits:
  • Radiographic Anatomy 380 (RAN 380), 10 Credits.
  • Radiation Physics 300, 10 Credits.
  • Research Methodology for Healthcare Sciences, 30 Credits.
  • Anatomical Pathology 300, 15 Credits.
  • Diagnostic Radiation Science III, 15 Credits.
  • Diagnostic Radiography III, 20 Credits.
  • Diagnostic Radiography clinical practice III, 15 Credits.
  • Integrated Healthcare Leadership (IHL 310), 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Research for Health Science 400 (RHC 400), 10 Credits.
  • Multi-modality imaging, 24 Credits.
  • Management and leadership, 16 Credits.
  • Diagnostic Radiography IV, 35 Credits.
  • Diagnostic Radiography clinical practice IV, 35 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform routine and specialised radiographic procedures to produce images of diagnostic quality.
    2. Access, organise and present information applicable to the radiography context in order to record, retrieve and communicate patient data.
    3. Evaluate the quality of routine and specialised radiographic images and perform image interpretation to identify normal and abnormal appearances.
    4. Plan, develop and apply total quality management appropriate to the diagnostic radiography context.
    5. Perform safe and effective patient care in accordance with the patient's needs and departmental protocol to provide a quality service and to maintain the welfare of the patient.
    6. Apply the principles of human rights, ethics and relevant medical law which ensure the well-being of the patient.
    7. Apply the principles, specific knowledge, skills and values related to one of the chosen electives as listed.
    8. Conduct research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Request form is interpreted for validity and knowledge of relevant radiographic terminology, anatomy, physiology and pathology to help in selecting appropriate techniques for the production of images necessary for providing diagnostic information to assist in patient management.
  • Accessory equipment and imaging systems are selected and appropriately utilised to specific positioning techniques to ensure optimal exposure factors are selected and adapted to produce images of diagnostic quality.
  • Radiation protection and safety measures are effectively applied to each radiographic technique and procedure.
  • Routine and specialised radiographic techniques and procedures with and without contrast media are prepared for, and performed competently.
  • Aseptic techniques are demonstrated for routine and specialised examinations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Information technology skills are demonstrated to record, retrieve and communicate patient data.
  • Data is compiled and information is scientifically presented.
  • Information technology is effectively communicated within the radiographic context.
  • Relevant information is selected and critically evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Radiographic images are evaluated for diagnostic quality according to relevant evaluation criteria and also to ensure that the images conform to the medico-legal requirements.
  • Images are evaluated for normal and abnormal radiographic appearances by applying integrated knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology.
  • Corrective measures to the radiographic techniques are applied where necessary.
  • Radiographic appearances are communicated to the referring health care professional to enable further patient management.
  • Independent judgement and discretion in the performance of additional radiographic views are exercised where justified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Principles of quality assurance and quality control are demonstrated in the development of departmental protocols.
  • Equipment and accessories are selected, ordered and maintained within an available budget to provide an efficient and cost-effective service.
  • Communication and co-operation between all role players is effectively developed and maintained in order to provide an optimal service.
  • Performance management strategies are developed in a manner which shows an understanding of management principles and current relevant legislation.
  • Departmental records and statistics are accurately maintained in accordance with the departmental and professional council requirements.
  • Integrated knowledge of management, technology and legislation is demonstrated in the ability to design and equip a new, or alter an existing, diagnostic facility.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The patient is assessed relevant to presenting clinical condition and appropriate action taken.
  • The cultural and psychological diversity of patients are respected to ensure a quality service is provided.
  • A simple but professional explanation of the radiographic procedures is given to the patient before, during and after the procedure to ensure the co-operation of the patient.
  • Optimal patient care is applied before, during and after the procedure.
  • Effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills during interaction with patients and health care team members are demonstrated.
  • Skills and knowledge of first aid are demonstrated as and when applicable.
  • Signs and symptoms of contrast media reaction are recognised, appropriate action taken and assistance in emergency medicine following such reactions is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Psychological, cultural and ethical considerations of the patient and their families are recognised and acted upon in a professional manner.
  • Rights of the patient, as entrenched in the Bill of Rights, the Patients Charter and relevant medical law are protected and confidentiality maintained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • The principles and/or philosophy of the subject are applied and integrated into related activities.
  • The specialised techniques required to achieve the contextual objective is applied.
  • Quality assurance principles are applied to ensure optimal results within the context of the subject.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Research principles and methodology in the field of Diagnostic Radiography research are demonstrated in the form of a research proposal and project.
  • Relevance of the research is in line with national needs and biomedical ethical policies and procedures.
  • Suitable resources are critically evaluated and used to facilitate the research project.
  • Findings and conclusions are presented in oral and written formats in accordance with established research practice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In terms of assessment, learners are able to demonstrated the integration of theory and practice.

    Formative Assessment:
    Integrated assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods for example; written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, oral or poster presentations, case studies, portfolios, log books, clinical reports, assessment of clinical competence through simulated and practical assessment in situ.

    Summative Assessment:
    Objective Structure Clinical Examinations (OSCE) and the successful completion of a research report. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The primary reason for designing this qualification was to ensure that this qualification is compatible with the international standards. To evaluate the degree to which this qualification is in line with international best practice it was compared to similar qualifications offered around the world.

    Most of the countries in Africa, are still offering the three-year National Diploma in Radiography, there are some that have started offering four-year qualifications and Nigeria is offering a five-year Degree.

    Namibia and China:
    Namibia (University of Namibia) and China (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) are both offering a four-year Bachelor's degree in Radiography and BSc Honours in Radiography respectively.

    Nigeria:
    University of Maiduguri and University of Nigeria, Enugu campus. Determining the comparability of this qualification against one from Nigeria provided some indication of the possible employability of the qualifying learners within the African continent. Nigeria offers Diagnostic Radiography qualifications which range from Certificates to Professional Degrees as well as Postgraduate qualifications such as Computed Tomography. University of Nigeria, Enugu campus as well as Maidiguru universities offer a five-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiography. This is a full-time qualification and no part-time registration is allowed. The period of training is divided into three stages. The first year of study is the preliminary stage and focuses on Biological and Physical Sciences. The second year of study is the pre-clinical stage and focuses on Patient Care and General Hospital Practice. Learners are exposed to clinical training from the third to the fifth year of study. This last stage incorporates the clinical and professional training. All modules offered for this degree are compulsory except the Principles of Management and Histology/Histopathology (practical) modules. To be awarded the degree, the learner must have passed all subjects.

    The curriculum at undergraduate level covers mainly Diagnostic Radiography, with an introduction to Medical Ultrasound, Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine and Computed Tomography. This scope is also similar to the Bachelor of Radiography offered in South Africa, except that Computed Tomography is not taught as an additional module, but forms part of the qualification. Advances in Computed Tomography have also been identified as an elective for the South African qualification. Qualified Radiographers register with the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria. The board participates in the development of Radiography curricula as offered by the various Education Institutions in Nigeria. This a similar to the South African situation where qualifications are developed through the participation of the Education Institutions and the members of the Professional Board for Radiography and Clinical Technology under the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

    Australia offers a four-year Bachelor of Science (Medical Imaging) qualification at the Curtin University of Technology. This qualification is similar to the Bachelor's Degree designed for South Africa in that both are full time and the learner must pass all modules in order to graduate. The difference lies in the module content. The qualification offered at the Curtin University of Technology has a major Mathematical content, offered in first and fourth years of study. The Curtin University of Technology has an Honours qualification which offers successful learners the chance to do Research Methodology in one of the three speciality areas, namely; Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine or Diagnostic Radiography. This means that for learners to do research in Radiography, they will have to extend their study from four to five years. Extensive clinical training is done in the third and fourth year of study. This is not necessarily the situation with the South African qualification; clinical training is scheduled to commence as early as the first year. The learners who successfully complete the Bachelor of Science (Medical Imaging) in Australia are awarded a professional status through the registration with the Australian Institute of Radiography.

    Conclusion:
    Since Nigeria is a country that is well established with its own regulatory authorities it has proven to be a good example for comparison with the Bachelor of Radiography for South Africa. It is therefore shown that the South African qualification complies with international standards Health. 

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

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Bachelor of Health Science in Radiography in Diagnostic Ultrasound, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Radiography Honours in Diagnostics, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Master of Radiography in Diagnostics, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.