SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostic

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
112055	Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostic
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(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
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-09-09	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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
99183	Bachelor of Technology: Radiography: Diagnostic	Level 7	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7	480	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics will develop skilled and well-rounded learners with expertise in Radiographic related scientific knowledge, techniques and technology. The qualification intends to promote in-depth understanding of literature, critical thinking and -reflection as well as sharing of new knowledge through presentation or publication.

This qualification enables the learner to competently apply an integration of theory, principles, proven techniques, practical experience and appropriate skills to the solution of well-defined and abstract problems in the selected field of Diagnostics Radiography. Knowledge and skills in management and research will be developed allowing the learner of this qualification to work independently and in a supervisory position within the health care team.

Therefore, learners with a Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) qualification will be able to provide a holistic health care service in diagnostic radiography service. The qualified learner will be a professionally developed and a qualified Diagnostic Radiographer (Radiologic Technologist) who will have a thorough grounding in the knowledge and skills required for the Diagnostic Radiography profession and who will gain experience in applying such knowledge and skills in the appropriate workplace context. Qualified Radiographers will become reflective practitioners and life-long learners in his/her profession, thereby benefiting the community and society.

Rationale:
The qualification is necessary in both the public and the private sectors as industry requires multidisciplinary teams with learners displaying varying knowledge and skill sets. Various issues arising within Radiography require professionals who are able to meet the demands of radiographic practice. Firstly, Diagnostic Radiography is an identified scarce skill profession in South Africa, requiring qualified learners to meet the industry's needs. Secondly, the 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. Finally, medical imaging in general, plays a key role in understanding complex biological systems and is dependent on the integration of interdisciplinary fields (e.g. physics, human biology, computer sciences) to extract that information.

The Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics is a professional qualification at Level 8 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), preparing learners for careers in the fields of Diagnostic Radiography (including Clinical Research and Work Integrated Learning). Access to this qualification is open to learners who are in possession of a Senior Certificate or a NQF Level 4 qualification and who is able to meet the minimum entry requirements for this qualification, as well as the specifications of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

On successful completion of this qualification, learners will be able to register with the relevant Professional Council as a Diagnostic Radiographer (in the category: Independent Practice), and will meet the minimum entry requirements for the vertical articulation to a Masters of Health Sciences at NQF Level 9.

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 University will be followed for learners who intend to enter into the Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics qualification.

Entry Requirements:

National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's.
Or

Senior Certificate with endorsement.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 550 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 136 Credits:

Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.

Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.

Foundation Life Skills, 2 Credits.

Research Principles I, 6 Credits.

Clinical Radiographic Practice I, 12 Credits.

Radiographic Practice I, 12 Credits.

Radiographic Imaging I, 12 Credits.

Human Anatomy I, 18 Credits.

Human Physiology I, 18 Credits.

Physics for Health Sciences I, 12 Credits.

Chemistry for Health Sciences I, 12 Credits.

Mathematics and Statistics I, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 150 Credits:

Research Principles II, 6 Credits.

Human Anatomy II, 18 Credits.

Human Physiology II, 18 Credits.

Clinical Radiographic Practice II, 24 Credits.

Radiographic Practice II, 24 Credits.

Radiographic Imaging II, 18 Credits.

Radiographic Pathology II, 18 Credits.

Radiation Physics, Protection, and Diagnostic Imaging Equipment II, 24 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 132 Credits:

Research Principles III, 6 Credits.

Health Care Administration and Management I, 12 Credits.

Clinical Radiographic Practice III, 24 Credits.

Radiographic Practice III, 24 Credits.

Radiographic Imaging III, 24 Credits.

Radiographic Pathology III, 12 Credits.

Sectional Anatomy and Pattern Recognition III, 12 Credits.

Specialised Radiographic Imaging Equipment III, 18 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 90 Credits:

Research Principles IV and Project, 30 Credits.

Radiographic Practice IV, 24 Credits.

Clinical Radiographic Practice IV, 12 Credits.

Radiographic Imaging IV, 12 Credits.

Sectional Anatomy and Pattern Recognition IV, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 42 Credits:
Choose one.

Clinical Radiographic Education and Mentoring, 18 Credits.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), 18 Credits.

AND
Choose two:

Health Care Administration and Management II, 12 Credits.

Forensic Radiography, 12 Credits.

Mammography, 12 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate an understanding of theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the field of medical research and demonstrate an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in the context of research in any particular field of specialisation in Diagnostic Radiography.
2. Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge for evaluation of the quality of routine and specialised radiographic images and perform image analysis and pattern recognition for the evaluation of diagnostic quality of images.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of performing standard radiographic procedures and techniques to unfamiliar scenarios in the field of Diagnostic Radiography.
4. Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to the field of Diagnostic Radiography.
5. Identify and address ethical issues based on the principles and concepts of medical law, ethics and human rights to ensure professional and ethical service delivery related to the health care environment.
6. Critically review scholarly literature, employ scientific methodology, gather and process research data and critically evaluate the results; to present and communicate to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Diagnostic Radiography.
7. Present and communicate academic, professional or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the field of Diagnostic Radiography and produce and critically evaluate radiological images for diagnosis purposes in the field of Diagnostic Radiography.
8. Plan and develop management strategies by applying total quality management principles, the roles and relationships between elements within the medical system by performing safe and effective patient care in accordance to departmental protocol to provide a quality service in the field of Diagnostic Radiography.
9. Apply management and entrepreneurial skills in the context of Diagnostic Radiography, based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between the different elements within a general managerial system.
10. Apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies which effectively address his or her professional and lifelong learning needs and the professional and ongoing learning needs of other radiographers and health care practitioners within Health Care Environment.
11. Take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of radiologic and radiographic resources, and substantial accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate, in a Health Care Environment.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Quality control tests are performed to evaluate the compliance with the radiographic equipment and accessories in an imaging facility.

Quality Assurance principles are applied to ensure optimal client satisfaction in an imaging facility.

Radiographic techniques/principles are applied in line with relevant legislature in Forensic Imaging.

Pattern recognition principles are applied to differentiate between normal and abnormal radiographic appearances within the field of Diagnostic Imaging.

Imaging principles and techniques are applied to produce optimal images within the Diagnostic Imaging setting.

Research is conducted to identify areas of lack of knowledge and insight in clinical education and mentoring in order to design a tool to improve the clinical setting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

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 identified and applied to improve the diagnostic quality of images.

Radiographic appearances are communicated to the referring health care professional to contribute to effective patient management.

Independent judgement and discretion in the performance of additional radiographic views are exercised where justified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Request form is interpreted for validity and knowledge of relevant radiographic terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pathology to assist in selecting appropriate techniques for the production of images necessary for providing diagnostic information to contribute to patient management.

Accessory equipment and imaging systems are selected and appropriately utilised to specific positioning techniques and are selected and adapted to produce images of diagnostic quality to ensure optimal exposure factors.

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 and performed competently in a simulated and clinical environment.

Infection control-and aseptic principles are applied for routine and specialised examinations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Radiographic knowledge and insight are optimally utilised to solve basic and complex real-life clinical situations, in order to foster applicable patient management in a health care environment.

Knowledge and managerial skills are appropriated to evaluate the efficiency of a Radiographic Imaging facility.

Radiation protection principles are applied to ensure effective protection of patients, radiation workers and the public in the Health Care environment.

Research principles are used or applied to identify real-life clinical challenges which affect the level of patient satisfaction, in order to develop or design an interventional program to improve the situation in an Imaging facility.

Quality management policy and protocols are developed and implemented to ensure that a Diagnostic Imaging facility comply with regulations and legislature.

Professional values and skills are integrated to create suitable platforms which will facilitate the opportunity to maintain human dignity within the Health Care setting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

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 Patient Bill of Rights, the Patients Charter and relevant medical law are protected and confidentiality is maintained within the professional medical context.

Ethical challenges and dilemmas are identified, evaluated, addressed within the professional medical context.

Critical reflections based on the Patient Bill of Rights, the Patients Charter and relevant medical law are used to formulate ethical principles, which ensure respect and understanding of Cultural diversity and traditions and in so doing maintaining human dignity in rendering health care services.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Scholarly literature is reviewed in order to obtain relevant information and to develop scientific theories within health science environment.

Scientific methodologies are applied to gather and process research data appropriate to Diagnostic Radiography.

Research outputs are critically evaluated to identify possible solutions to problems/challenges within the health science environment.

Research outputs are presented and communicated on different platforms.

Research outputs are interpreted to understand scientific phenomenon within the field of Diagnostic Radiography.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Academic, professional or occupational ideas and texts are conceptualise to the field of Diagnostic of Radiography.

Academic, professional or occupational ideas and texts are shared within Health Sciences Environment.

Radiological images are produced to aid with patient diagnosis within the field of Diagnostic.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Total quality management strategies are planned and developed within the field of Diagnostic Radiography.

Total quality management principles are effectively applied within a clinical setting.

Patient care and radiation protection are applied in accordance to departmental protocol to ensure quality service within radiological imaging setting.

Quality images are produced to facilitate accurate radiological diagnosis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Sources (human, operational and financial) are analysed and managed efficiently and effectively within the required legal framework.

Principles of entrepreneurship are identified and investigated in order to compile a business plan for independent imaging practice, with subsequent approval from relevant regulatory and legislative authorities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Different learning strategies are identified to achieve professional- and lifelong learning needs within Health Education.

Identified learning strategies are applied in a self-critical manner to address his or her professional needs.

A framework of learning opportunities are designed in accordance to the training needs of radiographers in a given region.

A professional development programme is compiled to achieve and maintain continuous professional education of Diagnostic Radiographers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:

Responsibility is demonstrated in the clinical environment.

Effective decision-making is demonstrated in a variety of challenging clinical scenarios.

Appropriate radiologic and radiographic resources are effectively utilised to achieve optimal service delivery.

Integrated Assessment:
Assessments will focus on the 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 the qualifications 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.

Portfolios.

Supervisor reports where appropriate.

Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The primary reason for designing this qualification was to meet the needs of the South African community as identified by the National Department of Health. 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, therefore it was compared to similar qualifications offered around the world. For this report, qualifications from Nigeria and Australia were selected.

Nigeria as an African Country is on par with South Africa economically. 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 Post Graduate qualifications such as Computed Tomography. University of Nigeria, Enugu campus offers a five-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiography. 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. The last stage incorporates the clinical and professional training. All modules offered for this qualification offered in Nigeria are compulsory except the Principles of Management and Histology/Histopathology (practical) modules.

Entrance requirements:
Appropriate level pass of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board examinations with English, Mathematics, Physics, Biology and Chemistry. These requirements compare favourably with the South African qualification except that, English does not form part of the requirements due to the language policies of some institutions. Chemistry is not a prerequisite to study Radiography but may be an advantage.

Scope:
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 qualification 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.

Even though this qualification does not specify which modules form part of the compulsory or electives, the distribution compares well with the Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics offered in South Africa, since they are both full time qualifications, learners need to pass all subjects to be awarded the qualification and that clinical training is compulsory. The major differences are the duration of study, learner exposure to the clinical environment and the modules offered in the first year of study. The fact that completion of the research project is compulsory makes both qualifications comparable, professional Degrees, after which the successful learner may proceed to the Master's Degree.

Registration requirements:
Qualified Radiographers will 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 this qualification offered in South Africa in that both are full time and the learner must pass all modules in order to graduate. The difference lies in the content. The qualification offered at the Curtin University of Technology has a major Mathematical content, offered in first and fourth years of study. From the qualification, there is no evidence of learners being introduced to research principles.

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 South African qualification; clinical training is scheduled to commence as early as the first year. The learners who successfully complete the qualification for the Bachelor of Science (Medical Imaging) in Australia are awarded a professional status through the registration with the Australian Institute of Radiography.

Conclusion: Most of the other African countries offer two to three year qualifications. These countries do not have their own examining or accreditation bodies. Most of the qualifications offered are either accredited by the United Kingdom or American organisations. 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 in Diagnostics. It is therefore shown that the South African qualification complies with international standards.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Management, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Quality, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Health Sciences, 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.

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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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