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: 

Diploma in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115406  Diploma in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Gauteng College of Nursing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-12-17  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 Diploma in Nursing produces competent, dedicated, generalist nurse practitioners who can demonstrate the required competencies that can be applied in diverse health care settings within the legal and ethical framework in response to the national burden of disease.

The competencies acquired by the generalist nurse include being clinically focused and service-oriented to deliver promotive and preventive health care, including care to the sick, stable uncomplicated health problems and rehabilitative care, using a wide range of transferable skills such as accountability, service ethics and decision making.

The curriculum uses an outcome-based approach where learners are placed for Work-Integrated Learning in a variety of health care settings with a strong community-base to apply required competencies.

This qualification produces generalist nurses with competencies to respond to current diverse population health needs.

The competencies in this qualification include the ability to:
  • Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing;
  • Apply knowledge of Psycho-Social Sciences in the practice of nursing;
  • Apply knowledge of pharmacology in nursing practice;
  • Provide nursing care throughout the lifespan in various healthcare settings;
  • Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework;
  • Use and maintain healthcare information systems for nursing practice;
  • Manage a healthcare unit by implementing the management process;
  • Apply a wide range of transferable competencies in various health care settings;
  • Provide reproductive healthcare to promote and maintain optimum health of individuals and families.

    Rationale:
    The positioning of Nursing Education within the higher education band is a legislative mandate responding to both the transformation in the education system of the country and the health care system agenda, as indicated below:

    In compliance with the provisions of the Higher Education Act, No. 101 of 1997 as amended, the change in the educational landscape of the country mandates the alignment of the nursing qualifications to the National Qualification Framework (NQF).

    Government Notice No. 801 of 2016, Published in Government Gazette of 6 July 2016 Gazette - Circular 7 of 2016. The circular stipulates information regarding the Phasing out of legacy nursing qualifications, and aligning nursing qualifications to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF). The Nursing Act No. 33 of 2005 provides for training, leading to registration as a Staff Nurse.

    South African Nursing Council (SANC) Regulation R.171 prescribes the requirements for registration in the category Staff Nurse, in terms of sub-section two and the Scope of Practice of a Generalist Nurse.

    The teaching and learning process addressed the burden of diseases (HIV/AIDS & TB, Maternal & Child Morbidity & Mortality, Injuries & Violence and Non-Communicable diseases) through a primary health care approach and community engagement. It also incorporates regional and global health issues to enable the qualifying learner to tackle disease outbreaks within the region and apply the competencies acquired from this qualification globally. Thus, preparing the qualifying learner to deliver promotive and preventive health care, including care to the sick, stable uncomplicated health problems and rehabilitative care to address the national and regional (Southern African Development Communities) health priorities.

    Equal access to the qualification for the learners from the diverse population within the industrialised Gauteng Province reduces the unemployment rate and improve socio-economic status. The learner contributes to the realisation of the Gauteng Metropolitan city pillars of radical transformation through community engagement and utilisation of health programs to promote a healthy lifestyle in the province.

    The qualification is a National Qualifications Framework level (NQF) Level 6. The competencies emanating from the qualification stimulate interest in pursuing a career in public or environmental health, Sociology and Psychology within the same NQF level.

    The learner progresses to an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery at NQF Level 7, leading to professional registration as a Midwife, and any other advanced Diploma in Nursing or any other Health professions and related clinical sciences field at NQF Level 7. On completion of the Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, the qualifying learner may progress to a Postgraduate Diploma of choice at NQF Level 8, leading to professional registration as a clinical nurse specialist.

    On successful completion of the Diploma in Nursing qualification's Exit Level Outcomes, can register as a General Nurse with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) to practice as defined by the Nursing Act No. 33 of 2005. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy that is guided by the National Policy for the Implementation of RPL. Accordingly, it provides for the implementation of RPL within the context of NQF Act 67 of 2008 and the South African Nursing Council (SANC) RPL Policy.

    Learners who do not meet the formal entrance criteria of this qualification but wish to further their career as nurses could follow the RPL process as an access route.

    The RPL process provides access to qualification through a mediated process consisting of an intervention with career guidance and portfolio development support leading to appropriate assessments.

    Learners who do meet the formal entrance criteria of qualification could follow the RPL for credit route. Credits are against the outcomes and related criteria of an appropriate qualification or part (s) of the qualification.

    The institutional RPL policy is applied whereby the prior knowledge and skills are made visible, mediated, assessed and moderated for alternative access, admission, recognition and further learning.

    RPL will contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the nation at large.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5 and 6 totalling 368 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 112 Credits:
  • Ethos and Professional Practice 101, 16 Credits.
  • Nursing Care 101, 24 Credits.
  • Primary Health Care 101, 16 Credits.
  • Social Sciences 102, 8 Credits.
  • Nursing Care 102, 24 Credits.
  • Primary Health Care 102, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 256 Credits:
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology 101, 8 Credits.
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology 102, 8 Credits.
  • Pharmacology in Nursing Practice 201, 8 Credits.
  • Communicable Diseases 201, 24 Credits.
  • Non-Communicable Diseases 201, 24 Credits.
  • Reproductive Health Care 202, 24 Credits.
  • Communicable diseases 202, 16 Credits.
  • Non-Communicable Diseases 202, 24 Credits.
  • Healthcare Unit Management 301, 24 Credits.
  • Community Health Nursing 301, 24 Credits.
  • Professional Development in Nursing 301, 8 Credits.
  • Health Information Systems and Research 302, 24 Credits.
  • Community Health Nursing 302, 24 Credits.
  • Professional Development in Nursing 302, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing.
    2. Apply knowledge of Psycho-Social Sciences in the practice of nursing.
    3. Apply knowledge of pharmacology in nursing practice.
    4. Provide nursing care throughout the lifespan in various healthcare settings.
    5. Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework.
    6. Use and maintain healthcare information systems for nursing practice.
    7. Manage a healthcare unit by implementing the management process.
    8. Provide reproductive healthcare to promote and maintain optimum health of individuals and families.
    9. Apply a wide range of transferable competencies in various health care settings. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology and ability to apply key terms, concepts, facts, general principles, rules and theories in nursing practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate an informed understanding of social sciences and ability to apply key terms, concepts, facts, general principles, rules and theories in nursing practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding and ability to apply pharmacological key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories in nursing practice.
  • Evaluate, select and apply appropriate standard nursing methods, procedures or techniques and processes to deliver promotive, preventive including care to individuals and groups with stable uncomplicated health problems and rehabilitative care within legal and ethical frameworks.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify, analyse and address problems based on the scientific nursing approach and methods appropriate to nursing practice.
  • Apply appropriate standard nursing procedures, processes or techniques in delivering promotive, preventive including care to individuals and groups with stable uncomplicated health problems and rehabilitative care within legal and ethical frameworks.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Take account of and act per prescribed organisational, nursing and related ethical codes of conduct, values and practices and to seek guidance where necessary.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Evaluate different sources of information, select appropriate and apply well-developed processes of analysis, evaluation and synthesis in using and maintaining healthcare information systems in nursing practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Work effectively in a team or group, and to take responsibility for own/others decisions and actions within a healthcare unit/service including the responsibility for the use of resources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Identify, analyse and address problems based on the scientific nursing approach and methods appropriate to reproductive health care.
  • Apply appropriate standard nursing procedures, processes or techniques in delivering promotive, preventive including care to individuals and groups with stable uncomplicated reproductive health problems and rehabilitative care within legal and ethical frameworks.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Evaluate performance, accurately identify and address their own and others' task learning needs and provide support to others.
  • Present and communicate healthcare information reliably and coherently using a variety of communication formats in various healthcare settings within the legal and ethical framework.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Implementation of integrated assessment will be throughout this qualification in both theory and a practical component. It will not only focus on knowledge, skills and attitudes but also on ensuring that learners demonstrate applied competencies.

    Formative and summative assessments will assess each module that will include, amongst others, tests, assignments, case studies, role plays, community projects, the portfolios of evidence, presentations and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations.

    At least two (2) to four (4) assessments will be conducted per semester, per module, depending on the number of credits in line with the assessment policy whereby 2-3 assessments per 8 credit module, 3-4 assessments per 16 credit module and 4-5 assessments per 24 credit module.

    Formative assessments will guide and foster learning to determine readiness for summative assessment. Sixty per cent (60%) of formative and forty per cent (40%) of summative assessments contribute to the final mark. Summative assessment outcome expressed as a pass or fail will determine progression, promotion or certification. General principles and practices of assessment will be applied throughout.

    The external and internal moderation of formative and summative will follow the college's assessment policy. The first year of study consists mostly of health education and the Objective Structured Clinical Assessment (OSCA). The second year of study consists mostly of case-based assessments given the nature of competence required, whereas the third year of study compromises more of project-based assessments as work-integrated learning modalities. Assessment of experiential learning/work-integrated learning is following work-integrated learning policy. Sixty per cent of all clinical/work-integrated learning assessment will take place in real life/authentic situation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This institution's qualification is developed to respond to the needs of society locally and nationally. Learners from this qualification have attributes that place them in a favourable position to compete internationally and to adapt to health care settings in the international arena.

    This qualification is comparable to the following:
    Diploma in Nursing offered by the Asia Metropolitan University prepares professional nursing learners to meet the needs of the 21st Century clients. The qualification is a three-year, 240 Credit qualification pegged at Level 5 on the Malaysian Qualifications Framework. Accreditation of this qualification is by the Malaysian Qualification Authority and is internationally recognised.

    The Diploma in General nursing and Midwifery offered MIMT College in affiliation with Uttar Pradesh State Medical Faculty, Lucknow. The Indian Nursing Council approved the qualification. This qualification prepares learners to work in diverse health care settings. Combined with the internship period, this qualification compares most favourably this institution's qualification leading to the Diploma in Nursing.

    The Central Wyoming College of the United States of America offers the Nursing Associate Degree. The Wyoming State Board approves this qualification of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing in the United States of America. The modules covered in this qualification and the competencies of the learners from these qualifications compare with this institution's qualification leading to a Diploma in Nursing. The qualification is, therefore, comparable with other three-year qualifications in other countries. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Community Nursing, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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. Gauteng College of Nursing 


    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.