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: 

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Radiotherapy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117672  Bachelor of Health Sciences in Radiotherapy 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
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  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  512  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2034-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to develop a competent learner who has a thorough grounding in the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the radiation therapy and oncology profession and who has gained experience in applying such knowledge and skills through work integrated learning in the appropriate workplace context. It will enable 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 radiation therapy and oncology. The learner should become a reflective practitioner and a life-long learner in his or her profession, thereby contributing to the benefit of the community and society. Skills in management and research will also be acquired, allowing the holder of the qualification to work independently within the health care team and contribute to the body of knowledge in the profession.

The Exit Level Outcomes for this qualification describe the foundational, theoretical, practical and reflexive competencies, which together constitute the applied competence required of the radiation therapy and oncology radiographer.

The qualification will provide the opportunity for its learners to be socially and ethically responsible within the health care system as it is aligned with the needs of industry. There will be acquisition and application of knowledge, skills and attitudes, driven by a structured system of academic modules and integration with clinical experience in the work place. A research component has been included that is designed to provide the learner with the opportunity to undertake research that will inform good practice. The learner radiation therapy and oncology radiographer will be able to perform planning, dose calculation and accurate administration of various forms of ionising radiation for the treatment and care of patients with malignant and benign neoplasms, according to the prescription of a radiation oncologist. As such, this person will be able to plan, develop and apply total quality management appropriate to the radiation therapy and oncology context, and also perform safe, effective, ethical patient care in accordance with set protocols and the patient's needs; to provide a quality service and to maintain the welfare of the patient. The learner will also be able to apply the principles of human rights, ethics and relevant medical law which will ensure the well-being of the patient, and also apply the principles, specific knowledge, skills and values related to the chosen electives (general education outcomes), in order to become the citizens that society expects learners to be. All of the above skills are in keeping with the Council of Higher Education and Department of Health (DoH) goals for SA learners.

Successful completion of this qualification will enable the learner to register with the statutory for HPCSA as a Radiation Therapy and Oncology Radiographer.

Rationale:
Radiation Therapy and Oncology is one of the identified scarce skills professions in South Africa (SA). It is part of the medical imaging community which in turn is one of the fastest growing areas within medicine. The knowledge, skills and attitudes gained from this qualification will allow the learner to contribute to the delivery of improved patient care and healthcare in all major disease entities. This qualification is necessary in both the public and the private sectors as radiographers to be part of a multidisciplinary team providing a general holistic health care service and particularly in diagnostic radiography services. The qualification has been recognised by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a mandatory requirement for registration to practice in the field of radiation therapy and oncology.

The process of curriculum renewal within the SA radiography environment has been a country wide initiative that has commenced many years ago. There is a general consensus that the qualification should be a Professional Bachelors' Degree in Radiation Therapy and Oncology with a minimum of 512 Credits, as this is also in keeping with many international qualifications in the profession. The minimum entrance requirements for the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) in Radiation Therapy and Oncology will be kept the same as those for the current National Diploma in Radiation Therapy and Oncology, hence the transition into the Professional Bachelors' Degree will not pose an enrollment risk or deny access to learners who are currently applying for all radiography qualifications. The institution has a large number of applications each year and is confident that the enrolment targets for the BHSc in Radiation Therapy and Oncology will be met.

The qualification will address the goals of the higher education system by providing learners with thorough lifelong learning skills, competent research skills as well as a deep understanding of the world and hence equip them to contribute to the social, economic, cultural and intellectual life of a rapidly changing society. It will provide learners with general educational skills that are not included in the curriculum of the current 360 Credit National Diploma in Radiation Therapy and Oncology. These general skills will be in keeping with the goals of the institution. It will also provide high-level/globally equivalent skills training in a radiation therapy and oncology context and hence strengthen the country's health services.

The qualification has been developed to provide content and Exit Level Outcomes that will provide learners with key attributes for success in the work place, and will enable them to make a valuable contribution to the SA health services environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The structure of this new qualification makes RPL possible. The qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the RPL, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. However, it must be noted that no person may practice radiography unless they have received a formal accredited qualification and are registered with the HPCSA. A person who has completed the Supplementary Radiography qualification and is registered in this category with HPCSA may be considered for RPL. Each applicant will be considered according to the institution's RPL policy and guidelines. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and the appropriate support/guidance will be provided. The process will provide the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence in the relevant learning areas/outcomes and will not prevent him/her from taking up the RPL option towards attempting to gain a qualification that will enable him/her to register with the HPCSA as a radiographer.

If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to him/her. RPL will be achieved by means of an appropriate integrated assessment method as mentioned above.

This RPL may allow a successful learner:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Obtaining of this Qualification in part or in whole.

    Entry Requirements:

    The qualification will be accessible to all individuals who meet the minimum entrance requirements which include:
  • National Senior Certificate granting access to Bachelor studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with matriculation endorsement.
    Or
  • NQF Level 4 qualification granting access to Bachelor studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consist of 33 modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 with elective modules at Levels 7 and 8 from which learners will select as they enrol for this qualification. The total number of credits for this qualification is 512.

    Modules at Level 5 132 Credits:
  • Anatomy I, 12 Credits.
  • Physiology I, 24 Credits.
  • Radiotherapy Imaging and Treatment Sciences I, 16 Credits.
  • Radiation Therapy and Oncology Practice and Procedures I, 28 Credits.
  • Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
  • DUT General Education, 8 Credits.
  • Health Sciences General Education I, 12 Credits.
  • Professional Practice and Management I, 8 Credits.
  • Anatomy II, 12 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6 132 Credits:
  • General Pathology I, 8 Credits.
  • DUT General Education, 8 Credits.
  • Health Sciences General Education, 12 Credits.
  • Health Sciences Research I, 12 Credits.
  • Professional Practice and Management II, 16 Credits.
  • Radiotherapy Imaging and Treatment Sciences II, 16 Credits.
  • Radiation Therapy and Oncology Practice and Procedures II, 52 Credits.
  • Management for Health Professionals: Module1, 8 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7 120 Credits:
  • DUT General Education, 8 Credits.
  • Health Sciences General Education, 12 Credits.
  • Health Sciences Research II, 12 Credits.
  • Professional Practice and Management III, 8 Credits.
  • Radiotherapy Imaging and Treatment Sciences III, 16 Credits.
  • Radiation Therapy and Oncology Practice and Procedures III, 48 Credits.
  • Learners are expected to choose an elective from a list, 16 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 8 128 Credits:
  • DUT General Education, 8 Credits.
  • Health Sciences General Education, 12 Credits.
  • Small Business Management, 8 Credits.
  • Health Sciences Research III, 20 Credits.
  • Professional Practice and Management IV, 8 Credits.
  • Radiotherapy Imaging and Treatment Sciences IV 16 Credits.
  • Radiation Therapy and Oncology Practice and Procedures IV 36 Credits.
  • Learners are expected to choose an elective from a list, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Effectively utilise an integrated approach to demonstrate advanced scientific knowledge, skills and competences in the interrogation and evaluation of current and future technology in the radiation therapy and oncology context.
    2. Competently perform radiotherapy and oncology procedures to ensure optimal treatment of malignant and benign tumours of all systems of the human body and immobilisation of the patient.
    3. Develop critical enquiry and apply complex research skills to conduct formal and informal research within an area of a specialised field in the profession of radiography, provide creative insights and rigorous interpretation of findings to solve problems and present the results.
    4. Integrate and apply knowledge of entrepreneurship and the management functions in complex and dynamic situations within a radiation therapy and oncology context in order to take full responsibility and accountability for the management of a public or private department in terms of human resources, procurement, ethics, human rights, medical law and quality assurance both as an employee and an employer.
    5. Demonstrate advanced values systems, knowledge and skills that will enable and enhance meaningful participation in society, contribute towards developing sustainable communities, and establish a firm foundation for the assumption of a productive and responsible role in the workplace and beyond. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Advanced radiation therapy and oncology is used for treatment delivery, optimal treatment planning and immobilisation of the patient for treatment are used for advanced scientific knowledge and skills that demonstrate competence.
  • Simple and complex technology problems are interrogated and solved within the radiation therapy and oncology context.
  • New protocols and methods are established, developed and utilised to maintain equipment so that faults/errors are prevented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The treatment machines are operated correctly in order to provide optimal treatment planning.
  • The patient positioning devices are used adequately according to the department protocols to achieve immobilisation of the patient for treatment.
  • The planning procedure is performed according to the anatomical, pathological and clinical data obtained using Computerised Tomography (CT) scanning, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Technology (PET) and Ultrasound to ensure accurate treatment dose delivery to the patient's tumour.
  • Computerised treatment plans (2D and 3D) are performed to ensure that the doses prescribed by the radiation oncologist do not exceed the tolerance doses of the normal tissue.
  • Radiation protection protocols/standards are competently applied to minimise radiation dose to the patient, radiation workers and the public in accordance with the relevant acts, regulations, policies and international standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Advanced knowledge of research theories, designs and methodologies is applied throughout the research process.
  • A research proposal is developed according to the standards and criteria of the department, faculty and university.
  • A research study is conducted within the field of radiation therapy and oncology in accordance with the relevant research and ethics principles, policies and guidelines.
  • A report of the findings is compiled and presented in an appropriate written format according to set standards and ethical requirements of the university and other relevant bodies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes are applied in the management of public and private radiation therapy and oncology departments in accordance with relevant management principles.
  • A sound knowledge of ethics, human rights and medical law is applied in the radiation therapy and oncology context, to provide services that conform to the relevant acts, regulations, guidelines and codes of ethics and conduct.
  • Advanced management functions and entrepreneurship skills are applied within the radiation therapy and oncology public health institution and private enterprise to provide an efficient and competent service to clients.
  • The relevant laws, regulations, policies and guidelines that regulate the functioning of healthcare professionals are adhered to in the radiation therapy and oncology context to ensure professional conduct within the scope of practice.
  • Quality assurance is applied effectively within the radiation therapy and oncology context in accordance with local and national guidelines, policies and procedures to improve and maintain service quality.
  • Entrepreneurial principles are described in relation to the management and /or ownership of a private practice in the field of radiation therapy and oncology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Informed knowledge of current and historical socio-political issues and their impact is demonstrated and described.
  • Active involvement into the social system, through community based projects, is demonstrated whilst meeting the standard requirements for the qualification.
  • Personal growth is demonstrated through the acquisition and development of advanced understanding, insight and observational skills to solve problems related to the work environment and beyond.
  • Personal attributes are developed in alignment with the standard requirements of the world of work as determined by the relevant laws and guidelines.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way, so that an integrated approach to assessment is incorporated into the qualification. Information regarding the assessments as well as the marking rubrics (where relevant) will be provided in the relevant module study guides.

    Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Learning outcomes will be aligned to the teaching methods and will be addressed in the assessments. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the qualification will be integrated.

    Assessment of fundamentals will be integrated as far as possible with other aspects-e.g. theory and workplace learning. Practical contexts such as case scenarios and work placements will be used wherever possible. A variety of assessment methods will be used however, the assessment tools and activities will be appropriate to the context in which the learner will work after graduating. In addition to assessing learners in the workplace, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar strategies will be used to provide a context that is similar to the workplace.

    The term `Integrated Assessment` means that theoretical and practical components will be assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and methods-where formative feedback will be provided to the learner to enable them to improve their work before the summative assessment is due or takes place. Combinations of workplace learning, practical, applied theory, foundational knowledge and reflective competencies will be assessed. Continuous assessment will be provided and may include some of the following:
  • Portfolios.
  • Simulations.
  • Workplace assessments and practical workbooks/logbooks.
  • Written assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Case studies and case presentations.
  • Problem based assessments.
  • Peer group projects and assignments.
  • Oral presentations.
  • Competency assessment of clinical skills.
  • Face to face contact with learners.

    Assessments will ensure that the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Ariteria are evaluated in an integrated manner throughout the qualification and where relevant. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The primary reason for designing this qualification was to meet the needs of the SA community as identified by the national Department of Health (DoH), and in particular the local community of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), but also to ensure that this qualification is comparable to international standards. In order to evaluate the degree to which this qualification is aligned to international best practice, it was compared with similar qualifications offered around the world. For the purposes of this document, qualifications from Zimbabwe, Ghana, Canada, New Zealand and Hong Kong were selected. In Canada, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) offers two different qualifications of study. One is a full time study over four academic terms. Successful learners receive a Bachelor of Technology credential. The other qualification, also full time, is of 33 months duration and successful learners graduate with a Bachelor of Technology in Radiation Therapy and are eligible to take the National Certification Examinations by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Therapists (CAMRT).
    Academic and clinical training:
  • The qualification includes both theoretical and clinical components. Each term requires 27-28 hours per week of course work. For every course that the learner enrols, a minimum of 60% is required to progress to the next level.
  • Clinical training takes place in accredited facilities over eight to sixteen weeks. For the learners to graduate, a total of 48 weeks should have been spent in the clinical environment. In addition, the learner must meet the full stipulations and requirements for the CAMRT competency profile which includes patient care, communication, professional behaviour and quality of work.

    The Radiation Therapy qualification offered by BCIT compares well with the Bachelors' Degree in South Africa in that the theoretical component is offered by the academic institutions and the clinical training, at accredited training sites. Both stipulate the number of hours a learner needs to spend in the clinical environment to gain competence in performing various radiation therapy procedures. The major difference is that, in South Africa, there are no national examinations. Learners who are successful at various accredited education and training institutions are eligible to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and are awarded professional status and the right to practice within the scope of the HPCSA.

    Canadian Medical Association Conjoint Committee for Accreditation:
    The content for the Bachelor of Technology, Radiation Therapy from the institution were considered in this process and it was discovered that all the subjects offered at BCIT except for Liberal Studies (Critical Reading and Writing) are in line with the way the South African qualification has been designed. They relate very well to the expected learning outcomes and assessment criteria. This then gives reassurance that the South African qualification is in line with the leaders in the world. The BCIT clinical training is offered throughout the study years at accredited training centres and this is similar to the way radiation therapy is offered by most education institutions in South Africa.

    The New Zealand University of Otago offers a Medical Radiation Therapy qualification on a full-time basis over three years. There is an opportunity to study further for a year in an honours qualification. The qualification also compares favourably with the Canadian and South African qualifications because it incorporates clinical training throughout the study years. Entrance requirements and subjects taught are also comparable. What is different from the South African education qualification is that learners are not expected to have a First Aid certificate as an entrance requirement. In Otago, learners need this before they can be accepted to the qualification. The learners are further required to keep their certification in first aid current throughout their study qualification. In South Africa, learners are offered the opportunity to attend training and pass the examination while registered for the radiation therapy or any radiography qualification. The learner is expected to pass first aid before a diploma or degree can be awarded on completion of their study years.

    With regard to clinical training, learners are allocated to spend three weeks in the oncology department during the first year. The other important factor of the clinical training is that there is a major training centre as well as other centres where learners are rotated to gain clinical experience. This is similar to the situation in South Africa where the registration council stipulates that learners should be given the opportunity to gain all the experience needed for them to be competent. It is made the responsibility of the education institution to ensure that learners rotate to various clinical training centres during their study years.

    Learners are awarded a Degree in Medical Radiation Therapy-BhealSc (MRT) on completion of the qualification. This offers them an opportunity to specialise either in the area of treatment delivery or planning, or to become an educator. There are also options to follow the Honours route. Upon graduating, the learners are eligible to register with New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board, which confers the professional status to take employment either in state or private healthcare institutions. This registration requirement is the same as in South Africa in that successful learners from various accredited institutions in South Africa are required to register with the HPCSA before they can practice either in state or private healthcare institutions.

    Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers a Bachelor of Science Honours in Radiography which has two main streams, namely diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy. The qualification is offered on a full-time basis over three years. It includes both theoretical and clinical components. Learners are introduced to Clinical Research which should be completed before the degree can be awarded. Successful learners are employed in the state, private hospitals and clinics, as well as by the commercial sector. The qualification is recognised internationally and as such learners do not have a problem finding employment in other countries worldwide.

    The Hong Kong qualification differs from that in South Africa with regard to the duration of study. With regard to modules taught and mode of integrating theory and practice, they compare fairly well. The other similarity is that both qualifications are a prerequisite for registration to practice. In Hong Kong, qualified radiographers register on Part Two of the Register for the Hong Kong Radiographers' Board. There are also opportunities for further study into either a full or part-time Master's qualification, as is the case in South Africa.

    Conclusion:
    Since Canada, New Zealand and Hong Kong are countries that are considered to be well established, have their own regulatory authorities and offer 4-year Undergraduate Degrees, they were selected as good examples for comparison with the BHSc in Radiation Therapy qualification and Oncology. The qualification has been compared with the radiography qualification that have been approved and accredited by the professional bodies in the countries already discussed therefore it complies with international standards. All qualifications allow professional registration after qualifying; all include clinical practice as part of the qualification beginning in the first year; all include research and a research project in the final year. The qualification however appears to be unique in that it will offer General Education modules throughout the 4 years of training. This will address the needs of South African Department of Health and the community of KZN where good citizenship and leadership qualities are needed, therefore it is nationally relevant. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification is profession specific and may not articulate with many other institutional qualifications, however the modules that are not specific to radiation therapy and oncology (General Education, Health Sciences Research, Professional Practice and Management) may be common in many other qualifications, hence learners wishing to transfer to other qualifications may obtain exemption for such modules. There may be possible vertical articulation with national institutions that offer radiography as the qualifications will be registered nationally with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Articulation will depend on the requirements of the other institutions. Successful completion of this qualification will allow an individual entry into the Master Degree qualifications. Entry into the Masters qualifications at other universities will be considered on an individual basis. Vertical and horizontal articulation with other qualifications will be considered in accordance with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and other policies of the relevant institutions.

    This qualification will allow for both horizontal and vertical articulation:

    Horizontal articulation can occur with:
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Sonography, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nuclear Medicine, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Radiography, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical articulation can occur with the:
  • Master of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Radiography, 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.
     
    1. Durban University of Technology 


    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.