SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Services

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
117719	Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Services
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Promotive Health and Developmental Services
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2020-09-29	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Services is to continue professional development through the instilling of a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practise, theory and methodology in an area of specialisation namely: dermal therapies or recuperative therapies.

Furthermore, this qualification is designed to prepare learners for postgraduate study through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in specific academic disciplines and fields, as well as the development of their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques.

Qualifying learners will be able to:

Accurately identify, evaluate and manage different clients' conditions and needs by selecting and applying suitable, safe therapies (dermal, recuperative and permanent cosmetic procedures) within the specialisation field and scope of practice.

Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the specialisation field and how it relates to other areas, disciplines and practices.

Create a complete treatment and home care plan focused on the client's individual needs within the specific context by integrating the knowledge of treatment products, available technology and lifestyle/nutritional aspects.

Responsibly manage the operations of a practice, while maintaining a safe environment and profitability ethically and professionally.

Identify, assess and address clients' conditions in an unfamiliar related field (e.g. Dermatology and Plastic Surgery) and other related areas.

Critically reflect on and address complex problems by gathering relevant, valid information and communicating opinions in well-formulated arguments.

Manage lifelong-learning in a self-directed manner to stay abreast of new developments within the field of study.

Rationale:
The qualification meets the need for Therapists that will bridge the gap that exists between the somatology field and the medical field; with specific reference to the aesthetic medicine and palliative care fields. The two specialisation fields, Dermal Aesthetics and Recuperative Therapies, directly relates to this gap.

The two reasons that led to the identification of the need for the qualification are:

Qualifying learners with a Diploma in Somatology need an avenue to continue their studies since the Bachelor of Technology in Somatology will be discontinued.

To fill the gap that exists between the Somatology field and the medical field (Nationally and Internationally).

In South Africa, the somatology industry has no professional body to regulate the industry. However, various sources and stakeholders from both the somatology field and medical field were consulted to confirm the existence of the gap and need for the qualification.

Aesthetic Medicine is one of the fastest-growing fields in local and international healthcare (Grand View Research Inc, 2016; Markets and Markets, 2018; Reuters, 2018). This growth is mainly driven by the growing adoption of minimally invasive and non-invasive aesthetic procedures, rising adoption among aged individuals, increasing public awareness about cosmetic procedures, the availability of technologically advanced products, and the increasing demand for aesthetic treatments among men. These mildly invasive and non-invasive treatments require skilled therapists and the lack of such therapists are one of the few factors currently limiting further growth of this market (Grand View Research Inc, 2016).

Recent feedback and discussions with various stakeholders in the medical and somatology field have shown that there exists a need for such skilled therapists in South Africa (Ambrosio, 2018; Mail and Guardian, 2018; Somatology advisory board survey, 2018). The qualification aims to provide learners with the necessary skills and knowledge required by the industry to safely and effectively assist and/or perform non-invasive aesthetic treatments. This category of the qualification will provide learners with job opportunities at under more: aesthetic spas and medical aesthetic practices. This specialisation of the qualification will benefit especially the mature and age conscious society by keeping up with international trends of aesthetic medicine.

The second specialisation field (Recuperative Therapies) of the qualification will assist in closing this gap and will be a revolutionised qualification within the wellness industry. Certain procedures such as oncology massage and lymph drainage treatments and techniques require more advanced and detailed knowledge. This specialisation of the diploma will empower learners to positively impact the quality of life of individuals with chronic illnesses such as cancer. This category of qualification will provide learners with job opportunities at oncology spas/centres and palliative care clinics/hospices, etc. This specialisation of the qualification will benefit especially the society who suffers from chronic ailments such as AIDS and cancer by improving the quality of life for these patients.

Due to the non-invasive nature of the treatments included in both specialisation fields, qualifying learners will not need to register with a medical council such as the Health Professions Council or the Nursing Council. This does not refer to learners who need to register with this council for practising within their undergraduate qualification's field of study, e.g. nursing.

The envisaged target group of learners comprises of Somatologists and healthcare professionals who are employed full-or part-time and wish to specialise in the field of aesthetics or palliative care. The qualification will be offered in blended learning mode and due to the nature of the facilitation (online discussions, etc.) learners will not need to be on campus for the entire duration of the qualification.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL will be conducted following the institutions RPL policy. A functional system for RPL is in place at the institution where RPL is used as a mechanism to gain access to qualifications.

Learners are required to complete an RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting on extensive work learning. The candidate's portfolio will be assessed thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes. After which it is then dispatched for approval before the final decision is communicated to the learner.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

An appropriate Diploma at NQF Level 6.
Or

Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 78 Credits:

Permanent Cosmetic Procedures, 30 Credits.

Business Practice, 24 Credits.

Research Methodology, 24 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7, 42 Credits (Select one module):

Dermal Therapies, 42 Credits.

Recuperative Therapies, 42 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Identify, evaluate and manage clients' skin needs by applying suitable dermal therapies, ethically and professionally, and supply the client with relevant homecare.
2. Identify, evaluate and manage clients' needs by applying suitable recuperative therapies, ethically and professionally, and supply the client with relevant homecare.
3. Identify, evaluate and manage clients' needs by applying suitable permanent cosmetic procedures, ethically and professionally, and supply the client with relevant homecare.
4. Manage the operations of a business within therapeutic services while maintaining profitability ethically and professionally.
5. Reflect on and address problems within therapeutic services by gathering relevant, valid information and communicating opinions in well-formulated arguments.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Analyse the clients' skin conditions and needs based on knowledge and principles related to dermal therapies and other related fields.

Identify and manage contra-indications and other unfamiliar conditions, if necessary refer to relevant practitioners.

Create a complete treatment and home care plan focused on the client's dermal therapy needs and record information on the client record card.

Inform the client on the relevant treatment information and homecare advice.

Perform the dermal therapy treatments safely and ethically on various clients and complete the necessary amount of case study treatments.

Gather and apply information on current developments within the dermal therapies and related fields to guide and support treatment plans (including case studies).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Accurately analyse the clients' health conditions and needs based on knowledge and principles related to recuperative therapies and other related fields.

Create a complete treatment and home care plan focused on the client's recuperative therapy needs and record information on the client record card.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Accurately analyse the clients' needs based on knowledge and principles related to permanent cosmetic procedures and other related fields.

Create a complete treatment and home care plan focused on the client's permanent cosmetic procedures needs and record information on the client record card.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Interpret economic realities and management principles to draw up a feasible business plan for a therapeutic services practice.

Calculate financial aspects, such as therapy costing, to result in a sustainable and profitable business.

Create marketing material from analysed data, advertising and brand information.

Plan and perform events related to businesses within the therapeutic services field.

Adapt the business plan and policies to suit the needs of a diverse society.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Analyse and critique the different research designs, principles and methodologies.

Gather reliable information to support opinions/arguments, and to guide solving of research questions.

Judge and validate relevant literature to base research proposal upon.

Compile and present a research proposal within the therapeutic services field, that meets ethical and other required standards.

Integrated Assessment:
The qualification allows for an integrated approach to assessment, based on the use of appropriate and diverse assessment methods. The variety of assessment methods increase assessment opportunities and encourage the academic success of the learners. It also provides the opportunity for all learners to excel in one or more methods of assessment creating a culture of success. In the assessment strategy as a whole, evidence of professional competencies must be demonstrated through a variety of options which includes case studies, problem-solving assignments and strategies, logbooks, portfolio of learning materials, projects and presentations, written and oral examinations, authentic practical exercises and demonstrations. Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence.

Integrated assessment should assess the ability of learners to assess the physical condition of the client by applying appropriate methods and techniques, design a suitable treatment plan according to the needs of the client, perform the treatment procedure according to the designed treatment plan and advise the client on improvement regimes in a professional manner (practical competence), understand the theoretical basis for these above-mentioned actions (foundational competence), and reflect on and then make changes to their practices (reflexive competence).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification is comparable to international qualifications of Australia and the United Kingdom and is not comparable to the qualifications of other countries.

Country: United Kingdom.
Institution: Jennifer Young Training School.
Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology Treatments.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology Treatments is one of the international qualifications comparable to the recuperative therapies section of the proposed qualification with 132 Credits. The qualification includes the following modules that can also be completed as separate qualifications: Oncology Massage, Oncology Facials, Oncology Hand, Nail and Foot Treatments, as well as, Oncology Balanced Body and Mind Treatment. The qualification is presented by face-to-face contact sessions, self-study as well as completion of case studies, similar to the South African qualification. The topics covered by the learning outcomes include the biology of cancer, main treatments for cancer and their side-effects, the biological mechanisms underlying the common side-effects of treatment for cancer, how the main treatments for cancer impact the disease and what can go wrong, the skincare and well-being products that are suitable when working with cancer patients, the natural and organic ingredients that may cause harm when used on those living with and beyond cancer, beneficial ingredients in natural and organic skincare for cancer patients and scalp care for cancer patients - they are likely to meet clients affected by cancer who are experiencing temporary hair loss.

Country: United Kingdom.
Institution: The Christie School of Oncology Integrative Therapies Training Unit (ITTU).
Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Complementary Therapies for Cancer Care.
The qualification is made up of a combination of face-to-face contact sessions, self-study and written assignments which must all be completed within the allotted timeframe to gain the award. Learners have one year from the date of the last contact session to complete the written assignments. Written assignments will consist of developing a case study and reflective practice very similar to this qualification. The Australian qualification is designed for complementary therapists wanting to build their practice in supportive and palliative care which is similar to this qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Somatology, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Somatic Therapy, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Somatology, NQF Level 8.

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.	Central University of Technology, Free State