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 Radiography Honours in Ultrasound

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118413	Bachelor of Radiography Honours in Ultrasound
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours Degree	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Curative Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		SAQA 116/21	2021-11-18	2024-11-18
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-11-18		2028-11-18

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 purpose of the Bachelor of Radiography Honours in Ultrasound is to develop a learner competent in the knowledge and skills required for the profession of ultrasound. The qualifying learner will acquire skills in management, problem-solving and research to work independently and in a supervisory capacity within the health care team.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and sciences at a level suitable for application in the clinical field.

Assess and perform patient care in a manner, which ensures that the patient's welfare is maintained.

Apply the principles of human rights, ethics and medical law which ensure the well-being of the patient.

Perform the sonographic protocols and procedures to produce optimum quality images in the specified areas of ultrasound.

Critically assess the sonographic images and apply pattern recognition to determine aberrant appearances in keeping with pathology.

Apply the ultrasound specific measures, which ensure that the health and safety of patients, self and colleagues are maintained.

Plan, develop and apply total quality management appropriate to the sonographic context.

Demonstrate research skills and foster a research climate in ultrasound imaging.

Rationale:
Ultrasound is one of the identified scarce skills in South Africa. Healthcare is set to change in the future from the curative paradigm of the 20th century to a pre-emptive model. Imaging is central to this model and will drive that change to the benefit of the patient. Medical imaging plays a key role in understanding complex biological systems and is dependent on interdisciplinary fields to extract that information. The qualification is essential in both the public and the private sectors as part of a multidisciplinary team providing a holistic health care service in general and ultrasound service in particular.

The qualification will allow the learner to practice his/her skills to the benefit of the community and to share their skills and knowledge with other learners and peers. Successful completion of this qualification will enable the learner to be registered by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in the field of Ultrasound.
The qualification will provide the development of highly trained health professionals not only to become effective and efficient practitioners but also to render quality of care and professional services to the healthcare provider community, patients and society at large nationally, regionally and internationally.

The qualification is aimed at providing education and training to radiographers who already have an undergraduate qualification in diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine with an opportunity to acquire an additional qualification. It is envisaged that the development of ultrasound radiographers through this qualification will contribute to the research imperatives of this category in the profession of radiography and the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Qualifying learners will contribute to the early diagnosis and possible treatment of clinical conditions that affect different categories of patients. This is in support of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals 3, good health and well-being. Due to the portability of the ultrasound equipment and need for the services at all levels of healthcare service delivery, and its cost-effectiveness, ultrasound has proven to be a valuable imaging tool for many clinical conditions. Ultrasound is a service that is needed at all levels of healthcare service delivery, including primary healthcare as well as the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).

This qualification is recognised by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a requirement for registration to practice in the field of Diagnostic Radiography.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification may be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes informal, non-formal, formal learning and work experience. Recognition of Prior Learning is applied in terms of policy and criteria of the institution. Both admission status and module credits may be granted through the RPL process.

RPL for access:

Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning for learners who do not meet the formal or statutory requirements for entrance, but who can demonstrate that they possess the appropriate knowledge and skills required for admission to a specific qualification.

The institution supports the principle of RPL as a mechanism for providing prospective learners with status, the opportunity to enrol for a specific qualification.

Should applicants for recognition of prior learning demonstrate the required level of learning when rigorously assessed against module or qualification outcomes, may be exempted from certain modules within the qualification or given advanced standing to register for a higher qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules:

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit:

Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

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

Bachelor of Technology in Radiography at NQF Level 7, granting access to an honours qualification.
Or

A Relevant Qualification in the related field at NQF Level 7, granting access to an honours qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:

Research Principles 701, 5 Credits.

Foundation of ultrasound 710, 15 Credits.

Abdominal ultrasound 711, 15 Credits.

Superficial structures in ultrasound 712, 10 Credits.

Gynaecology and obstetrics ultrasound 713, 5 Credits.

Research Report 700, 30 Credits.

Cardiovascular ultrasound 714, 20 Credits.

Paediatric ultrasound 715, 5 Credits.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound 716, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and sciences at a level suitable for application in the clinical field.
2. Assess and perform patient care in a manner, which ensures that the patient's welfare is maintained.
3. Apply the principles of human rights, ethics and medical law which ensure the well-being of the patient.
4. Perform the sonographic protocols and procedures to produce optimum quality images in the specified areas of ultrasound.
5. Critically assess the sonographic images and apply pattern recognition to determine aberrant appearances in keeping with pathology.
6. Apply the ultrasound specific measures, which ensure that the health and safety of patients, self and colleagues are maintained.
7. Plan, develop and apply total quality management appropriate to the sonographic context.
8. Demonstrate research skills and foster a research climate in ultrasound imaging.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to support the range of techniques used in the clinical context.

Demonstrate knowledge of physics to support the choice of equipment, and correct use and manipulation of controls necessary for patient management and healthcare service delivery.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Identify and correct relevant patient care before, during and after the examination in a manner that ensures that patient well-being and needs are met.

Communicate procedures and requirements to allow informed consent to be given either verbally or in writing as appropriate.

Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical requirements of a professional medical environment, decision making and accountability.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Recognise and act upon psychological and cultural considerations of the patient.

Protect and confidentially maintain the rights of the patient, as entrenched in the Human Rights Bill and the Patients Charter and medical law.

Demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills in the relevant aspects of patient management to facilitate professional decision making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Evaluate the merits of each technique, in relation to other diagnostic procedures.

Demonstrate the image, anatomy, pathology and measurements relevant to the sonographic protocol.

Demonstrate knowledge of the choice of equipment and control settings of ultrasound physics and doppler required for quality image production.

Understand advanced recording and imaging principles to be applied appropriately in the clinical context.

Recognise and minimise image artefacts, where possible, to avoid misdiagnosis.

Understand and utilise relevant clinical information to allow for the correct interpretation of the images.

Demonstrate an understanding of the clinical information and pathology which influence and modify scanning protocols theoretically and practically.

Demonstrate an appreciation of the role of ultrasound in the holistic management of the patient in the practical context when other investigations may be required.

Perform invasive procedures with the assistance of the sonographer/medical practitioner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Demonstrate correct scanning planes for each organ to ensure an optimal examination is performed.

Ensure that the images show the correct patient and technical information to comply with medico-legal requirements.

Demonstrate the required technical information to aid in the interpretation of the image.

Make appropriate modifications during the examination to show that technical problems are correctly identified.

Recognise normal sonographic appearances of each specified examination.

Recognise variations to the above which allows for the detection of abnormalities.

Describe normal and abnormal appearances (verbally and in written format) and act upon the information to the benefit of the patient.

Make information available to the relevant personnel to allow for diagnosis and improved patient management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Apply relevant legislature known for general health and safety principles in the working environment.

Demonstrate knowledge of ultrasound bio-effects and their potential for harm in the performance of scanning protocols.

Maintain a hygienic and neat work environment to eliminate the possibility of cross-infection.

Demonstrate knowledge of the special precautions required in specific examinations which ensure the safety of patients, colleagues and self.

Maintain equipment to comply with national and international safety standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Demonstrate principles of quality assurance and quality control in the development of departmental protocols.

Select, purchase and maintain equipment and accessories within an available budget to provide a cost-effective service.

Develop and maintain communication and co-operation between all role players effectively to provide an optimal service.

Develop performance management strategies in a manner that shows an understanding of management principles and current legislation.

Maintain departmental records and statistics in accordance with the departmental and Statutory Health Council requirements.

Demonstrate integrated knowledge of management, technology and legislation in the ability to design and equip a new or alter an existing, ultrasound facility.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Demonstrate research principles and methodology in the field of Ultrasound research in the form of a research proposal and project.

Relevance of the research is in line with national needs and ethical policies and procedures.

Evaluate and use suitable resources to facilitate the research project.

Assess information to be presented in a professional manner.

Ensure that the written work submitted reflects the knowledge and appropriate use of information sources.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

A comparison was made to the ultrasound qualifications offered by other international institutions:

Country: New Zealand and Australia
Institution: The University of Auckland and University of South Australia ( UniSA)
Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Sonography

Academic entry requirements
The entrance requirement for the Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDips) at the University of Auckland and UniSA in Australia is a recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant allied health field and access to a suitable clinical training facility that has been accredited by the regulatory authority. It was however noted that for the PGDips, access is also open to other healthcare workers, such as doctors, nurses and physiotherapists. This is because the qualifications have been designed according to different speciality areas to accommodate these different specialities.

Mode of learning

The two-year part-time offering of these PGDips is similar to the new qualification. The major difference between the South African qualification and the PGDips offered by the University of Auckland and UniSA is that the new qualification is not offered online. There will be contact sessions as well as an online offering.

The new qualification will be offered in blocks, the other difference is that the qualification will offer education and training in all fields of ultrasound and further study progression will be a Master's degree in Ultrasound.

The PGDips offered in the University of Auckland and UniSA, allow applicants to choose from four and three fields of speciality respectively. This means that progression into the Master's degree will be according to the chosen field of specialisation.

Clinical training hours

The new qualification has similarities to that currently being offered in Australia and New Zealand as a postgraduate diploma (PGDip).

To be registered with this board, the qualified sonographer must have done a minimum of 3360 hours of postgraduate experience in the field that one wants to be registered in. for the University of South Australia (UniSA), registered learners are expected to do a minimum of 2200 hours of clinical training.

The minimum clinical training hours required by the UniSA for the PGDip in Sonography can be related to what is expected on the new qualification, where 2500 minimum hours of clinical training in an accredited facility are prescribed. The focus is however not on the accumulation of hours, but on the learners gaining the required competencies in the identified modules of the qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Radiography Honours in Diagnostics, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Radiography Honours in Nuclear Medicine, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Radiography Honours in Radiation Therapy, NQF Level 8

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Radiography in Ultrasound, NQF Level 9.

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.

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