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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118466  Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
Mangosuthu University of Technology 
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 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
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  2021-07-01  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
97931  Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification is intended to develop the academic skills, values and attributes necessary for a practitioner with solid ethical principles and a desire for life-long learning. It will enable successful learners to become medical laboratory scientists who are employed in laboratory diagnostic services and who are able to successfully undertake research.

This qualification will lead the learner through six focus areas that contribute to the main objectives of the medical laboratory sciences and which are reflected in the Qualification, namely:
  • Diagnostic techniques required for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of patients.
  • New trends in technology, equipment and diagnostic methodology to ensure continued professional development of the medical laboratory scientist and in turn, promote improved health services to society.
  • Research to place South African medical services at the forefront of international patient care.
  • Management and quality assurance skills required for effective, efficient and sustained delivery of quality laboratory services supporting the medical profession.
  • Ethical and safety considerations required to underpin the profession.
  • Empathy and communication skills required by practitioners to deliver relevant and accurate information to the different health care participants and sectors.

    On completion of this qualification, the graduate will be able to:
  • Integrate laboratory tests with Patho-physiological conditions in a chosen field of specialisation in accordance with statutory and operational requirements.
  • Critically evaluate current and new trends in technology to improve practices and to solve problems in a variety of contexts.
  • Conduct research in the field of medical laboratory sciences, in compliance with legislated and ethical research principles.
  • Apply management and entrepreneurship skills in the context of medical laboratory sciences.

    Compliance with statutory requirements including quality, ethics and safety underpin all Exit Level Outcomes.

    Successful completion of this qualification will enable the graduate to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

    Rationale:
    The medical laboratory scientist plays an integral role in the health care of society. The health sector relies on the effective diagnosis and management of patient care, as well as on the implementation and management of a legislative framework that protects people's rights to reliable and accurate healthcare services. Qualified medical laboratory scientists are specialised health professionals who provide vital information about a patient's state of health. Their input is necessary in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. The analytical and diagnostic services provided by medical laboratory scientists require a strong scientific knowledge, as well as trained reasoning ability and empathy for humanity.

    There is a critical shortage in South Africa of highly skilled and suitably qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists. This qualification has been structured to meet that need through the development of higher level competencies associated with a professional Degree at NQF Level 8.

    The acquisition of advanced competencies is required by the sector in order to meet the legislative and operational requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The flexibility of a career path for Medical Laboratory Scientists, both vertically and horizontally, is possible through personal growth and job advancement within and across the health sector. Therefore the qualification is designed to develop graduates with operational competencies as well as management skills, including supervision, mentoring and leadership.

    A variety of organisations operate within the health care sector, including a number of National Departments; Provincial and Local Health Authorities; Private and Public Laboratory Services; Forensic Laboratories; Medical Research Laboratories; Medical Practitioners, Doctors: Specialists:, Dentists; Pharmaceutical Companies; Medical Supply Companies and Medical Laboratories. Scientist play a vital role in all of these areas. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The University applies the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to accommodate prospective students who do not met the minimum entry requirements for admission. It is also used to grant advanced standing and Credits towards the qualification to students who can demonstrate relevant formal and/or informal prior learning. RPL is particularly relevant to older candidates who could be employed and who have exposure to the field of Medical Sciences.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to at least possess one of the following:
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Bachelors' Degree admission.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) passed with Bachelors' Degree admission. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling a minimum of 480 Credits.

    The student must complete all compulsory modules as well as one elective module chosen from the list below:

    Compulsory Modules:
    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Human Anatomy and Disease 1A, 14 Credits.
  • Health Chemistry12, Credits.
  • Health Physics, 12 Credits.
  • Biostatistics, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Human Anatomy, Physiology and Disease 1B, 14 Credits.
  • Cell Biology 1, 12 Credits.
  • Immunology 11, 12 Credits.
  • Biochemistry11, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences 1B, 10 Credits.
    Total: 120 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Clinical Chemistry 11A, 15 Credits.
  • Medical Microbiology 11a, 15 Credits.
  • Histology 11, 15 Credits.
  • Immuno-haematology 11, 15 Credits.
  • Clinical Chemistry 11 b, 15 Credits.
  • Cytology 11, 15 Credits.
  • Haematology 11, 15 Credits.
  • Medical Microbiology 11b, 15 Credits.
    Total: 120 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Haematology 111, 15 Credits.
  • Cytology 111, 15 Credits.
  • Medical Microbiology 111, 15 Credits.
  • Clinical Chemistry 111, 15 Credits.
  • Integrated Medical Laboratory Sciences 111, 56 Credits.
  • Research Methods 11, 20 Credits.
    Total: 136 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 8:
  • Laboratory Management 1V, 24 Credits.
  • Research Project 1V, 56 Credits.
    Total: 80 Credits.

    Elective modules at Level 8 (select one):
  • Clinical Pathology 1V, 56 Credits.
  • Histology 1V, 56 Credits.
  • Immuno-haematology 1V, 56 Credits.
  • Clinical Chemistry 1V, 56 Credits.
  • Cytology 1V, 56 Credits.
  • Immunology 1V, 56 Credits.
  • Medical Microbiology 1V, 56 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Integrate laboratory tests with Patho-physiological conditions in a chosen field of specialisation in accordance with statutory and operational requirements.
    2. Critically evaluate current and new trends in technology to improve practices and to solve problems in a variety of contexts.
    3. Conduct research in the field of medical laboratory sciences, in compliance with legislated and ethical research principles.
    4. Apply management and entrepreneurship skills in the context of medical laboratory sciences. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Routine and specialised diagnostic techniques (including molecular biology techniques) in a specific field are selected, performed, interpreted and integrated in accordance with statutory requirements and situational standard operating procedures.
  • Laboratory results are evaluated through correlation of data in the context of the principles, techniques and instruments used.
  • Factors that affect procedures and test results are recognised and appropriate action is taken to nullify these.
  • Laboratory results are interpreted through correlation of data with physiological and Patho-physiological conditions.
  • Findings are evaluated, interpreted and integrated through application of an in-depth knowledge of disease processes.
  • Equipment is monitored for efficient functioning and appropriate action is taken when necessary.
  • Laboratory safety procedures, including infection control, are described and applied throughout all operating procedures.
  • Quality assurance procedures are described and applied throughout all operating procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The constraints within a given laboratory are analysed, synthesised and evaluated relative to the services required of the facility.
  • The use of equipment is learned in depth to obtain the maximum use thereof.
  • Appropriate new techniques and methods are recommended on the basis of methodological scientific principles.
  • New techniques and methods which have been written up and/or presented formally are analysed, recommended with motivation and applied where applicable.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Research needs within the chosen specialisation in the field of medical laboratory sciences are appropriately identified, articulated and investigated.
  • Appropriate research methods are applied.
  • Applicable literature is reviewed and documented according to accepted scientific practices.
  • Data is accurately collected, analysed and interpreted using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
  • Research findings are evaluated and conclusions and recommendations, based on sound theoretical principles, are formulated.
  • A research report is produced and presented in accordance with the required institutional research guidelines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Human, infrastructural, operational and financial resources are analysed and managed efficiently and effectively.
  • A business plan for a new medical laboratory service is developed for approval and implementation within a structured situation.
  • Principles of entrepreneurship skills are explained in terms of the proposed business model.
  • Current, relevant legislation is explained and applied where applicable, such as within the proposed business plan.
  • All clinical interactions and related activities are aligned with the provisions and rules of the relevant institution and the codes of ethics of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and relevant professional associations.
  • All manner of communication, including appropriate use of electronic media and medical terminology, with patients, colleagues and other service providers, is clear, direct and accurate and delivered in terms of maintaining patient confidentially.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and summative assessment strategies should be used throughout the qualification to ensure that Exit Level and Cross Critical 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.
  • Supervisor reports where appropriate.
  • Objective Simulated Clinical Evaluation Scenarios (OSCES). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The challenge of selection for international comparability resides in the fact that direct comparison needs to consider a number of best practices internationally, while at the same time making provision for the diversity within the South African operating context. Internationally, qualifications in Medical Laboratory Sciences are only offered at Bachelor Degree level and not at Diploma level. This strengthens the case for the South African Qualification to be a Bachelors' Degree as it will be in line with international practices. The context of South African legislation as it pertains to both the educational and health sectors supports the imperative for a professional qualification to be registered on the NQF.

    Australia, the University of Technology:
    Sydney (UTS) offers a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science as a three year full-time, or six year part-time Degree. Alternately, learners can complete a four year full-time Degree, with the successful completion of a Diploma in Scientific Practice or 4 years full-time with Honours. This represents a fourth year and is required for full recognition to practice. Graduates with this qualification have professional recognition in overseas countries.

    The UTS qualification is not in an outcome based format which makes it difficult to compare credit allocation. However, components of the course are similar to those of the South African Qualification and consist of Physiology, Pathophysiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology and clinical subjects such as Haematology and Microbiology. The overall Credits for this qualification are 144 Credits of which 24 Credits consist of electives that may be taken as a sub-major. This is a four year full-time study programme recognised by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).

    The competencies developed by this qualification compare favourably with the competencies outlined in the South African professional Degree. In addition, the South African professional degree emphasises competencies such as laboratory management, quality assurance and ethical conduct, which are not explicitly stated in the competencies outlined in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science as offered by UTS.

    New Zealand:
    The second qualification used for comparison is the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Level 7) 480 Credits offered by Auckland University of Technology (AUT) which is also recognised in Australia by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).

    The specialisations in the qualification offered at Auckland University of Technology are similar to those of the South African Qualification. The South African Qualification includes the additional specialisations of Virology, Cytogenetics and Clinical Pathology. It also requires specialisation in the theory of four majors and intense specialised practical competence in one discipline in the fourth year.

    Wales:
    The University of Wales Institute, Cardiff offers the BSc. Honours programme in Biomedical Sciences (Applied Biomedical Sciences) that is recognised by the Welsh National Health Service. This is similar to the South African Qualification in that it is also designed to encourage, develop, integrate and apply scientific knowledge, understanding and skills into a multi-disciplinary investigation of human diseases and disorders. The core and fundamental competencies are similar to those of the South African Qualification.

    In the first year learners cover Fundamental Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology and Human Physiology. Molecular Biology of the Cell, Epidemiology, Data Analysis, Research Methods, Medical Biochemistry, Disorders of Cells and Tissues, Public Health and Medical Microbiology are covered in the second year. The third year covers Biology and Laboratory Investigation, Molecular and Genetic Analyses and Molecular and Clinical Immunology. In addition, the third year contains a strong research component to encourage independent enquiry and critical analysis. Integrated work-based training is undertaken in the Welsh NHS accredited clinical laboratories. On successful completion of the integrated work-based professional training undertaken in a NHS accredited clinical laboratory, the learner is awarded a "certificate of competence" which assists eligibility of graduates successfully completing this course in applying to become registered with the New Zealand Health Professions Council.

    Zimbabwe:
    The University of Zimbabwe offers an internationally recognised Degree namely, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Honours Degree). The competencies required are equivalent to those of the proposed South African Qualification. The theory component of the course is covered in the first, second and fourth years of study (900 hours per year) while the third year is dedicated to working in accredited clinical laboratories. Within the first year 70% of the time is dedicated to lectures and tutorials, 15% to practicals and 15% to student-based learning i.e., assignments, projects, and self-study. For the second and fourth year the distribution is 75%:15%: 10% and 70%: 10%: 20%, respectively. The design of the Zimbabwe programme differs from the South African Qualification in terms of the intended practical work-based learning. The extra semester spent on developing practical competence in the South African Qualification is considered to give strength to the graduate as a potential practitioner.

    Namibia:
    Namibia offers a similar Degree at the Polytechnic of Namibia. This qualification is called the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences Degree and is worth 500 Credits at NQF Level 8.

    In terms of the Credits, the Namibian qualification equates to 50 Credits at NQF Level 5, 75 Credits at NQF Level 6, 235 Credits at Level 7 and 140 Credits at Level 8. The total number of Credits is 500. In the South Africa Qualification the Credit values are as follows: 76 Credits at NQF Level 5, 114 Credits at NQF Level 6, 158 Credits at NQF Level 7 and 154 credits at NQF Level 8. The total number of Credits is 502. There has been close collaboration between Namibian and South African professionals in the development of the Namibian qualification.

    Conclusion:
    The South African Qualification compares well with the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science as offered by the University of Technology: Sydney; Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences ( Level 7) 480 Credits offered by Auckland University of Technology; the BSc. (Honours): Biomedical Sciences offered by University of Wales Institute, Cardiff's; the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Honours) offered by the University of Zimbabwe and the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences Degree offered by the Polytechnic of Namibia. The comparison is particularly strong with regard to the core operational areas of Medical Laboratory Sciences. All the qualifications used for comparison are 4 year qualifications that require professional recognition before the graduates can practice.

    In the qualifications selected for comparison a similarity of competencies is clearly identifiable, and in some instances, in order to meet the South African requirements in the field of medical laboratory sciences, the South African Qualification provides a broader scope of choice of specialisation. These requirements are catered for by the intended learning time in the work place, research competencies and the national standards set for the integrated exit level assessment.

    In contrast to all international qualifications investigated, assessment in the South African Qualification is strengthened by incorporation of the professional body requirements into the final summative examination. In addition, the South African Qualification is further strengthened in comparison with the international qualifications used for caparison through the incorporation of a substantial research project to be undertaken by learners.

    It is clear from the comparison of qualifications that a similar approach is followed with different focus areas to provide for South Africa's unique requirements. The main areas of competence shared amongst the qualifications are certainly equal to international best practice. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers systemic horizontal and vertical articulation with qualifications offered by other higher education institutions, provided the student meets the minimum entry requirements.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science, at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master in Biomedical Technology, at 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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    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.