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: 

Higher Certificate in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119027  Higher Certificate in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Life Healthcare Group (prev College of Learning/Afrox Coll of Nursing) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  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 05  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   2031-06-30  

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 qualification serves to provide learners with the basic knowledge, affective, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques for additional higher education studies in nursing. The knowledge emphasises general principles and their application in the provision of basic nursing care. This qualification signifies that the learner has attained a basic level of higher education knowledge and competence in nursing and is capable of applying such knowledge and competence in the workplace.

Upon completion of this qualification the learners will be able to:
  • Apply basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology in the provision of basic nursing care.
  • Apply effective communication in a variety of ways in a nursing context.
  • Access, plan, implement and evaluate basic nursing care for individuals and groups throughout the life span.
  • Demonstrate professionalism when rendering basic nursing care.

    Rationale:
    A first level nurse should be capable of delivering skilled basic nursing care which is essential to health care in a variety of settings. Combining nursing care with prevention and promotion will enable a nurse to be a strong primary health care worker. The competence of this first level nurse will be in line with the recommendation of the Human Resources report (Pick Report) and nurse training to be expanded to include essential skills needed in the community.

    The Minister of Health is currently attempting to provide best practice with the aim of implementation of the National Health system. Clinics are increasing in size to accommodate the National Health system. Each town has a minimum of 3 frail care centres, where staffing is a major problem.

    This qualification will enable learners who have not passed either the Senior Certificate with endorsement or the National Senior Certificate allowing entry to Bachelor's Degree studies to study further by beginning their studies with this qualification.

    Upon qualification, this person will work under the supervision of a nurse with a National Diploma or Degree in Nursing within the applicable scope of practice.

    The rationale is to enable learners to provide health care in a variety of health care settings within the relevant legal and ethical parameters. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The applicant will be assisted to compile the necessary evidence in preparation for assessment for RPL. The onus to present the necessary evidence is on the applicant.

    Direct data - may be a portfolio of evidence containing projects, case studies, records of performance, results of assignments and examinations.
    Indirect data - which will serve as a confirmation of prior knowledge includes, amongst others, letters of reference, performance reviews and certificates of competence.

    The Assessment phase may only be conducted by a registered assessor. The core activities of the assessor will include:
  • Planning and preparing the assessment, which will include the necessary resources, forms, venue.
  • Preparing the applicant for the assessment by explicitly explaining the assessment details, such as the purpose, process and appeal process.
  • Performing the assessment through a combination of integrated methods such as evaluation of the portfolio for evidence, practical examination, theory examination, projects and demonstrations. An oral examination which corresponds with a written examination may be conducted.
  • Evaluating the RPL assessment achievements against prescribed standards.
  • Determining whether standard learning outcomes were achieved.
  • Crediting the applicant for the knowledge and skills gained from previous experience.
  • Recording all findings and making recommendations to the moderator.

    Moderation phase:
    The person who conducts this phase will be a registered constituent moderator with SANC. The moderator will validate the assessment process to ensure that the outcome is based on the assessment principles and is objective.

    Feedback phase:
    The applicant will be provided with feedback regarding the outcome of the RPL assessment process. During this phase the:
  • Outcome of the RPL assessment will be discussed with the applicant and the applicant will be told what recognition they will get.

    Entry Requirements
    Admission requirement for the qualification is as follows:
  • Senior Certificate (SC) or National Senior Certificate with endorsement for entry into Higher Certificate Studies.
    Or
  • Equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, totalling120 Credits.
  • Bio Medical Sciences and Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
  • Effective Communication, 4 Credits.
  • Basic Nursing Care, 66 Credits.
  • Trans Cultural Nursing, 4 Credits.
  • Professionalism Practice and Ethics, 6 Credits.
  • Basic Community Nursing, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology in the provision of basic nursing care.
    2. Apply effective communication in a variety of ways in a nursing context.
    3. Access, plan, implement and evaluate basic nursing care for individuals and groups throughout the life span.
    4. Demonstrate professionalism when rendering basic nursing care. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Macro body structure and functioning are explained.
  • The structure and functioning of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology are discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Both verbal and non-verbal communication is applied in an appropriate way.
  • Effective communication is applied in writing and orally to ensure that effective nursing care is maintained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Appropriate emergency care and first aid principles in respect of treatment of injuries and accidents and basic life support are applied.
  • Information is obtained from the continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions and appropriate steps are applied.
  • Individual or group health care plans across the health illness continuum are implemented and evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Data is recorded in compliance with the legal criteria.
  • Patient records are maintained accurately, concisely and systematically.
  • Confidentiality and integrity of patient information are maintained.
  • Displaying adherence to a professional code of conduct in provision of nursing care is maintained.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification will comprise formative, practical and summative assessments.

    Formative assessment:
  • Tests will be written in each of the 4 theoretical blocks on each module.
  • Learners will have workbooks to complete whilst doing practical assignments.
  • Learners will be given projects to complete.

    Practical:
  • Learners will undergo practical accompaniment evaluations during which time they will perform procedures and will be given feedback about the procedure and corrective counselling.
  • Remedial follow up will be done where a learner is found to be not competent.
  • Workbooks with practical procedures will be given to learners for completion during the practical assignments.
  • A practical evaluation will be done in the practical facility where the learners will interact with the patient to evaluate their competency.
  • An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) comprising 5 minute stations will be done to objectively assess theory and practical integration.

    Summative assessment:
  • The South African Nursing Council examination will be written at the end of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In Australia, an Assistant Nursing qualification is offered. The focus of the qualification is to enable Nursing Assistants and help nurses provide patients with direct support and services in health and community centres and environments. Learners need to be understanding and helpful with patients and be able to perform a variety of functions and services.

    In the United Kingdom the initial nursing qualification guides learners through the basic strategies and key competencies utilised in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating effective community disease prevention and health promotion programmes. Learners are introduced to key public health practices and concepts through both direct observation and classroom experience.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the above cited international qualifications in terms of the focus on knowledge and practical experience. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with a Higher Certificate in Nursing, at NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with a Diploma in Nursing, at NQF Level 6 or the Bachelor of Nursing, at NQF Level 8. 

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.