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
119028  Higher Certificate in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Ukwazi School Of Nursing (Pty) Ltd - Main Campus 
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  Rehabilitative Health/Services 
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 emphasizes 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.

The qualification aims to:
  • Produce nurses that will provide basic nursing care in all spheres of health care service delivery.
  • Provide the nurse with a wide range of cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills.
  • Hone skills in assessment, planning and implementation basic nursing care.
  • Develop writing and oral communication skills.

    Attributes the nurse who completes this qualification will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of theory and practice of basic nursing care.
  • Assess, 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, capable of delivering skilled basic nursing care, is essential to health care in a variety of settings. Combining nursing care with prevention and promotion makes this nurse a strong primary health care worker. The competence of this first level nurse will be in line with the recommendation of the Pick Report nurse training to be expanded to include essential skills needed in the community. This person works under the supervision of a nurse with a National Diploma or Degree in Nursing within the applicable scope of practice. The rationale is to provide independently 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):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for access to this qualification or credit bearing exemptions: an application must be submitted according to the RPL policy of the Institution for individual assessment.

    Entry Requirements:
    Access to this qualification is a National Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification at Level 4:
  • Communication Level 4.
  • Mathematical literacy Level 4.
  • Life Sciences Level 4.
  • Computer Literacy Level 3. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of 4 compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 128 Credits of which 72 Credits must be acquired in appropriate and accredited clinical facilities (being 720 hours of work-based, clinical skills laboratory or other clinical experiences of which 70% must be supervised and mentored) - the compulsory modules are:
  • Bio Medical Sciences and Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
  • Basic Nursing Care, 72 Credits.
  • Professionalism and Ethics, 16 Credits.
  • Basic Community Nursing, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology in the provision of nursing care.
    2. Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a nursing context.
    3. Use the scientific nursing approach to address the basic needs of individuals and groups in a various health care settings.
    4. Demonstrate appropriate methods of interacting sensitively and professionally with people from diverse backgrounds.
    5. Maintain professionalism in nursing practice within the ethical and legal framework.
    6. Participate in addressing the needs of individuals and groups in a community. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understanding of macro body structure and functioning is demonstrated by the nursing care provided, in accordance with the relevant scope of practice.
  • An understanding of the structure and functioning of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology is demonstrated in the provision of nursing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Oral and written communication is maintained to promote effective fundamental nursing care.
  • Written communication is clear, relevant and unambiguous.
  • Non-verbal communication is congruent with oral communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Individual and/or group health care plans across the health illness continuum are implemented and evaluated in collaboration with other members of the health care team.
  • Information obtained from continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions is correctly applied to the individual or group.
  • Appropriate emergency care and first aid principles in respect of:
    > Treatment of injuries and accidents.
    > Basic life support is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Basic nursing interventions are implemented with sensitivity to people of diverse backgrounds.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Recording of data is done in compliance with legal criteria.
  • Patient records are maintained accurately, concisely and systematically, to reflect the basic nursing care rendered.
  • Confidentiality and integrity of patient information are maintained in interaction with patients and others.
  • Displaying adherence to professional code of conduct in provision of nursing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Health promotion programmes are implemented.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment comprises formative and summative assessment. Assessment takes place through a process of continuous evaluation based on a comprehensive and integrated process.
    Formative assessment (theory and work-integrated learning) may include, but not be limited to:
  • Case studies; projects and/or presentations.
  • Assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Oral presentations.
  • Demonstrations.
  • Clinical/practical assessments.

    Summative Assessment:
    All modules are summatively assessed which may include, but not be limited to:
  • Oral examinations.
  • Written examinations.
  • Practical examinations. 
    		•

    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. 

    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.