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
119029  Higher Certificate in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Netcare Education (Pty) Ltd 
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 students with the 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 student has attained a 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.

    The nurse who completes this qualification will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of theory and practice of nursing care.
  • Assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care for individuals and groups throughout the lifespan.
  • Demonstrate professionalism when rendering nursing care.

    Rationale:
    A first level nurse, capable of delivering skilled 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 healthcare worker. The competence of this first level nurse will be in line with the recommendation of the Pick Report that nurse training to be expanded to include essential skills needed in the community. This person works under the supervision of a nurse with a 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. This qualification has been endorsed by the South African Nursing Council. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    A RPL process will grant access to the qualification, or advanced standing/exemption from modules in the qualification to assess and recognise prior knowledge and skills gained through formal, informal, non-formal or experiential learning. The process includes the following:
    a. Application for RPL.
    b. Advice and information about the qualification.
    c. Facilitation of and support with direct and indirect evidence gathering.
    d. Assessment of evidence of prior learning by a registered assessor which will include:
    i. Planning and preparing the assessment.
    ii. Preparing the applicant for the assessment.
    iii. Performing the assessment through a combination of integrated methods such as evaluation of the portfolio of evidence, clinical assessment, theory assessment (written and/or oral) and projects.
    iv. Evaluating the RPL assessment achievements against the outcomes and assessment criteria of the qualification.
    v. Determining whether learning outcomes were achieved.
    vi. Crediting the applicant for the knowledge and skills gained from previous experience.
    vii. Recording all findings and making recommendations to the moderator.
    e. Moderation by 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.
    f. Feedback where the applicant will be provided with feedback regarding the outcome of the RPL assessment process and where the applicant will be told what previous learning will be recognised.

    No credits will be awarded for the modules that a student is exempted from doing on the basis of RPL and a student who, on the basis of RPL, is granted exemption from doing certain modules in the programme will complete the qualification with a total number of credits that is less than the normally required number of credits for the qualification. The student will not be compelled to do more modules to make up for the difference in the total number of credits.

    The recognition of credits obtained in prior formal learning for the purpose of credit accumulation and transfer (CAT) will be determined by the nature of the qualification and curriculum completed and for which CAT is applied for, the relationship between the former and the Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing, the nature of the assessment and the time that lapsed between completion of the prior learning and the application for CAT. No prior formal learning credits obtained more than five years ago will be recognised. Credits for an incomplete qualification will be recognised by Netcare Hospital Management (Pty) Ltd as meeting part of this qualification. A maximum of 50% of the credits of a completed qualification will be transferred to this qualification. Credits obtained from studies that do not lead to full qualification will not count for credit accumulation for this qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement for admission into the Higher Certificate is either a:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC).
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology 1A, 8 Credits.
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology 1B, 8 Credits.
  • Ethos and Professional Practice 1A, 8 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science 1A, 48 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science 1B, 48 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply 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 needs of individuals and groups in a variety of 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:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of macro-body structure and functioning by the nursing care provided, in accordance with the relevant scope of practice.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functioning of Anatomy, Physiology, Biophysics, Pharmacology and Microbiology in the provision of nursing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Maintain oral and written communication to promote effective fundamental nursing care.
  • Demonstrate a clear, relevant and unambiguous written communication.
  • Demonstrate congruent non-verbal communication with oral communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Implement and evaluate individual and/or group health care plans across the health-illness continuum in collaboration with other members of the health care team.
  • Apply correctly information obtained from continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions to the individual or group.
  • Demonstrate appropriate emergency care and first aid principles in respect of:
    Treatment of injuries and accidents.
    Basic Life Support.

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

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
  • Conduct recording of data in compliance with legal criteria.
  • Maintain patient records accurately, concisely and systematically to reflect the basic nursing care rendered.
  • Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of patient information in interaction with patients and others.
  • Display adherence to professional code of conduct in provision of nursing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Implement health promotion programmes.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The South African Nursing Council regulations are used as the minimum requirements for competence for purposes of registration for practice. Integrated formative and summative assessment using a variety of assessment strategies and/or approaches will be conducted in line with the assessment policy, procedures and policies of the institution. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In South Africa, the Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing is presented at higher education level and will deliver graduates with knowledge and skills at a higher level of expertise. Due to the increase in the burden of disease, this qualification will be of great benefit in both the private and public sectors in South Africa and will also be of benefit to our immediate neighbours and subsequently, all of sub-Saharan Africa.

    This qualification is recognised by the South African Nursing Council as a Higher Certificate at Level 5. South Africa has been an active member of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) for many decades. The qualification is designed in line with the competencies as described by the ICN with regard to accountability, ethical and legal practice, patient care provision, promotion of health, assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care, communication and interpersonal skills, leadership and management, environmental safety, inter-professional collaboration, enhancement of the nursing profession, quality improvement and continuous professional development (ICN 2008). This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications in first world countries e.g. Australia and the United Kingdom. In Australia, an Assistant Nursing qualification is offered. This qualification enables Nursing Assistants to help nurses provide patients with direct support and services in health and community centres and environments. Qualifying students are required to understand and be helpful with patients and be able to perform a variety of functions and services. In the United Kingdom the initial nursing qualification guides students through the basic strategies and key competencies utilised in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating effective community disease prevention and health promotion programmes. Students are introduced to key public health practices and concepts through both direct observation and classroom experience.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification is comparable with the best available in this category anywhere in the world and, at the very least, is likely to be utilised in the SADC region and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa as well as other third- and first-world countries. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical, horizontal and diagonal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in appropriate other health fields such as the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Nursing, Level 6.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • An appropriate diploma in other health fields such as the Diploma in Emergency Medical Care. Accumulated credits may also be presented for consideration into a cognate Diploma in other fields. 
    		•

    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.