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
119047	Higher Certificate in Nursing
ORIGINATOR
Free State School 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		Promotive Health and Developmental 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
Reregistered		EXCO 0333/25	2025-07-10	2028-07-10
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10		2032-07-10

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

This qualification serves to provide learners with the basic knowledge, affective, cognitive, conceptual, and practical skills 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 knowledge and competence in nursing and can apply such knowledge in the workplace.
This qualification will enable the learner to render basic nursing care as determined by the appropriate legislative framework.

The qualification aims to:

Produce high quality and competent nurses to render basic nursing in all spheres of health care service.

Provide nurses with a range of cognitive-, psychomotor skills and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services.

Equip nurses with a developed sense of equity, justice and ethics that will ensure that they work in an accountable manner.

Utilise written and oral communication skills and improve assessment, planning and implementation of basic nursing care.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, qualifying learners 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:
The South African Nursing Council (SANC) survey conducted in 2015 revealed a serious shortage of qualified enrolled nurses in South Africa. A first-level nurse who will deliver skilled basic nursing care which is essential in a variety of health care settings. This qualification combines nursing care and preventative and promotive health which makes this nurse a strong primary health care worker who can help in implementing Primary Health Care (PHC) Re-engineering.

The competence of this first level nurse is 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. This qualification aims at increasing the number of nurses and providing nurses who possess essential skills that are needed in the community. Learners will be equipped with knowledge and skills to provide nursing care in hospitals, community health care centres, hospices and non-Governmental sectors.

Qualifying learners will work under the supervision of a nurse with a Diploma or a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. The rationale is to provide basic nursing care independently in a variety of health care settings within the relevant legal and ethical parameters. This caliber of nursing will address the local and the national needs. Society benefits on a primary health care level and will assist with preventative measures in the community. This promotes prevention at the secondary and tertiary levels in the health sector. Therefore, the qualification will contribute to the economic growth in the public and private health sectors.

Furthermore, the Department of Health is currently planning to provide best practices for all with the aim of implementing of the National Health system. Clinics, community health centres and frail care centres, especially in rural areas, are increasing in size to accommodate the National Health system. Staffing of this category is a significant problem both in townships and rural areas. The qualification is responding to the re-engineering of the primary healthcare approach as well as the skills shortage to facilitate National Health Insurance (NHI) in the delivery of health care services to the rural health settings.

The qualification was designed in consultation with the South African Nursing Council requirements of the new nursing qualifications. The successful learners will be able to register with SANC upon completion.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regard to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access:

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from 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 formal, 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:

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.
or

National Certificate (Vocational), Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5,120 Credits:

BioMedical Science 1, 8 Credits.

Introduction to Health Information systems, 12 Credits.

Providing Basic Nursing Care 116, 40 Credits.

BioMedical Science 2, 8 Credits.

Promoting Health in the Community, 12 Credits.

Providing Basic Nursing Care, 40 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge of macro body structure, applied basic biophysics of all human body systems, microbiology, and pharmacology in the provision of nursing care.
2. Communicate information reliably, accurately, and coherently, using conventions appropriate to the nursing practice, in written and oral or signed form or in a practical demonstration, including an understanding of and respect for conventions around intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism, including the associated legal implications.
3. Apply a scientific nursing approach to address the basic needs of individuals and groups in various health care settings.
4. Demonstrate appropriate methods of interacting sensitively and professionally with people from diverse backgrounds.
5. Demonstrate the ability to take account of, and act in accordance with, prescribed organisational and professional
ethical codes of conduct, values, and practices and seek guidance on ethical and professional issues where necessary and 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:

Describe the macrostructure, basic functions and applied basic biophysics of all human body systems.

Analyse and apply basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology, and microbiology in the provision of basic nursing care

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Use oral and written communication skills to promote and maintain effective fundamental nursing care.

Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a nursing context.

Demonstrate 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 team.

Apply accurately information obtained from continuous monitoring of responses to nursing intervention to the individual or group.

Evaluate and apply appropriate emergency care and first aid principles in respect of the treatment of injuries, accidents, and basic life support.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Implement basic nursing care interventions with sensitivity to people of different backgrounds.

Provide nursing care as prescribed or directed by a professional nurse or staff nurse.

Provide nursing care in accordance with a standardised plan of care.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Record data in compliance with legal criteria.

Compile and maintain health care user records accurately, concisely, and systematically to reflect the basic nursing care rendered.

Maintain confidentiality and integrity of healthcare user information in interaction with healthcare users and others.

Display adherence to the professional code of conduct in the provision of nursing care.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Implement health promotion programmes.

Display adherence to the professional code of conduct in the provision of nursing care.

Render basic first aid professionally and ethically.

Promote health and wellness in a selected context.

Participate in a community health assessment.

Provide the patient and/or care with sufficient information on which to base decisions about nursing care.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
A holistic approach to assessing the achievement of learning outcomes is used. This includes assessing learning outcomes together, using a range of assessments methods and evidence.

Learners are assessed by means of projects and assessment tasks that are aligned with expected learning outcomes and learning activities. Examples are simulation, tests, clinical case management, integrated practical examinations, assignments, and reports.

Formative assessment:

Formative assessments both theoretical and clinical will be conducted to integrate theory and work-integrated learning.

Formative theoretical assessments are written tests, assignments, group work or projects.

Formative clinical assessments will be conducted in real life or simulation in the form of a competency-based assessment e.g., assignments and projects.

Summative assessment:

Final summative assessments will take place at the end of each semester in the form of both theory and clinical.

The qualification comprises various modules. Each module articulates specific learner assessment methods.

Module descriptors provide the basis to determine the nature of summative assessments and indicate whether a summative assessment is theoretical, clinical or both.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

South Africa has been an active member of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) for many decades. The South African Nursing Council defines international comparability as an analysis of how a qualification compares with and relates to similar international qualifications. The ICN differentiates between what they refer to as a first and a second level nurse. The first level nurse refers to the generalist nurse in the current South African terms. The second level nurse on the other hand refers to a nurse who has completed a qualification of study in preparation for practicing nursing under the supervision of the first level nurse. This would be similar to the South African qualification in terms of the definition. In most countries around the world, this category of nurse is not recognised by their relevant nursing professional councils or relevant licensing authorities.

The South African qualification is designed in line with the competencies as described by the ICN about 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).

In comparison to the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) qualifications offered internationally, the content of the modules is similar to the South African qualification. Content and modules offered internationally are:

Basic nursing skills.

Anatomy and physiology.

Nutrition.

Infection control.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid/ automated external defibrillator (AED).

Range of motion exercises.

Communication and teamwork.

Workplace safety.

The art of caregiving and promoting safety are covered in the South African qualification. International CNA qualifications entry requirements are a high school Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) qualification. A candidate with the CNA certificate can also advance their career to become a registered nurse and earn an associate's or Bachelor's Degree which will open doors for advancement.

Country: United States of America
Institution: New Mexico State University (NMSU)
Qualification Type: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Duration: 10-week

Similarities:
The NMSU qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following ways.
Purpose/Rationale:
Similar to the SA qualification, the purpose of the NMSU initial qualification is to produce nurses who will provide basic nursing care in all spheres of health care service delivery and work under the direction and supervision of nurses and patient support services managers. Both qualifications will equip learners with knowledge and skills necessary to assume the role and responsibility required as a certified nurse assistant.The nursing assistants will undertake a range of duties which support clinical care. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are on the front lines of patient care, work under the supervision of a nurse to help patients with daily living tasks, assist with medical equipment, and check patient vital signs. CNAs give patients important social and emotional support and provide vital information on patient conditions to nurses. Therefore, CNAs are vital to the daily operations in hospitals and nursing care facilities. With experience and further training, nursing assistants can become enrolled nurses or registered nurses.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners 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

Maintain professionalism in nursing practice within the ethical and legal framework.

Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a nursing content.

Use the scientific nursing approach to address the basic needs of individuals and groups in a various health care setting.

Qualification structure:
Both the New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the South African qualifications share the following compulsory modules.
Compulsory Modules:

Learn basic anatomy and physiology.

The ethos of Nursing and Professional Practice.

Basic nursing science (integrated pharmacology and First Aid).

Promotive and Preventive Health.

Fundamental Nursing Skills how to provide routine personal and healthcare assistance to the sick and elderly.

Delivery Mode:
Both the NMSU and SA qualifications are offered full time and conducted online as well as in the physical classroom.
Differences:
Duration:
The duration of the NMSU qualification is six months whereas the SA qualification takes one-year full time study.
Entry Requirements:
The following entry requirements for the NMSU qualification differ considerably in that the SA qualification requires learners to have completed the secondary school qualification and not the physical examination.

Be at least 18 years old on the first day of class.

Possess a State Issued ID or Driver's Licence.

Possess a Social Security Card/ITIN Number.

Pass a Tuberculosis (TB) Test or Clear Chest X-Ray.

Pass a Physical Exam to confirm good health.

Pass a Background check (Livescan Fingerprints).

Possess certification for Basic Life Support (BLS)/ Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for Healthcare Professionals

Country: Australia
Institution: Nursing Training Australia
Qualification Title: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Duration:
This qualification is 26 weeks made up as follows:

Two days of workshops a week (8 hours each) over 22 weeks

Work placement of 120 hours in total (15 days) to be spread over 3-4 weeks

Similarities:
The Nursing Training Australia (NTA) qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following aspects.
Both the NTA and SA qualifications can be accessed through recognition of prior learning (RPL). The RPL process considers all relevant skills, knowledge, and experience that one has. Through this assessment process one may be able to gain a complete qualification subject to individual course rules. The process may identify gaps in one's knowledge, skills, or other parts of a qualification, which one can then complete with additional training.
Learner will be asked to supply evidence of the experience during the RPL process. This evidence needs to reflect current practice.

Purpose/Rationale:
The purpose of both the Nursing Training Australia (NTA) and the South African (SA) qualifications is to provide the knowledge and skills to help health professional staff for the care of clients. The qualifications reflect the role of a variety of workers who use a range of factual, technical, and procedural knowledge to help health professional staff for the care of clients. Health services assistance involves the worker in direct client contact under supervision.

Both the NTA and SA qualifications are suitable for people pursuing a career as Assistance in Nursing in hospitals and who wants to pursue further studies in Nursing in Diploma and Bachelor's level.

After successful completion of both qualifications, learners can work in the following positions in any hospital settings. Graduates may seek employment in the following jobs:

Assistant in nursing.

Patient Care assistant.

Ward Support.

Nursing support worker.

Operation theatre assistant.

Nursing Assistant.

Patient service assistant.

Ward assistant.

Theatre Support.

Ward Person.

Qualification structure:
The NTA and SA qualifications cover communication, working with diverse people, healthy body systems, infection prevention and control, workplace safety, medical terminology, and organisation. To complete the qualifications, learners are required to complete all seven core units and eight elective units plus at least 80 hours of work.

Compulsory Modules:

Communicate and work in health or community services.

Work with diverse people.

Recognise healthy body systems.

Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures.

Participate in workplace health and safety.

Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately.

Organise personal work priorities and development.

Elective Modules (Select any eight modules from the following):

Prepare and maintain beds.

Assist with movement.

Respond effectively to behaviours of concern.

Transport individuals.

Assist with nursing care in an acute care environment.

Provide non-client contact support in an acute care environment.

Provide First Aid.

Maintain high standard of service.

Facilitate the empowerment of older people.

Follow basic food safety practices.

Manage personal stressors in the work environment.

Qualification Delivery Mode:
Delivery is a combination of methods to cover the theory and practice requirements:

Workshops for developing the theory (maximum of 20 learners).

Demonstrations, instructions in a simulated environment to give learners that valuable practice (maximum of 10 learners)

Self-paced study and support to embed the learning.

Work placements to apply the skills.

Learners will be trained in the use of Manual handling equipment and other equipment such as:

Lifting hoist, Stand up Lifter, Pelican Belt, Slide Sheet, Electric bed, and Wheelchair.

Blood sugar testing equipment, Blood Pressure, Pulse Oximeter etc.

Other clinical duties like urinalysis, simple dressings, and neuro observations.

Assessment:
The assessment strategy for both NTA and SA qualifications are underpinned by integrated assessment strategies which are reflective and continuous and include formative and summative assessment methods. Learners will be required to successfully complete all units to a standard to ensure that learners are job ready. Each unit contains assessments which include:

Practical demonstrations where learners will be observed/assessed in a simulated environment and in the work Placement.

Knowledge based tests which contain short answer questions.

Small projects which contain written tasks to investigate and complete.

Simulation Observation tasks followed by work placement observation tasks.

Differences:
The NTA qualification differs slightly from the SA qualification in the following aspects.

Entry requirements:
The NTA qualification's entry requirements differ from the SA qualification because it requires a physical fitness examination as outlined below.

There are no academic prerequisites for the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, but learners must have reasonable English language, literacy, and numeracy to successfully complete the course (LLN). In addition, Immunization record, working with children check and Police Clearance Certificate is mandatory prior to the work placement. Therefore, learners must undertake a Federal Police Check (AFP) or New South Wales (NSW) Police check it must be no less than 12 months old). These checks must be completed prior to industry work placement. Learners must physically be able to do a moderate amount of lifting using the appropriate equipment. Learners should not have any mobility, hearing, or vision problems to carry out duties efficiently in the hospital or community care settings whilst at placement.

Learners must complete the secondary school qualification, the National Senior Certificate to access the SA qualification whereas there are no academic requirements for the NTA qualification.

Qualification structure:
The NTA consists of both compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules only and not the electives. In addition, on completion of the NTA Certificate III, learners may receive credits for units that make up the Certificate IV qualifications of Allied health, Diploma in Nursing and Bachelor's in Nursing.

Conclusion:
The South African qualification compares favourably with the above-cited international standards and qualifications in terms of the focus on knowledge and practical experience.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting, NQF Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

Diploma in Nursing, NQF Level 6.

Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 8.

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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