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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. |
| SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
| REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
| Higher Certificate in Nursing |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 119197 | Higher Certificate in Nursing | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| North-West College 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 |
| Purpose:
The Higher Certificate in Nursing 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 can apply such knowledge and competence in the workplace. The qualification aims to: On completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Rationale: Nursing is an essential component of the health care system (HCS). The challenge facing the healthcare system is that the total number of available nurses is not sufficient to address the healthcare demands facing the South African healthcare system because of the burden of disease, in maternal, new-born and child health, namely HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases as well as violence and injury. It is, therefore, necessary to educate and train more nurses who will render comprehensive health care services to the community, especially in rural areas within the relevant legal and ethical parameters. The South African Nursing Council (SANC) discontinued the training of Auxiliary Nurses in June 2015, which led to a shortage of auxiliary nurses in the health care system. According to the SANC 2020 statistics, 26 to 30% of Auxiliary Nurses will be retiring in 15 years to come. There is, therefore, a need for the qualification to produce nurses with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to address the shortage of nurses and improve the quality of nursing. More nurses will be required in preparation for the National Health Insurance (NHI) implementation. The qualification will enable the learner to render quality basic nursing care, independently in a variety of health care settings within the relevant legal and ethical parameters. 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 is in line with the recommendation of the Human Resources report (Pick Report) of nurse training which includes essential skills needed in the community. The qualification was designed in consultation with the SANC and the Council on Higher Education (CHE) through a stream of workshops which were aimed at capacitating institutions con the proposed recirculation process. The qualification may alleviate the burden in healthcare settings and ensure that Health Care Settings have the resources to provide basic nursing care. Society will benefit as the learner will render quality basic nursing and prevent medico-legal hazards. Upon completion of the qualification, the employment of the learner will lead to the contribution to the economy of the country. Upon completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will work under the supervision of a nurse with a National Diploma or Degree in Nursing within the applicable scope of practice. The qualifying learner will be registered as a Nurse with the SANC. |
| 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 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 advance standing within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification. RPL for access: RPL for exemption of modules: RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate an understanding of macro body structure and functioning by the nursing care provided, in accordance with the relevant scope of practice.
2. Demonstrate the ability to communicate information reliably, accurately, and coherently, using conventions appropriate to the nursing context, in written and oral or signed form or in the practical demonstration, including an understanding of and respect for conventions around intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism, including the associated legal implications. 3. Use the scientific nursing approach to address the basic needs of individuals and groups in the 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:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Integrated Assessment: Integrated Assessment in the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas and actions across this qualification to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent with the purpose of this qualification. Integrated assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the Exit Level Outcomes. Integrated Assessment will judge the quality of the observable performance, and the quality of the reasoning that lies behind it. Assessments tools will encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. The qualification will use both formative and summative assessments in all the modules that the learner must achieve. Formative Assessment: Continuous Assessment constitutes 50% of the final year mark. Formative assessment includes Summative Assessment: The summative assessment constitutes 50% of the final year mark. To pass the summative assessment, 50% of summative assessments and 50% of formative/continuous assessments will be considered as follows: During a placement at clinical facilities, learners will undergo supervised clinical assessment by clinical preceptors during which time they will perform procedures on life patients and be given feedback about the procedure and corrective counselling. Remedial follow-up will be done when a learner is found not to be yet competent. A clinical portfolio of evidence with procedures will be given to learners for completion during their clinical exposure. The institution conducts an objective structured clinical evaluation (OSCE) comprising 10-minute stations to assess theory and practical integration objectively. A final examination mark of 50% is required to pass the final theory and OSCE examinations. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| In most countries around the world, first-level health workers are not recognised by their relevant nursing professional councils or relevant licensing authorities. However, this qualification is recognised by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5. It could likely be utilised in the SADC Region and through Sub-Saharan Africa as well as other third and first-world countries.
South Africa has been an active member of both the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for many decades. During the time of ostracism, international contact was maintained through the specialised organisations and their overseas affiliates. The 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). This qualification compares favourably with the following international qualifications in terms of the focus on knowledge and practical experience in primary health care. Country: United Kingdom Institution: The Open University Qualification Title: Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice Credits: 120 Duration: One-year Full time or two years Part-time Entry Requirements: To access the qualification, learners need to: Purpose/Rationale: Similar to the South African (SA) qualification, the Open University (OU) qualification enables healthcare support staff to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to underpin effective practice. Learners will develop a wide range of practical skills and competencies while exploring essential biological, social, political, ethical, and psychological concepts. Learners also build valuable numeracy, literacy, Information Technology, communication, and cognitive skills. On completing this qualification, qualifying learners will develop four main areas: The qualification will allow learners to pursue careers as, not limited to: Following completion of this qualification, learners may wish to pursue further study opportunities leading to, for example, our BSc (Honours) Nursing. The Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice allows access to Stage 2 of this degree, subject to successful selection and meeting the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) minimum entry requirements. Qualification structure: This certificate of higher education has one stage, comprising 120 credits. Learners will be introduced to the study of health and social care, together with underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills. Learners consider care in a variety of settings, alongside the work-based study of the factors influencing health in different service user groups. There is a strong focus on person-centred, compassionate care and the development of practice-based skills to meet patient/client needs. The qualification consists of the following two compulsory modules: This key introductory module provides an authoritative overview of health and social care, with real-life case studies taking learners deep into the experience of receiving care and working in care services. Block 1: explores what it means to care, firstly in the context of informal or family care and then moving on to formal or professional care. It examines the requirements for being in professional care such as professional standards as well as the demands and rewards of being involved in providing care. Block 2: explores human development across the life course through the lens of three case studies. The first focuses on the impact of migration on human development, the second considers how involvement in crime affects people across the life course and the final case study focuses on the needs of people with learning disabilities transitioning from children to adult services. The Block also explores the impact of disadvantage and discrimination on human needs across the life course. These issues will be considered through the lens of a video case study of a preschool playgroup supporting migrant families' service. Block 3: examines the important issue of safeguarding. Learners will learn about the definitions of risk in the context of both adult and children's services. Learners will also explore how health and social care services respond to promoting well-being and protecting vulnerable people will be considered through the lens of a video case study of a drug and alcohol service. Block 4: introduces some of the core concepts of sociology and how these can help learners develop a deeper understanding of health and social care needs and services. Learners will learn about the importance of identity and how identities change contexts. Learners will also learn about how needs change as people move through important transitions such as ageing and becoming more dependent. Block 5: explores the settings in which care takes place and is managed. Learners visit a wide variety of care environments, from domestic homes to residential and hospital settings, exploring their physical, social, and psychological impact and the extent to which they are enabling or disabling. Learners will consider the service user and the professional perspectives on navigating services. These themes will be illustrated with a video case study of an educational mental health resource. Block 6: introduces innovation and digital delivery of health and social care services. Learners will learn about why technological innovation is important and the advantages and challenges of digital service delivery. Learners will consider their own digital footprint and use of social media. Teaching and assessment: The Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements: Similarities: Differences: Country: Ireland Institution: Griffiths College Qualification Title: Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice Duration: Two Years NQF Level: National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level: 6 Purpose/Rationale: This Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice aims to develop compassionate, competent, and confident advanced healthcare assistant practitioners who are qualified to deliver a wide range of clinical and care skills, can work autonomously, and who demonstrate the requisite interpersonal skills. Graduates may take up positions as advanced healthcare assistant practitioners in hospitals, residential care centres, low-dependency community living units, home care arrangements and daycare centres. The Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice apprenticeship is delivered through a carefully blended mix of classroom and workplace education and training. Apprentices are employed full-time throughout the qualification, so they are earning while they are learning. This qualification is a culmination of a two-year development process, during which there was extensive consultation with the healthcare sector. It has been developed specifically for healthcare assistants to provide them with a pathway from Further Education and Training (FET) at Level 5 to this qualification at Higher Education and Training (HET) Level 6. The qualification will provide a logical progression for healthcare assistants who have completed the NFQ FET level 5 awards to progress in their careers as advanced healthcare assistant practitioners. The qualification is aligned with recent developments for healthcare assistants internationally, particularly in the UK and Australia. Qualification structure: This qualification is structured over two calendar years. There are three semesters per year each of 14 weeks' duration. The qualification is delivered using a combination of 30 days a year in the classroom, and on-the-job training supported by a virtual learning environment. The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules. Year One: Compulsory Modules: Year Two: Compulsory Modules: Elective Modules: QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) The Higher Certificate is generally taking two years to complete. Entry to a Higher Certificate programme is generally for school leavers as well as those with equivalent qualifications. A Higher Certificate holder at this level may continue to a programme on the next level of the framework. Awarded by: Institutes of Technology, QQI and some Universities. National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) The NFQ is a ten-level system. Similarities: Differences: Country: New Zealand Institution: Waikato Institute of Technology/ NorthTec Qualification Title: Diploma in Enrolled Nursing NQF Level: New Zealand Qualification Authority Framework (NZQF) Level 5 Duration: 18 months Entry Requirements: Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: Or Purpose/Rationale: Graduates will be eligible to apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand to sit an exam to be registered as an enrolled nurse. Learners will then be able to practice under the direction of a registered nurse. Enrolled Nurses work under the direction and delegation of Registered Nurses or other registered health practitioners in a range of settings including acute care, rehabilitation, and mental health in the community and/or in hospitals. The graduates of both the Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC) and the South African (SA) qualifications will be able to: Once registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) and SANC, graduates may be employed in a wide range of health care, hospital, and community settings. These may include: Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules. Compulsory Modules, Level 4, 90 Credits. Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 90 Credits. Total Credits Points: 180. Similar modules with the South African qualification are: Clinical Experience: Learners will be required to attend clinical placements throughout the Diploma in Enrolled Nursing qualification. These placements may occur anywhere in the Northland region. Similarities: Differences: |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
| 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. |
| 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. |