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
121238	Higher Certificate in Nursing
ORIGINATOR
South African Military Health Service Nursing College
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			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
Registered		EXCO 010/23	2023-11-14	2026-11-14
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-11-14		2030-11-14

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 purpose of the Higher Certificate in Nursing is 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.

Qualifying learners will demonstrate the ability to integrate the specific knowledge, skills, judgement, and personal attributes required for a health professional to practice safely and ethically in a designated role and setting. Learners will apply responsibility and professional accountability.

Upon completion of this 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:
This qualification serves to provide an entry-level qualification to the profession of nursing. Learners who obtain this qualification will be deemed competent in applying basic knowledge, and affective, cognitive, and psychomotor skills. This qualification is in line with the current higher education landscape and the healthcare systems in the country and is also aligned with the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF), new nursing qualifications and the new scope of practice for nurses as envisaged by South African Nursing Council (SANC).

This qualification can provide learners who are skilled in basic nursing care, which is essential to healthcare in a variety of settings. Combining nursing care with prevention and promotion makes these nurses a strong primary healthcare 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.

The qualifying learners for this qualification carry out basic nursing procedures and take care of healthcare users on a less specialised level under the supervision of a nurse with a National Diploma or Degree in Nursing within the applicable scope of practice.

This qualification fulfils an essential healthcare role regarding the provision of healthcare within the military environment and the Republic of South Africa (RSA) with various healthcare needs, under the direct supervision of a General Nurse. Qualifying learners will be able to function independently in both facility and community-based settings.

The institution is the only Military Nursing College in South Africa with a unique culture, rules, regulations and demands which differ slightly from those of other Nursing Education Institutions. Nurse educators and learners are employed by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and are uniformed members who are simultaneously soldiers as well as nurses. This unique capability provides the SANDF with suitable trained military nurses to fulfil its mandate within the country. The Department of Defence requires trained competent nurses to provide nursing care to defence force members and their dependents as well as military veterans. The geographical location, rural areas of the country and scarcity of healthcare practitioners' result in disparities in the accessibility of healthcare services in South Africa. The training of nurses will also increase the capabilities both nationally and internationally as the skill can be utilised in operational deployments and humanitarian aid actions where the host countries lack the human capacity or are overwhelmed by services to be provided.

The training of Defence Force members is an essential part of force preparation and may encompass instruction at any military or tertiary institution for higher education and learning in the world, as well as practical training which must include physical training, sports, structured recreational activities, and military exercises (Defence Act no 42 of 2001: 10). The Institution has been assigned the responsibility of training Auxiliary Nurses to complement the Defence Force operational needs as well as upgrade the country's capabilities. This qualification must therefore meet the aforementioned capabilities required from a Military Nurse and will be emphasised in the Higher Certificate in Nursing programme in the Basic Nursing Care (BNC102) module where the learners are taught to render basic first aid to ensure safe action in an emergency situation.

On successful completion of the qualification, the learners are eligible for registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as an Auxiliary Nurse.

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 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 advancement within qualifications.

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.

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

National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
Or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits.

Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, 8 Credits.

Pharmacology and Microbiology for Nurses, 4 Credits.

Ethos and Professional Practice, 6 Credits.

Communication, 4 Credits.

Basic Nursing Care I, 33 Credits.

Applied Psycho-Sociology, 4 Credits.

Basic Nursing Care II, 33 Credits.

Transcultural Nursing, 4 Credits.

Basic Community Health, 24 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology, Biophysics, Pharmacology and Microbiology in nursing practice in various healthcare settings.
2. Communicate effectively in diverse health settings ensuring cultural sensitivity with individuals, families, groups, and community members during rendering of holistic nursing care.
3. Apply a scientific nursing approach to meet the basic needs of individuals, families, groups, and community members throughout the lifespan in various health- care settings.
4. Demonstrate sensitivity and professionalism during discourse with colleagues and healthcare users to affirm the values of the profession.
5. Ensure professionalism to promote a positive environment that fosters ethical nursing practice.
6. Participate in addressing the needs of individuals, families, groups, and community members throughout the lifespan in various healthcare settings.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply knowledge of the structure and function of macro bodies in nursing practice according to the relevant scope of practice.

Apply knowledge of the structure and functions of Anatomy, Physiology, Biophysics, Pharmacology and Microbiology in the management of healthcare users.

Illustrate an understanding of physiology applied to the nursing care provided within the relevant scope of practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Illustrate sensitivity and respect in all communications with individuals, families, groups, and community members from diverse backgrounds.

Maintain oral and written communication to promote effective fundamental nursing care.

Write clear, relevant, and unambiguous communication.

Provide congruent non-verbal communication with oral communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Implement and evaluate healthcare plans for individuals, families, groups, and community members in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team.

Apply information obtained from continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions correctly for all healthcare users.

Apply appropriate emergency care and first aid principles in basic life support and when treating injuries and accidents.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Implement basic nursing interventions sensitively and professionally to people from diverse backgrounds.

Provide a professionally sensitive, safe, and therapeutic environment for the individual, family, and community from diverse backgrounds.

Illustrate an understanding of nursing practice in the context of a multi-cultural milieu.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Record healthcare information in accordance with legal criteria.

Maintain healthcare users' records systematically, accurately, and concisely to indicate the care provided in nursing practice.

Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of healthcare users' information during interaction with them and other members of the healthcare team.

Adhere to the professional code of conduct when delivering treatment to healthcare users.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Implement healthcare promotion programmes for individuals, families, groups, and community members.

Participate in addressing the needs of individuals and groups in a community.

Render basic first aid to healthcare users.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: United States of America
Institution: Antelope Valley College (AVC)
Qualification Title: Vocational Nursing Qualification
Duration: One year full-time
Qualification Units 51

Entry Requirements:
The application requirements at the Antelope Valley College include an official copy of General Educational Development (GED) test results and transcripts are required for any courses that pertain to the vocational nursing certificate, i.e., elementary anatomy and physiology, general psychology, and nutrition.

Qualification structure
Modules

Fundamentals of Patient Care for Vocational Nurses

Self-Care Fundamentals, Pharmacology, compares with Pharmacology and Microbiology for Nurses.

Medical-Surgical Nursing for the Adult and Child

Vocational Nursing in the Child-Bearing Family and Paediatric Patient

Nursing Leadership and Medical-Surgical Nursing.

Professional recognition:
Upon completion of this AVC qualification, the learner is eligible to take the licensure examination required by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians to practice vocational nursing.

Similarities:
The Antelope Valley College (AVC) qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following aspects:

Both Antelope Valley College (AVC) and South African (SA) qualifications are offered for one year full-time.

AVC and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Self-Care Fundamentals and Pharmacology.

Both AVC and SA qualifications require learners to register for professional recognition /licencing, i.e. Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT), and the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

Differences

Antelope Valley College (AVC) qualification consists of 51 units while the South African (SA) qualification consists of 120 credits.

The AVC qualification requires learners with an official copy of General Educational Development (GED) test results and transcripts, while the SA qualification requires learners who completed the National Senior Certificate.

Country: New Zealand
Institution: Waikato Institute of Technology/ NorthTec (WINTEC)
Qualification Title: Diploma in Enrolled Nursing
NQF Level: New Zealand Qualification Authority Framework (NZQF) Level 5
Duration: 18 months
Credits: 180

Entry Requirements:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 2 with at least 12 credits in Level 1 Mathematics.
Or

Evidence of literacy and numeracy and an ability to study at an appropriate level. Evidence can be through study, work and/or life experience.

Applicants may be required to undertake a literacy and numeracy assessment.

All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level. Applicants for whom English is not the first language must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.5 or an accepted international equivalence.

Purpose/Rationale:
Learners 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.

Qualification structure:
The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.

Compulsory Modules, Level 4, 90 Credits.

Nursing as a Profession, 15 Credits.

Applied Social Science, 15 Credits.

Applied Structure and Function of the Human Body, 15 Credits.

Clinical skills, 15 Credits.

Foundations for Nursing Practice, 30 Credits, compares with Basic Nursing Care.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 90 Credits.

Nursing Practice: Acute Care, 30 Credits.

Nursing Practice: Mental Health and Addictions, 30 Credits, Campers with Applied Psycho-Sociology.

Nursing Practice: Rehabilitation, 30 Credits.

Professional recognition/registration
After completing this qualification learners will be able to apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand to sit an exam to be registered as an Enrolled Nurse; this means they will be able to practise under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

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:

The Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC) qualification requires candidates who have achieved the National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 2 with at least 12 credits in Level 1 Mathematics and the South African (SA) qualification require the achievement of the secondary school qualification, the National Senior Certificate with Mathematics and Life Sciences.

Both the WINTEC and SA qualifications are at NZQF/ NQF Level 5.

On completion of both the WINTEC and SA qualifications, qualifying learners are eligible to apply to NCNZ for registration as an Enrolled Nurse, and for SA qualification, registration as a nurse with SANC.

The WINTEC and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Foundations for Nursing Practice and Nursing Practice: Mental Health and Addictions.

Differences:

The duration for the WINTEC qualification is 18 months while the SA qualification takes one year full-time to complete.

The WINTEC qualification carries a weight of 180 credits while the SA weighs 120 credits.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS
Horizontal Articulation:

Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, NQF Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

Diploma in Nursing Science, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Nursing, NQF Level 6.

Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 7.

Diagonal Articulation:
Diagonal articulation options not available

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.

1.	South African Military Health Service Nursing College