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: 

Diploma in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121256  Diploma in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Henrietta Stockdale 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
Diploma (Min 360)  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  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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   2032-11-14  

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 
The proposed Diploma in Nursing is intended to prepare the qualifying learner as a competent generalist nurse who will be able to provide nursing care within the ethical and legal framework.

This generalist nurse will function independently as a clinically focused, service-orientated professional practitioner, who can render evidence-based nursing care. The generalist nurse will also be able to deal with specified emergencies in case of need and refer, where applicable.

The qualification aims to:
  • Produce high-quality general nurses who are competent nursing practitioners in Public Heath Care facilities and community settings.
  • Provide general nurses with a range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services.
  • Equip general nurses with a developed sense of equity, justice and service ethics that will ensure that they work in an accountable manner, irrespective of their chosen workplace.
  • Offer a wide range of transferable skills for application in other professions, disciplines and registered in general life such as:
    > A methodical, evidence-based approach to problem-solving.
    > An empowerment strengths-based approach to personal development.
    > Competence in written and oral communication.
    > Capacity to assess and implement health policies.
    > Ability to plan, implement and manage projects of a varied nature.
    > Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

    A qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Show knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing.
  • Apply knowledge of psychosocial sciences in the practice of nursing.
  • Illustrate an ability to apply knowledge of pharmacology in nursing practice.
  • Provide nursing care throughout the lifespan in various healthcare settings.
  • Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is intended to prepare the qualifying learner as a Generalist Nurse who will be able to meet the health care service delivery needs in South Africa. The nurse with this qualification has a significant contribution towards human resources in health, the population's health care priorities, addressing the quadruple burden of disease to improve the quality of life and increase life expectancy. The practice is focused on quality service delivery within a broad spectrum of health services and in a variety of settings including rural areas.

    The current health care services in the Northern Cape Province aim to address the most prevalent burden of diseases, which are reflected by the statistics, (Department of Health: Annual Performance Plan 2019 / 20 - 2021 / 22: 16).

    On successful completion of the qualification, the learner is eligible for registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Staff 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:

    National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies
    Or
    National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies
    Or
    Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, without endorsement 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Natural and Biological Science, 8 Credits.
  • Natural and Biological Science, 8 Credits.
  • Applied Psychosocial Science 1, 4 Credits.
  • Applied Psychosocial Science 2, 4 Credits.
  • Basic Nursing Science 1, 36 Credits.
  • Basic Nursing Science 2, 36 Credits.
  • Ethics, Professionalism and Legislation, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Health Care Systems, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 160 Credits:
  • Pharmacology, 8 Credits.
  • Health Information Systems, 8 Credits.
  • Comprehensive Nursing Care 1, 52 Credits.
  • Comprehensive Nursing Care 2, 52 Credits.
  • Health Care Unit Management 1, 20 Credits.
  • Health Care Unit Management 2, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 80 Credits:
  • Reproductive Health Care 1, 40 Credits.
  • Reproductive Health Care 2, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes

    1. Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing.
    2. Illustrate an ability to apply knowledge of psychosocial sciences in the practice of nursing.
    3. Utilise knowledge of pharmacology in nursing practice.
    4. Provide nursing care throughout the lifespan in various healthcare settings.
    5. Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework.
    6. Use and maintain healthcare information systems for nursing practice.
    7. Manage a healthcare unit by implementing the management process.
    8. Provide reproductive health care to promote and maintain optimum health of individuals and families. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1.
  • Apply knowledge of microbiology in caring for the healthcare user.
  • Illustrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology in caring for the health care user.
  • Apply knowledge of forces and the mechanics involved in safe patient care.
  • Apply accordingly knowledge of acids basis, gases, and organic chemistry in caring for the healthcare user.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Illustrate knowledge of psychology and sociology in ways which benefit the quality of healthcare delivered to healthcare users.
  • Show understanding of the knowledge of human behaviour and psychological development throughout the life span and its application.
  • Implement social and diversity-sensitive care in nursing practice.
  • Identify and manage a range of psychological emergency situations accordingly.
  • Effectively deal with the emotional demands of nursing practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3.
  • Apply knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics nursing practice within the applicable scope of practice.
  • Prescribe, control, dispense and administer medications in various healthcare settings within legislative requirements.
  • Illustrate knowledge of indications, mechanisms of action and adverse effects of different groups of drugs displayed when providing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4.
  • Provide preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative nursing care to different age groups in various healthcare settings.
  • Identify the basic health needs of healthcare users in various healthcare settings.
  • Provide emergency care in various healthcare settings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5.
  • Render nursing care within an ethical legal framework.
    > Apply and illustrate knowledge of applicable ethics, professional practice and legal aspects during ethical decision-making in nursing practice.
  • Account and be responsible for own professional acts and omissions within the relevant legal and ethical parameters.
  • Provide nursing practice respect for human rights as enshrined in the Constitution and translated into the Patient's Right Charter.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6.
  • Provide and maintain healthcare information systems in the practice of nursing.
  • Correctly utilize components of a health information system in nursing practice.
  • Apply types of health information systems according to levels of healthcare.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7.
  • Implement the management process in managing a health care unit.
  • Apply understanding of clinical leadership and management principles in nursing practice.
  • Manage the nursing unit to reflect the ability to engage in continuous professional development.
  • Utilise existing unit philosophy, vision, mission, goals, policies, procedures, and protocols to direct nursing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8.
  • Promote and maintain optimum health of individuals and families through the provision of reproductive health.
  • Show knowledge and understanding of the male and female reproductive health system during the provision of reproductive health care.
  • Promote knowledge, attitude and practice towards puberty and adolescent sexuality in the provision of reproductive health care. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution: Tafe Queensland
    Qualification title: Diploma in Nursing
    Duration: two years

    Entry language:
    High school qualification, plus English language as a primary taught language.

    Purpose:
    The health sector is growing in Australia with the Graduate Outcomes Survey reporting four out of five nursing graduates gain employment within three months of graduation.

    This qualification gives learners the advanced skills to perform clinical assessments, contribute to the nursing care of people with complex needs, administer and monitor medications and IV therapy, research, and apply evidence to practice. Learners are guided by highly experienced industry professionals to ensure their transition into the health sector is a success.

    Successful completion qualifies the learner to seek registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Upon successful registration, learners may find work as Enrolled Nurses within a diverse range of healthcare settings.

    Qualification structure:

    Compulsory Module
  • Work with diverse people.
  • Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety.
  • Reflect on and improve own professional practice.
  • Confirm physical health status.
  • Analyse and respond to client health information.
  • Practise nursing within the Australian health care system.
  • Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care, compares with health care unit management.
  • Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice, compares with ethics, professionalism, and legislation.
  • Apply nursing practice in the primary health care setting, compares with Basic Nursing Science.
  • Provide end-of-life care and a palliative approach in nursing practice.
  • Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control.
  • Follow safe work practices for direct client care.

    Elective Modules:
  • Develop personal work priorities.
  • Work effectively with others.
  • Research and apply evidence to practice.
  • Provide First Aid.
  • Contribute to the nursing care of a person with diabetes.

    Similarities:
  • The Tafe Queensland (TQ) and the South African (SA) qualification share similar entry requirements into their studies, such as high school qualification with a pass in the English language.
  • The TQ qualification gives learners the advanced skills to perform clinical assessments and contribute to nursing care, similarly, the SA qualification intends to prepare the qualifying nurse as a competent generalist nurse who will be able to provide nursing care.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as basic nursing science, ethics, professionalism, legislation and healthcare unit management.
  • Both TQ and SA qualifications are offered over two years. For the TQ qualification, successful completion will qualify learners to seek registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and for the SA qualification to gain access to the qualification learners must have been registered with the relevant statutory health council as learners for the duration of the period of learning.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is offered full-time and the TQ qualification is offered online. > The SA qualification is offered over three years whereas the TQ qualification is offered over two years.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
    Qualification: Diploma in Practical Nursing
    Credits: 120
    Duration: Two years

    Entry requirements:
    Grade 12 with a minimum overall score of 65% in English Language

    Purpose

    This qualification helps learners grow into competent, confident nurses capable of bringing a holistic, humanistic approach to patient care.

    Opportunities for critical reflection on caring-based practice, development of employability skills and understanding the role and scope of practice of the licensed practical nurse (LPN) are blended into the program's learning activities.

    The clinical practice education courses are integrative, and, as such, the evaluation of your performance in the clinical setting involves evaluating the application of the theoretical concepts learned in all other courses. This is what ultimately determines learner progress toward achieving the competencies of the beginning practical nurse.

    Qualification Structure:

    Modules:
    Year 1
  • Anatomy and Physiology 1.
  • Professional Practice and Communication 1.
  • Foundations 1 - Foundations of Health compares with Introduction to the health system.
  • Pharmacology 1 compares with Pharmacology.
  • Anatomy and Physiology 2.
  • Foundations 2 - Mental Health.
  • Professional Practice and Communication 2.
  • Pharmacology 2.
  • Integrated Clinical Practice 1.
  • Foundations of Sociology compares with Applied Psychosocial Science.

    Year 2
  • Professional Practice and Communication 3.
  • Foundations 4 - Community Health compares with Introduction to the health system.
  • Foundations 3 - Maternal Child Health.
  • Pharmacology 3.
  • Integrated Clinical Practice 2.

    Similarities:
  • The Saskatchewan Polytechnic (SP) qualification and South African (SA) qualification have similar entry requirements, they both require a completed grade 12 qualification with a pass in English.
  • The SP qualification aims to produce competent, confident nurses capable of bringing a holistic, humanistic approach to patient care. Similarly, the SA qualification intends to produce competent nursing practitioners in Public Heathcare facilities and community settings.
  • To gain access to the SA qualification, learners must have been registered with the relevant statutory health council as learners for the duration of the period of learning. For the SP qualification learners are required to register and be licensed as practical nurses (LPN) with the Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses.
    Both qualifications share similar modules such as Applied Psychosocial Science, Pharmacology, Introduction to the health system and more.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is offered over a three-year period and carries 360 credits, whereas the TQ qualification has 120 credits and is offered over a two-year period. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Community Nursing Science, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Nursing Education, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Nursing Administration, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Nursing in Education and Administration, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science in Education, Management and Community, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation
    Diagonal articulation options are 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. Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College 


    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.