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
123437  Higher Certificate in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Clinix Health Academy 
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 0729/25  2025-02-04  2028-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-02-04   2032-02-04  

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 qualification provides 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 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.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology in the provision of basic nursing care.
  • Apply effective communication in a variety of ways in a nursing context.
  • Access, plan, implement and evaluate basic nursing care for individuals and groups throughout the life span.
  • Demonstrate professionalism when rendering basic nursing care.

    Rationale:
    A first-level nurse should be capable of delivering skilled basic nursing care which is essential to health care in a variety of settings. Combining nursing care with prevention and promotion will enable a nurse to be a strong primary health care worker. The competence of this first-level nurse will be 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.

    The Minister of Health aims to provide best practices to implement the National Health system. Clinics are increasing in size to accommodate the National Health system, and each town has a minimum of 3 frail care centres, where staffing is a major problem.
    This qualification will enable learners who have not obtained a matric exemption for diploma studies to study further by beginning their studies with this qualification. The learner will work under the supervision of a nurse with a National Diploma or Degree in Nursing within the applicable scope of practice. The rationale is to enable learners to provide health care in a variety of healthcare settings within the relevant legal and ethical parameters. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    RPL for access:

    The applicant will be assisted in compiling the necessary evidence in preparation for assessment for RPL. The onus to present the necessary evidence is on the applicant.
  • Direct data:
    It may be a portfolio of evidence containing projects, case studies, records of performance, results of assignments and examinations.
  • Indirect data
    This will serve as a confirmation of prior knowledge including, amongst others, letters of reference, performance reviews and certificates of competence.

    The Assessment phase may only be conducted by a registered assessor.

    The core activities of the assessor will include:
  • Planning and preparing the assessment, which will include the necessary resources, forms, and venue.
  • Preparing the applicant for the assessment by explicitly explaining the assessment details, such as the purpose, process and appeal process.
  • Performing the assessment through a combination of integrated methods such as evaluation of the portfolio for evidence, practical examination, theory examination, projects and demonstrations.
  • An oral examination which corresponds with a written examination may be conducted. Evaluating the RPL assessment achievements against prescribed standards.
  • Determining whether standard learning outcomes were achieved.
  • Crediting the applicant for the knowledge and skills gained from previous experience. Recording all findings and making recommendations to the moderator.

    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? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Level 5, consisting of 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Bio-medical sciences and pharmacology, 16 Credits.
  • Effective communication, 4 Credits.
  • Basic Nursing care, 66 Credits.
  • Trans-Cultural Nursing, 4 Credits.
  • Professionalism Practice and Ethics, 6 Credits.
  • Basic Community Nursing, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology in the provision of basic nursing care.
    2. Apply effective communication in a variety of ways in a nursing context.
    3. Access, plan, implement and evaluate basic nursing care for individuals and groups throughout the life span.
    4. Demonstrate professionalism when rendering basic nursing care. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain macro body structure and functioning.
  • Discuss the structure and functioning of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply both verbal and non-verbal communication in an appropriate way.
  • Apply effective communication in writing and orally to ensure that effective nursing care is maintained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply appropriate emergency care and first aid principles with respect to the treatment of injuries and accidents and basic life support.
  • Apply information obtained from the continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions and appropriate steps.
  • Implement and evaluate individual or group healthcare plans across the health-illness continuum.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Record data in compliance with the legal criteria.
  • Accurately maintain Patient records are maintained accurately, concisely and systematically.
  • Maintain confidentiality and integrity of patient information.
  • Display adherence to a professional code of conduct in the provision of nursing care.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The qualification will comprise formative, practical and summative assessments.

    Formative Assessment:
  • Tests will be written in each of the 4 theoretical blocks in each module.
  • Learners will have workbooks to complete whilst doing practical assignments.
  • Learners will be given projects to complete.

    Practical:
  • Learners will undergo practical accompaniment evaluations during which time they will perform procedures and will be given feedback about the procedure and corrective counselling.
  • Remedial follow-up will be done when a learner is found to be not competent.
  • Workbooks with practical procedures will be given to learners for completion during the practical assignments.
  • A practical evaluation will be done in the practical facility where the learners will interact with the patient to evaluate their competency.
  • An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) comprising 5-minute stations will be done to objectively assess theory and practical integration.

    Summative Assessment:
    The South African Nursing Council examination will be written at the end of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution name: Institute of Allied Health
    Qualification title: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
    Completion of at least Year 10 (or equivalent) and be at least 16 years of age.

    Purpose/Rationale
    The Certificate III in Health Services Assistance leads to a variety of roles that use a range of factual, technical, and procedural knowledge to provide assistance to health professional staff for the care of clients. Health services assistance involves working directly with clients and patients under supervision. With this health service assistance qualification, learners will be ready to work in support roles in hospitals, community services, and other healthcare settings. Job prospects are good, with employment for nursing support and personal care assistants expected to grow strongly.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Organise personal work priorities and development.
  • Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately.
  • Work legally and ethically, comparable to Professionalism Practice and Ethics.
  • Participate in workplace health and safety.
  • Communicate and work in health or community services, comparable to Effective communication.

    Similarities:
  • The Institute of Allied Health (IAH) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year.
  • Both qualifications provide learners with the basic knowledge, affective, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques for additional higher education studies in nursing and to work in support roles in hospitals, community services, and other healthcare settings.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Work legally and ethically, Professionalism Practice and Ethics, Communicate and work in health or community services and Effective communication.
  • Both qualifications lead to carriers such as Nursing Assistant, Patient Services Assistant and Patient Care Attendant.

    Differences:
  • The IAH qualification accepts learners who have completed year ten studies, whereas the SA qualification accepts learners who have completed year twelve studies.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution name: University of Worcester
    Qualification Title: Nursing Associate Apprenticeship
    Duration Two years

    Entry Requirements:
  • 32 UCAS Tariff Points from a minimum of 1 A level and a maximum of 3 A Levels.
    Or
  • Equivalent Level 3 qualifications e.g.
    BTEC National Diploma
    Or
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma

    Purpose/Rationale
    Nursing associates work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to provide care and treatment in a wide range of health and care settings. At the heart of the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme is flexible, authentic work-based learning, which is combined with higher level study, allowing the apprentice to 'earn while they learn'. The provision of an academic award is integrated with experience, practice and learning in the workplace where the apprentice has paid employment status. This two-year foundation degree Nursing Associate Apprenticeship will enable you to provide high-quality, person-centred care across the lifespan. As an apprenticeship it allows you to combine higher level study and alternative placements with flexible learning where the apprentice has paid employment status.

    Course structure.
    Modules:
  • Communication and professional values for health and well-being across the lifespan, compared to Effective communication.
  • Human anatomy and physiology for person-centred care.
  • Principles of nursing associate practice.
  • Essential skills and nursing associate practice
  • Evidence-based practice in health and care.
  • Developing integrated person-centred care.
  • Leadership and team-working in health and care.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Worcester (UW) and the South African (SA) qualifications focus on providing learners with basic knowledge and skills to enter nursing care.
  • The SA qualification prepares learners to be capable of delivering skilled basic nursing care which is essential to health care in a variety of settings.
  • Similarly, the UW qualification aims to enable support workers and registered nurses to provide care and treatment in a wide range of health and care settings.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as basic community nursing and principles of nursing communication.

    Differences:
  • The UW qualification is offered over two years, whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing, NQF level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, NQF level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Nursing, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Nursing Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Community Nursing Science, NQF Level 6 .

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. Clinix Health Academy 


    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.