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
123563  Diploma in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Lilian Spengane Memorial Nursing School 
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  Preventive Health 
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 0729/25  2025-02-04  2028-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-02-04   2034-02-04  

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 Diploma in Nursing qualification will enable the learner to function as a clinically focused, service-orientated, independent Registered Staff Nurse, who can render nursing care as determined by the appropriate legislative framework. The qualification will provide a basis for decision-making about what is within and beyond the defined scope of practice, as well as an understanding of the referral system in place for anything outside of the scope of practice.

The graduate will apply evidence-based nursing practice which is based on research or established practices that have proven to be effective both nationally and internationally within the profession.

On successful completion of this qualification, the learner is eligible for registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Staff Nurse.
The qualification aims to:
  • Produce high-quality diplomates who are competent nursing practitioners in a range of health service settings.
  • Provide diplomates with a range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services.
  • Equip diplomates 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 general life. These include:
  • A methodical, solution-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 and other policies
  • Ability to plan, implement and manage projects of a varied nature
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

    Upon completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing.
  • Apply knowledge of psycho-social sciences in the practice of nursing
  • Provide nursing care throughout the lifespan in various healthcare settings.
  • Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework.
  • Use and maintain healthcare information systems for nursing practice.
  • Manage a healthcare unit by implementing the management process.

    Rationale:
    The South African Health Care System is predominantly nurse based. It is imperative that nursing education institutions produce nurses who are able to manage the country's burden of disease and meet the basic health care needs of the population.
    The qualification was approved by the South African Nursing Council (SANC). The qualifying learner will register with the SANC as a nurse educator.

    This qualification is intended to prepare the qualifying learner as a generalist nurse who will be able to meet the service delivery needs of the country.
    The qualification also 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, affective, cognitive and conceptual skills and practice competencies to articulate to higher studies in nursing.

    The learner who has successfully completed this qualification has a significant contribution to make in the current situation of human resources in health in South Africa, taking into consideration the country's historical background and the shortage of professional nurses and doctors in the country. The practice of this General Nurse is focused on quality service delivery within a broad spectrum of health services and in a variety of settings, including rural areas
    The nurse with this qualification has a significant contribution to make in the current situation of human resources in health in South Africa, taking into consideration the country's historical background and the shortage of professional nurses and doctors in the country.

    The practice of this nurse is focused on quality service delivery within a broad spectrum of health services and in a variety of settings, including rural areas. 
    		•

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

    RPL for access:
  • A learner may seek entry to a programme where he/she does not meet the standard entry criteria based on prior learning experiences. In this case, a learner will demonstrate to the provider that he/she can successfully participate on the programme.
    It is acknowledged that some learning programmes leading to awards have no entry requirements. Where entry criteria apply, a prospective learner may use prior learning experiences to gain entry to a programme.
  • 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.

    Exemptions:
  • The institution may grant an exemption from a requirement of a programme to a learner based on prior learning experience at the point of entry to a programme.
  • Exemptions from programmes generally relate to exemption(s) from particular requirements of a programme and can include exemption from attendance or participation in parts of the programme requirements.
  • The learner will be required to provide valid and reliable evidence of this prior learning to the provider to demonstrate attainment of the exempted element of the programme.

    Credit towards an award:
  • The institution may grant credit to a learner based on prior learning 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.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Nursing, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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, NOF Level 5, 48 Credits:
  • Bio-Medical Science I, 8 Credits.
  • Psycho-social Science I, 8 Credits.
  • Pharmacology I, 8 Credits.
  • Professionalism, Ethics and Legislation I, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NOF Level 6, 256 Credits:
  • Introduction of General Nursing Science, 72 Credits.
  • Bio-Medical Science II, 4 Credits.
  • Psycho-social Science II, 4 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science II, 56 Credits.
  • Professionalism, Ethics and Legislation II, 8 Credits.
  • Reproductive Health Science I, 24 Credits.
  • Professionalism, Ethics and Legislation III, 8 Credits.
  • Health Information Systems I, 8 Credits.
  • Health Systems Information II, 8 Credits.
  • Management and Leadership II, 40 Credits.
  • Reproductive Health Science II, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, at NOF Level 7, 56 Credits:
  • Management and Leadership I, 16 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science III, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences, psycho-social sciences and pharmacology in the practice of nursing.
    2. Provide nursing care throughout the lifespan in various healthcare settings.
    3. Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework.
    4. Apply and maintain healthcare information systems for nursing practice.
    5. Manage a healthcare unit by implementing the management process.
    6. 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 anatomy, microbiology psychology, sociology and physiology in caring for the health care user.
  • Evaluate and apply knowledge of human behaviour and psychological development throughout the life span.
  • Implement social and diversity-sensitive care in nursing practice.
  • Identify and manage a range of psychological emergency situations accordingly.
  • Apply knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in nursing practice within the applicable scope of practice

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Provide preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative nursing care to different age groups in various healthcare settings.
  • Illustrate understanding and knowledge in nursing patients in totality, by integrating physical, psychological, emotional, social and religious aspects.
  • 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 3:
  • Render nursing care within the ethical legal framework.
  • Deal with the emotional demands of nursing practice effectively.
  • Implement social and diversity-sensitive care in nursing practice.
  • 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 4:
  • Use and maintain healthcare information systems in the practice of nursing.
  • Use technology in ways that facilitate the effective diagnosis and treatment of conditions.
  • Investigate, test and evaluate health-related technology to suit the needs of the individual or groups in nursing appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Implement the management process in managing a health care unit.
  • Implement nursing care in an integrated manner according to plans.
  • Plan for health care on sound assessment and informed decision-making.
  • 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 6:
  • Promote and maintain the optimum health of individuals and families through the provision of reproductive health care.
  • Apply the correct care principles to ensure the overall well-being of the whole family and individuals to ensure it is within the scope of practice.
  • Promote knowledge, attitude and practice towards puberty and adolescent sexuality in the provision of reproductive health care.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Assessment will be done throughout the course.
    Continuous Assessment:
    This will be done on a regular basis by lecturers, facilitators, registered nurses, the peer group and self-assessment.
    The method of assessment may vary from:
  • formal tests
  • assignments
  • role-play
  • case studies
  • spot assessment to simulation.

    Formative and Summative Assessment
    Formative and summative assessments will be conducted on theoretical as well as clinical components of the course. Successful completion of the clinical component gives entry to the summative theoretical assessment.

    Theoretical assessment will be conducted through:
  • Written tests
  • Assignments
  • Examinations
  • Workbooks
  • Class attendance

    Learners will have to obtain a year mark of at least 50% for all modules to qualify for examination entry. The year mark will be calculated from formative tests, assignments and review of the portfolio of evidence. Class attendance will also be taken into consideration as learners to attend at least 85% of lectures and clinical hours. The year mark will be weighted at 50% of the final mark. The final examination will be written at the end of the academic year. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Upon completion, the diplomat can obtain registration as a Staff/General Nurse in other countries in Africa and abroad. The national health system of the country dictates that professional nurses be competent in delivering primary health care, it is for this reason that these nurses are sought after by work in countries like the United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Holland and Germany. Due to the legislative framework under which South African nurses are educated and practise, they are able to apply this knowledge even in countries where there are no regulatory frameworks.

    South Africa is an active member of both the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), a member of the African Union (AU), formally the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Commonwealth. The proposed qualification would meet recognition requirements in most of the member countries of these organizations and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Within Africa the following countries are training nurses for this qualification. Lesotho, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria and Swaziland. Included are countries such as Canada and the UK. The naming of the programme differs from country to country referred to as a nursing assistant programme or health care assistance programme.
  • Health Promotion: The ILO promotes occupational health services that focus on preventing work-related illnesses among healthcare workers.
  • Training Initiatives: The SADC supports training initiatives designed to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals within the region.
  • Health Policies: SADC develops regional health policies that address communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and other public health issues affecting member states
  • Advocacy for Health Equity: The Commonwealth advocates for equitable access to healthcare services as a fundamental right for all citizens within its member states.
  • Professional Standards: The WHO encourages adherence to professional standards in nursing and other healthcare professions across member countries. 
    		•

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Nursing, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science and Art, NQF Level 8.
  • Advanced Diploma in Trauma and Emergency Nursing, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing, NQF Level 7.

    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. Lilian Spengane Memorial Nursing School 


    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.