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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Veterinary Medicine in Small Animal Surgery 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
15504  Master of Veterinary Medicine in Small Animal Surgery 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0335/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 
1. To provide such broad-based theoretical and experiential training in small animal surgery and related subjects to allow the learner to practice at a nationally and internationally high standard and provide a specialist service in all aspects of veterinary small animal surgery.
2. To meet all the requirements for competence as to permit registration as a specialist African Veterinary Specialist College and to qualify for admission to internationally recognised specialist organisations.
3. To foster veterinary small animal surgeon with the South African Veterinary Council, the proposed South an attitude of ongoing excellence and lifelong learning in the learner, especially in the field of small animal surgery.
4. To provide the learner with a broad-based platform of skills and knowledge from which doctoral studies, research and publications of an internationally accepted standard can be undertaken.
5. To equip the learner with the knowledge and skills to provide a high-standard of training to others in the field of small animal surgery, either in tertiary education facilities, or to the public sector by way of continuing education qualifications.
6. To provide skills and knowledge to allow the learner to enter related fields and positions in the job market.
7. To add to the currently insufficient body of small animal surgery specialists so as to meet the growing need for this service in South Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Learning outcomes:
    1. Acquire an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of pathophysiology, signalmen, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of surgical conditions in dogs and cats.
    2. Acquire a broad base of knowledge and skills in the related disciplines of small animal medicine, diagnostic imaging, small animal anatomy, and clinical pathology.
    3. Acquire extensive and detailed surgical skills permitting the planning and successful completion of a wide range of small animal procedures and aftercare at a specialist level.
    4. Develop the skills to critically evaluate relevant scientific articles as well as to write scientific research, review and case report articles for accredited, peer reviewed journals.
    5. Add to world scientific knowledge in small animal surgery through publication and through the ability to plan and conduct research.
    6. Develop teaching skills as well as the skills to transmit scientific theory and practice.
    7. Act professionally and ethically and develop communication skills.
    8. Demonstrate continued interest in new developments and research in the discipline of veterinary small animal surgery. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Study of relevant, current surgical texts and journals.
  • Conduct literature studies for recent relevant information.
  • Present and attend seminars, lectures, tutorials and courses on the subject.
  • Demonstrate in depth knowledge in small animal surgery by passing written and oral tests and examinations supervised by appropriately qualified internal and external examiners.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Study of relevant, up-to-date surgical texts and articles.
  • Conduct literature studies for recent relevant information.
  • Present and attend seminars, lectures, tutorials and courses on the subject.
  • Successfully pass the written, oral and practical tests and examinations of the mentioned ancillary subject under the supervision of qualified internal and external examiners.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Participate as assistant and primary surgeon in a wide range of surgical procedures.
  • Maintain verified case logbook.
  • Participate in planning session and post-operative critical evaluation sessions on surgical cases.
  • Successfully pass surgical competence tests and examinations under supervision of appropriately qualified internal and external examiners.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Attend and participate in journal clubs.
  • Submit manuscripts for critical evaluation by experience faculty authors.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Attend and pass relevant courses in research methodology.
  • Study relevant treatise or research ethics.
  • Research and prepare detailed research protocols under supervision.
  • Defend protocols at open scientific meetings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Direct and regular interaction with advanced undergraduate learners to teach clinic skills.
  • Involvement in formal lecturing of undergraduate learners in the discipline of small animal surgery.
  • Regular attendance at and contribution to scientific congresses, seminars and continuing education courses.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Take responsibility and treat clinical cases within accepted professional norms.
  • Communicate and co-operate with fellow staff members with regards to the welfare of the patient.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate the ability to debate and perform techniques reported in the relevant, appropriate and current literature.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Portfolios.
    Work-place assessments.
    Written examinations.
    Oral examinations.

    Other:
    Portfolio:
    A dissertation acceptable to peer review.
    Three journal articles accepted to a peer reviewed scientific journal.
    Seminars based on current research, literature or relevant topics.

    Formative assessment:
    Continual assessment and monitoring of the learner during clinical work and studies while under the supervision of a registered specialist veterinary small animal surgeon and senior clinical personnel. Feedback is given to the learner on a continual basis.
    Bi-annual test surgeries assessed by a panel of senior small animal surgeons.

    Summative assessment:
    Portfolio work that has been completed and assessed by assessors and moderators.
    Written, oral and practical examinations occur at predetermined intervals and at the end of the period of study. These examinations are set to cover theoretical knowledge, clinical/practical skills and acquired experience. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Veterinary Science, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Veterinary Science, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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. University of Pretoria 


    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.