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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Diploma: Advanced Occupational Therapy

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
16575	Diploma: Advanced Occupational Therapy
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Diploma	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Rehabilitative Health/Services
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	240	Level 7	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 091/21	2021-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2028-06-30

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

The purpose of the qualification is to produce diplomates competent in applying specialised knowledge, tools and techniques in advanced Occupational Therapy. The purpose of the qualification is also to produce diplomates who proceed to the Master's level in Occupational Therapy.

There is a need in our country for skilled Occupational Therapists with specialist knowledge and thus this qualification will contribute to the fulfilment of this requirement.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The typical applicant has a BSc(Occupational Therapy) of the University, or other University-approved qualification, and is required to have completed the degree such that the levels would give the candidate a reasonable chance of reaching the specified outcomes, in order to meet the requirements for registration for a Diploma in Advanced Occupational Therapy.

A learner must have previously gained a knowledge and understanding of both the structure and content of the discipline of Occupational Therapy and of related concepts and knowledge systems underlying the discipline. The learner should have had opportunities to use his/her knowledge to solve problems independently while considering the implications. This may have been achieved either by formally accredited learning or in part by experiential or work-based learning in Occupational Therapy.

In order to comply with the points mentioned above, it is assumed that the applicant shows competence in numeracy, written and oral English, and in the terminology of the chosen field.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Applicants who fall outside the normal admissions process may be considered both for admission and for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

N/A

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. The qualifying learner is competent to perform high order problem solving techniques (collecting, researching, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information at an advanced level) and to apply specialised techniques in the field of Occupational Therapy to recognise, investigate, treat and prevent conditions in the field of Occupational Therapy.
2. The qualifying learner is competent to apply specialist knowledge to determine the causes of functional problems and to solve and manage those problems through Occupational Therapy.
3. The qualifying learner shows ethical, compassionate and skilled ability to conduct all aspects of specialist Occupational Therapy practice, both in relation to the individuals and the community.
4. The qualifying learner will have acquired and will demonstrate self direction and independence in his or her learning in order to become a lifelong learner, and will recognise personal education needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate her or his own progress.
5. In the contexts of the whole individual and his or her place in the family, society the population and the environment, the qualifying learner will have knowledge of health and its promotion, disease and disability and its prevention and management in these contexts.
6. The qualifying learner will be competent to work with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.
7. The qualifying learner will be competent to communicate and teach effectively both orally and in writing with peers, colleagues, clients, members of the health care team and the public.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community. Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information. Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.

Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:

Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities. Note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the University and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied.

Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.

Exploring education and career opportunities.

Developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. The qualifying learner demonstrates:

That he/she is able to analyse information from history, physical, psychological, Occupational performance examination, and diagnostic tests to arrive at a management programme.

The ability to select, apply, evaluate and/or develop the most appropriate specialised approach to the solution of problems.

The application of diverse knowledge to development of appropriate solutions of problems recognising wide-ranging factors including financial, environmental, health and technological aspects.

Appropriate decision making regarding management and treatment or referral based on the above and on current evidence enterprise in problem solving.

2. The qualifying learner demonstrates:

Both knowledge and application of that knowledge in a specialised field.

Competence as a specialist practitioner in the field of Occupational Therapy which includes:
> Demonstration of leadership in advanced problem-solving.
> The ability to work with others in a team.
> Showing initiative and ability to work independently with professional responsibility in a specialised field being critically aware of one's own limitations.
> Appropriate referral to another practitioner.
> Effective communication in any appropriate medium.
> Effective and critical use of specialist techniques of Occupational Therapy.

3. The qualifying learner:

Shows respect for clients and colleagues without prejudice, with an understanding and appreciation of their diversities of background and opportunity, language and culture.

Where applicable, refers clients to practitioners who are more appropriately qualified than he or she is to treat certain conditions.

Demonstrates an awareness, through actions or in writing, of the moral, legal and ethical responsibilities involved in individual client intervention and the provision of service to communities.

Considers both the impact of health care on the environment as well as the impact of the environment on health.

Strives to improve client care, to reduce inequalities in health care delivery, to optimise the use of health care resources in our society and uses his or her professional capabilities to contribute to the community as well as to individual client welfare by the practise of specialist techniques and methods particular to occupational therapy.

Incorporates the ethical and legal issues of the profession into the practice of occupational therapy.

4. The qualifying learner:

Uses appropriate strategies for learning that will prepare him or her for continued professional development throughout life, both as a specialist occupational therapist and as a responsible citizen.

Acknowledges responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD) in order to keep up to date with new developments and to maintain accreditation and meet statutory CPD requirements.

Identifies personal limitations and develops the capacity of self audit and participates in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

5.

5.1 In the context of the individual client, the qualifying learner will show the ability to integrate basic science and clinical skills with an understanding of the consultative process and will demonstrate the ability to:

Obtain an appropriate history and understanding of the client's reason for seeking the service.

Perform a complete Occupational Therapy examination.

Interpret the findings to reach an assessment of the client's problems and formulate with the client plans for management, including opportunistic health promotion.

Maintain a therapeutic relationship with the patient.

Appropriately and effectively record and report all the above.

5.2 In the context of family and population health, the qualifying learner will:

Collect and record health-relevant information in a systematic and reliable way, using this information to identify occupational performance problems and apply it to manage these problems.

Analyse the burden of disease and disability within the family, the community and the environment, socio-economic, political, ecological and behavioural determinants of disease and disability.

Apply the principles of disease and disability prevention and health promotion within the context of promoting a healthy environment.

Play a role in the organisation, management and provision of health care both in the community and in acute and chronic health care settings, taking into consideration the economical and practical constraints within which it is delivered, and the audit process to monitor its delivery.

6. The qualifying learner will:

Recognise the nature and scope of the various professional health disciplines.

Work effectively with others in the health-care team, understanding the need to have managerial, communicative, research and educational skills for this purpose.

Demonstrate respect for the essential roles which other health workers play in health care and show a willingness to work effectively within a team.

7. The qualifying learner will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with the client, the family, the health-care team and the community at large using appropriate structure and style.

Integrated Assessment:

Integrated assessment is performed on a continuous basis and comprises formative assessment, which incorporates seminar presentations and papers, coursework assignments and tasks designed to integrate practical, theoretical and reflective competence. Summative assessment may be conducted by means of oral and written examinations, and examination equivalent assignments, also designed to integrate practical, theoretical and reflexive competence.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

N/A

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The qualification can articulate informally with equivalent qualifications offered by the University, or with other qualifications offered nationally and internationally.

Entry to the qualification:

The typical applicant has a BSc(Occupational Therapy) of the University, or other University-approved qualification, and is required to have completed the degree such that the levels would give the candidate a reasonable chance of reaching the specified outcomes, in order to meet the requirements for registration for a Diploma in Advanced Occupational Therapy.

Articulation during the qualification:

The qualifying learner may be allowed to convert to a MSc(OT).

On completion of the qualification:

At exit level, the qualification articulates with the MSc(OT).

MODERATION OPTIONS

Internal University requirements govern how and by whom moderation is performed. For example, external examiners are appointed and such moderation seeks to ensure that, where appropriate, graduates will be able to comply with professional and statutory requirements. The moderating body for qualifications of the University is the Higher Education Quality Committee of the Council on Higher Education.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Internal University quality requirements govern how and by whom assessment may be performed to ensure that assessors have the competence required to assess a qualification of this nature. The academic staff of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and other appointed universities are regarded as registered assessors since SAQA has registered the institutions as a public higher education providers.

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 Witwatersrand