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:

National Certificate: Radiography: Diagnostic

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
1955	National Certificate: Radiography: Diagnostic
ORIGINATOR
Committee of Technikon Principals
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 Certificate	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Curative Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Registered"		SAQA 1536/01	2003-07-01	2006-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2007-06-30		2010-06-30

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

A person achieving this qualification will be competent to apply theoretical knowledge, practical experience and skills in specified radiographic procedures.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Level 4 on NQF or equivalent

Suited to diagnostic radiography

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme, or through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply specified radiographic techniques, appropriate to the clinical presentation, for the production of optimum image quality (65)

2. Assess radiographic images for diagnostic quality and to identify normal and abnormal appearances of radiographic anatomy linked to specified techniques at this level (18)

3. Care for the patient responsibly and effectively to ensure the welfare of the patient is maintained (18)

4. Apply appropriate health and safety regulations, guidelines and codes of practice in the performance of radiographic services (6)

5. Administration of the department ensures optimal quality radiographic services (7)

6. Access and utilise information appropriate to the radiographic service (6)

Specified outcomes:

1.1 Apply a specified range of radiographic techniques to produce diagnostic images. ( C ) (30 credits) (NQF 5)
1.2 Produce images of optimum quality. ( C ) (7credits) (NQF 5)
1.3 Apply darkroom and processing procedures. ( C ) (14 credits) (NQF 5)
1.4 Operate a range of basic imaging and radiographic equipment applicable to the techniques. ( C ) 14 credits) (NQF 5)

2.1 Evaluate the radiographic quality of the image. ( C ) (9credits) (NQF 5)
2.2 Apply knowledge of anatomy to identify normal and abnormal radiographic appearances. ( C ) (9credits) (NQF 5)

3.1 Apply support procedures applicable to the radiographic context. ( C ) (3credits) (NQF 5)
3.2 Manage the communication process and psychological considerations of the patient before, during and after the radiographic procedure. (F) (2credits) (NQF 5)
3.3 Apply optimum patient care before, during and after all specified radiographic examinations. ( C )(4credits)(NQF 5)
3.4 Practice professional ethics and responsibilities as a member of the medical health team. (F) (2credits) (NQF 5)
3.5 Apply first aid procedures. ( C ) (4 credits) (NQF 5)
3.6 Perform appropriate actions to prevent the spread of infection. ( C ) (3credits)(NQF 5)

4.1 Perform radiographic examinations and imaging safely. ( C ) (3 credits) (NQF 4.2 Apply relevant regulations to ensure the patients, personnel, public and self are protected from unnecessary radiation during radiographic examinations. ( C ) (3credits) (NQF 5)

5.1 Operate effectively within the health care team (F) (1 credit) (NQF 5)
5.2 Perform departmental administration in line with prescribed protocols and procedures. ( C ) (4 credits) (NQF 5)
5.3 Participate in the relevant quality control. ( C ) (2 credits) (NQF 5)

6.1 Gather and interpret patient information relevant to the radiographic techniques. (F) (2credits) (NQF 5)
6.2 Practice basic computer skills within the radiographic context. (F) (2 credits) (NQF 5)
6.3 Practice basic telecommunication skills. (F) (1 credit) (NQF 5)
6.4 Present information accurately. (F) (1 credit) (NQF 5)

Critical Outcomes

Application of problem solving skills in certain diagnostic radiography techniques

Working effectively within the health care team and educational environment

Effective verbal and non-verbal communication applicable to health care and education environment

Appropriate use of science and technology applicable to the specified diagnostic radiography techniques

Demonstrate skills in information literacy

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1.1. The ability to perform routine radiographic techniques is demonstrated
* X-ray requests are assessed for relevance
* The techniques are selected and the images produced, based on the knowledge and understanding of anatomy and clinical conditions
* Patient is correctly positioned
* Radiation protection and safety measures are correctly applied to each technique
* Patient care is performed throughout the radiographic procedure
* Appropriate recording and imaging media are selected based on the knowledge and understanding of imaging principles appropriate to the limited range of radiographic procedures

1.2. Correct exposure factors are selected
* Images are evaluated for radiographic quality
* Image production conforms to the ALARA-principle

1.3. Processing principles are known, understood and appropriately applied
* Darkroom procedures are effectively performed
* The appropriate equipment and recording materials are used effectively
* Processing equipment is properly maintained

1.4. Knowledge of the equipment and accessory equipment is demonstrated and applied
* The appropriate equipment is selected and utilised
* The knowledge of the principles of physics applicable to the radiographic equipment is demonstrated
* Knowledge of radiation protection and its application to somatic and genetic effects are understood

2.1. Radiographic images are evaluated for quality and positioning
* Corrective measures are applied
* The image conforms to the medico-legal requirements

2.2. Knowledge of normal and abnormal appearances linked to specified techniques has been accurately demonstrated

3.1. Applicable support procedures are demonstrated and applied
* Identify signs and symptoms of common illnesses occurring at primary care level
* Effective non-verbal and verbal communication skills are demonstrated
* Appropriate responses to patient needs are demonstrated in line with defensible ethical practice
3.2. Patient care is optimally performed
* Patients are appropriately assisted both physically and emotionally while in the x-ray department
* Patients are protected from unnecessary radiation

3.4. Professional ethics and code of practice are adhered to
* The patients rights to quality radiographic care are protected
* The process of informed choice/consent is understood and applied

3.5. First aid is successfully demonstrated and certified at the basic level by the appropriate authority

3.6. Knowledge of infection control measures, within the radiographic environment, is demonstrated

4.1. Knowledge and implementation of occupational and radiation regulations are demonstrated
* Performance is in accordance with safety and legal requirements
* Number of exposures to patient is recorded

4.2. Radiation protection protocols for specified techniques are effectively implemented
* Radiation safety regulations are applied
* The ALARA principle is adhered to

5.1. Effective communication between all role players is maintained
* Short term decisions, regarding the patients, are made in consultation with the line manager
* Time management is efficiently implemented
* Liaison between all stakeholders is maintained

5.2. Daily tasks and procedures are prioritised
* Stock control principles are understood and implemented according to prescribed departmental protocols
* Working environment is kept clean and neat at all times
* Patient records and departmental statistics are accurately kept
* Equipment and consumables are responsibly cared for

5.3. Radiographs are assessed for image quality
* Quality control is performed on processor and image recording media
* Equipment errors are recognised and reported to the line manager

6.1. Knowledge of relevant medical terminology is demonstrated
* The appropriate techniques are selected based on the interpretation of information presented

6.2. Knowledge of computer terminology is demonstrated
* Application of word processing skills, in order to perform specific operations, is demonstrated
* Computer system is used to enter and retrieve patient data

6.3. Functional telecommunication skills are applied
* The information presented is relevant
* The information presented is comprehensive
* The information presented is accurate

Integrated assessment:

Continuous evaluation of theoretical, practical and clinical aspects:

Tests
Assignments/Projects/Practical
Presentations
Case studies
Clinical assessments

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Diploma: Radiograpy (Diagnostic)

MODERATION OPTIONS

Internal and external moderation

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Level 6 in relevant field or equivalent

NOTES

While South Africa still had Technikons, all of their qualifications were registered under the Committee of Technikon Principals. After the Technikons became Universities of Technology or merged with Universities, the qualifications were registered under each of these institutions, and the CTP qualifications fell away (hence the end date of 2006, above). Where relevant, replacement information is s
hown in the table above.

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.

NONE