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 Higher Certificate: Radiography: Ultrasound 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
1961  National Higher Certificate: Radiography: Ultrasound 
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 Higher Certificate  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  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 
This qualification is intended to produce a sonographer who is competent to complete an ultrasound examination and describe the ultrasound findings in specified learning areas in order to practice independently in the Health Care Team. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Level 4 on NQF or equivalent.
Suited to ultrasound imaging. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided satisfactory evidence that the stated competencies of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, have 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.Integrate scientific knowledge and skills to competently perform the sonographic protocols and procedures for the production of quality images. (45)
2. Assess the sonographic images for diagnostic and technical quality and apply pattern recognition to the specific examinations. (25)
3. Perform responsible and effective patient care and applicable nursing procedures, to ensure that the patient's welfare is maintained. (14)
4. Perform all necessary health and safety rules/principles which ensure the safety of patients, self and colleagues. (5)
5.Perform administrative and managerial functions, which ensure the provision of an optimal sonographic service. (25)
6.Apply basic resource and information technology skills (5)
7.Understand the broad scope of ultrasound. (1)

Specified outcomes:

1.1 Utilise knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, physics and scanning protocols to produce optimal quality images of non-invasive obstetrics, gynaecology (including transvaginal), abdomen, small parts, basic paediatrics, but excluding contrast studies.
(c) (30 credits) (NQF 5)
1.2 Integrate the clinical information to the relevant criteria for the production of high quality images. ?(15 credits) (NQF 5)

2.1 Evaluate the technical quality of sonographic images. (c) (10 credits) (NQF 5)
2.2 Apply pattern recognition skills to the sonographic images. (c) (15 credits ) (NQF 5)

3.1 Perform the nursing procedures required for the sonographic examinations. (c) (2credits) (NQF 5)
3.2 Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with the patient. (F) (2 credits) (NQF 5)
3.3 Apply the required patient care procedure before, during and after each examination. (c) (3credits) (NQF 5)
3.4 Apply the professional ethics and responsibilities required by a member of the health care team. (F) (3credits)(NQF 5)

3.5 Apply knowledge and skills in ultrasound imaging to assist in clinical management of the patient. (c) (4 credits) (NQF 5)

4.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the health and safety regulations as they apply to the sonographic context. (c) (2credits) (NQF 5)

4.2 Perform the specified sonographic procedures within the guidelines required to reduce the risk of ultrasonic biohazards. (C) (2 credits) (NQF 5)

4.3 Ensure that the workstation is kept clean and tidy at all times. (C) (1 credits) (NQF 5)

5.1 Apply basic management skills. (C) (10 credits) (NQF 5)

5.2 Assist in the development of departmental managerial protocols. (C) (5 credits) (NQF 5)

5.3 Perform quality assurance procedures relevant to maintenance of services commensurate with responsibility for this level. (C) (10 credits) (NQF 5)

6.1 Gather and interpret information (F) (5 credits) (NQF 5)

7.1 Demonstrate basic understanding of specialised ultrasound areas. (C) (1credits) (NQF 6)

Critical outcomes:
  • Application of problem solving skills in ultrasound imaging.
  • Working effectively within the health care team and educaitonal environment
  • Effective verbal and non-verbal communication applicable to health care and education environment.
  • Appropriate use of science and technology applicable to ultrasonography.
  • Demonstrate skills in information literacy. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.1. A range of techniques applied is supported by anatomy, physiology and limited pathology.
    * Images demonstrate all relevant anatomy.
    * Principles of ultrasound and Doppler are applied to produce optimum quality images.
    * Images are of a quality that will allow normal and abnormal patterns to be recognised.
    * All required measurements are accurately recorded.
    * Knowledge is utilized in equipment selection and use of controls and settings.
    *. Image artefacts are recognised and minimised where possible.

    1.2. Relevant information is utilized in obtaining a differential diagnosis.
    * Understanding of terminology and pathology that influence and modify scanning protocols is demonstrated.
    * Appreciation of the role of ultrasound in the holistic management of the patient is demonstrated.
    1* Invasive procedures are performed with the sonographers assistance.

    2.1. Correct scanning planes for each organ are identified.
    * Images show correct patient information for medico-legal purposes.
    * Required technical information is demonstrated on each image.

    2.2. Normal sonographic appearance of the specified examinations is recognised.
    * Variation to the above, which may indicate abnormality, is recorded.
    * Abnormal appearance is accurately described and the information acted upon.
    * Measurements that are within normal parameters are recognised.
    * A report on the sonographic findings is written.

    3.1. Relevant nursing procedures are applied before, during and after examination.

    3.2. Explanation of procedures and requirements are communicated simply and effectively.
    * Psychological and cultural considerations of the patient are recognised and acted upon.

    3.3. Procedures are performed efficiently and safely.
    * Medical status of the patient is not adversely affected.
    * Patient's needs are recognised and appropriate responses made.
    * Measures to eliminate cross- infection are applied.

    3.4. Professional behaviour is demonstrated.
    * Ethics relating to patients, their families and colleagues are followed.
    * Rights of the patient are protected.
    * Ability to make professional decisions are demonstrated.
    * Accountability is demonstrated.

    3.5. Basic skills in all relevant aspects of patient management are demonstrated.

    4.1. All procedures are performed effectively.
    * General health and safety principles, according to legislature, are practised.

    4.2. Scanning protocols are performed in a manner, which minimises ultrasonic exposure.
    * Knowledge of bio effects and potential hazards are demonstrated.

    * Workstation is clean and tidy.
    * Infection control is optimised.

    5.1. A small ultrasound unit is managed effectively.

    5.2. Appreciation of managerial needs is demonstrated.
    * Management principles, within the responsibilities at this level, are understood.

    5.3. Broad aspects of quality assurance are identified.
    * Images are assessed for maintenance of quality.
    * Equipment malfunction is identified and appropriate action is taken.
    * Optimal performance of equipment is maintained.
    * Equipment conforms to current health and safety regulations.
    * Practice basic quality assurance programme.

    6.1. Patient data is entered and retrieved.
    * Knowledge and skills reflect appropriate use of information resources.

    7.1. Basic knowledge of the scope of medical ultrasound imaging is demonstrated.

    Integrated assessment:

    Continuous evaluation of theoretical, practical and clinical aspects. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    No exit at first degree level as requested by industry.
    B Tech: Ultrasound 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal and external moderation. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Level 6 ultrasound 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 


    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.