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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Medicine in Haematological Pathology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
21419  Master of Medicine in Haematological Pathology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
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  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This qualification has been established to provide training and evaluation for medical Doctors specialising in the field of haematological pathology. The qualification is recognised by the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as fulfilling the requirement for registration as a specialist haematopathologist. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The candidate will not be admitted for the qualification qualification unless he/she has completed the prescribed intern year/s and has been registered with the HPCSA as a medical practitioner.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8, 480 Credits. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Has a sound knowledge of basic sciences related to the field of haematopathology, and is able to:
    2. Has special competence in laboratory haematology, and is able to:
    3. Has special competence in the procedures which may be necessary to diagnose haematological disorders and is able to:
    4. Is a sound clinician and is able to:
    5. Has a sound knowledge of research methodology and is able to:
    6. Has a sound knowledge of accreditation requirements pertaining to laboratories in the field of haematology, and is able to:
    7. Has special competence in quality assurance practices pertaining to haematopathology, and is able to:
    8. Has an understanding of information systems and is able to:
    9. Is competent in teaching and training and:
    10. is a competent communicator and is able to.
    11. Has special competence in aspects of Blood Transfusion. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences as applied to haematology. This includes an understanding of molecular biology, immunology, basic scientific measurements and cell biology.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how this knowledge may be extended to the development of new techniques and diagnostic tests.

    2. Interpret the results of laboratory tests in the diagnosis of anaemia, coagulopathies, thrombophilia, haematological malignancies, haematological problems of systemic disease and therapy-related problems:
  • Recommend appropriate additional investigations relevant to the establishment of a diagnosis.
  • Perform the range of tests used in a haematology laboratory with a high level of technical skill.
  • "Troubleshoot" in cases where technical problems are experienced which may influence the result of laboratory investigations.
  • Assess and evaluate bone marrow aspirates and biopsies to formulate a diagnosis. Where necessary, recommends appropriate special investigations such as immuneophenotyping, immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics, FISH, and molecular studies. Is able to interpret the above mentioned tests.

    3. Perform technically satisfactory bone marrow aspirates and biopsies.
    4. Exercise competence in assessment of patients and diagnosis of haematological diseases and/or haematological problems of systemic disease.
  • Offer advice on the investigation and management of haematological diseases or haematological problems of systemic disease and/or refer appropriately those conditions requiring specialist clinical care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
    Formulate a research proposal:
  • Conduct research under supervision or independently.
  • Compile a synthesis of the research findings in the form of a dissertation that wall be submitted to fulfil the requirements for Part III of the Master of Medicine (MMed) qualification.

    6. Understand the requirements for accreditation within a haematology laboratory:
  • Review standard operating procedures in place within the laboratory.
  • Conduct a review of the documentation regarding the validity of laboratory testing as practised in a haematology laboratory.

    7. Understand the principles of quality assurance:
  • Evaluate the performance of instruments or laboratory test procedures in the context of quality assurance requirements.
  • Offer advice on troubleshooting should problems be experienced in the area of quality assurance of haematology tests.

    8. Demonstrate computer literacy:
  • Use electronic databases for information retrieval.
  • Use the laboratory information system appropriately in the registration of specimens, audit trail, verification of results and information retrieval.

    9. Applies the principles of adult education and learning:
  • Prepares training material for a variety of audiences.
  • Conducts training for a variety of audiences.
  • Understands the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
  • Participates in the Departmental CPD qualification.

    10. Communicate individually and in group situations with all participants in the workplace, in the educational forum and in consultation with clinical colleagues:
  • Write clear and concise reports.

    11. Shows a full understanding of the techniques used in blood transfusion:
  • Is capable of performing such tests with a high level of technical expertise.
  • Is able to interpret the results of routine testing in blood transfusion.
  • Is able to investigate complex problems associated with blood transfusion testing.
  • Is aware of ethical issues associated with blood transfusion.
  • Is aware of the risks associated with blood transfusions.
  • Is aware of commercial and public aspects of blood transfusion services.
  • Is aware of commercial and public aspects of blood transfusion services.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Evaluation is based on:
    In-course evaluation.
    The trainee's ability appropriate to his/her level of expertise is assessed at regular levels throughout the course.
    A practical manual is used as the basis of this evaluation.

    Assessment.
    This comprises:
    Part I Assessment:
    An evaluation of the understanding of basic sciences as applied to the field of haematology.
    Part II Assessment.
    An evaluation of laboratory haematology, blood transfusion, diagnosis and management of haematological disorders.
    The assessment comprises:
  • Written papers (3 hours each).
  • A practical assessment comprising morphology, coagulation, blood-transfusion, haemolotycs and the interpretation of a wide range of investigations.
  • A clinical assessment. The cases will have a direct bearing on haematology.
  • Oral assessment.
  • Part III Dissertation.
  • The Dissertation is the synthesis of a research project performed under supervision in the Department of Haematology. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine in Pathology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Haematology, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Pathology, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Medicine in Haematology, 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 Cape Town 


    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.