SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

University Diploma: Veterinary Nursing

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
6591	University Diploma: Veterinary Nursing
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
Advanced Certificate	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Preventive Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	355	Level 5	Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2018-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31		2023-12-31

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 this qualification is to provide a registered veterinary nurse who can render a professional level of veterinary nursing services to the broader South African community.

Qualifying learners will be competent in appropriate procedures, skills and knowledge as specified for veterinary nurses in terms of the Veterinary and Paraveterinary Act.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Matriculation certificate
Other:
Full matriculation exemption with a minimum M-score of 10. Mathematics and either Biology or Physical Science required, minimum at higher grade passed with an E, or at Standard grade passed with a D. Personal interview with candidate to establish level of interest in the field and ability to cope with the demands of studies and a career in veterinary nursing.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit level outcomes 1:
Perform procedures involving the collection and examination of samples from animals for laboratory diagnostic purposes

Learning outcomes:
1. Collect samples from animals (excluding the collection of biopsy samples)
2. Examine and analyse samples from animals

Exit level outcomes 2:
Perform clinical procedures relevant to the field of veterinary nursing

Learning outcomes:
1. Perform minor surgical procedures
2. Perform peri-operative procedures on animal patients
3. Administer and monitor anaesthetic
4. Assist with diagnostic imaging
5. Act independently and apply emergency procedures
6. Perform basic procedures associated with veterinary nursing
7. Perform physiotherapy on animals at a level appropriate to veterinary nursing

Exit level outcomes 3:
Demonstrate veterinary nursing care of animal patients, with the aim of saving lives, relieving suffering and promoting health

Learning outcomes:
1. Apply animal behaviour and ethology principles
2. Apply breeding care and management
3. Apply animal husbandry in the clinical context
4. Dispensing of medicines and veterinary remedies
5. Infusion of fluids including blood
6. Apply patient monitoring
7. Demonstrate knowledge of infectious diseases and parasites of animals

Exit level outcomes 4:
Apply ethics and safety measures consistently

Learning outcomes:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the relevant Acts and regulations regarding safety, health and the environment
2. Demonstrate knowledge of hazards associated with nursing animals
3. Demonstrate knowledge and comply with appropriate legislation
4. Develop ethical attitudes and compassion

Exit level outcomes 5:
Apply management and communication principles relevant to Veterinary Nursing

Learning outcomes:
1. Assist with inventory control and record keeping appropriate to the duties of a veterinary nurse
2. Promote good client relations and communication

Critical cross-field outcomes:
Identifying and solving problems using critical and creative thinking

Understood and apply "Triage" in an emergency when no veterinarian is present

Supervise animals when they give birth and care for neonates
Working effectively with others as a member of a team

Student communicates well with clients and colleagues

Student forms part of a team with a veterinarian, other veterinary nurses and other veterinary or paraveterinary staff to attend to diseased or injured animals or assist with surgery
Organising and managing oneself and one's activities:

Assists with inventory control and record keeping

Describes the categorisation and storage of samples

Demonstrates good theatre practice

Records use of scheduled drugs
Communicating effectively in the form of oral or written persuasion

Inform clients about disease prevention, animal care and primary animal health care.
Using science and technology effectively and critically to safeguard the environment and health of others

Demonstrates knowledge of zoonotic diseases and hazardous behaviour by animals

Uses equipment and medication safely

Disposes of used materials and animal carcases safely and with regard to the environment
Behaving in an ethical and compassionate manner

Develops a compassionate and ethical approach to animals, owners and colleagues

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. One
1. Procedures involved in the collection of samples from animals are described and performed
2. Safety procedures for the collection and handling of samples are described
3. How to categorise and store samples is described

Two
1. Techniques, including haematology and blood chemistry, skin scrapings; urine and stool examination, rumen fluid analysis and the use of Wood's lamp are described and performed.
2. Instrumentation used for sample examination and analysis is operated and cared for.
3. Parasites are identified

2. One
1. An abscess is lanced
2. A wound is correctly managed
3. A superficial wound is stitched
4. A veterinarian is assisted during surgery
5. A sound understanding of the normal anatomy of animals is demonstrated

Two
1. Good theatre practice is demonstrated
2. Bandages are correctly applied, including a Robert Jones bandage

Three
1. An endotracheal tube is passed
2. The different types of anaesthesia and anaesthetic agents used for animal patients are described
3. Injections are given intravenously
4. A patient under anaesthetic is monitored and the procedure described.

Four
1. A patient is correctly positioned
2. Radiographs are taken and developed
3. The application of different types of diagnostic imaging is described
4. Appropriate instrument care and safety precautions associated with radiation are described and applied

Five
1. "Triage" is understood and applied
2. The clinical picture of common poisonings is recognised
3. Symptoms of shock are recognised, described and treated

Six
1. Oral hygiene and tooth scaling are performed correctly
2. Nails and beaks are clipped
3. Grooming procedures are applied to different species of animals
4. Animals are handled and restrained correctly
5. Stomach tubes and catheters are passed and enemas given in the correct manner
6. Animals are vaccinated correctly
7. Medicines and injections are correctly administered
8. The correct method of euthanasia appropriate to each species is applied

Seven
1. The relevant anatomical features are described
2. Appropriate techniques are applied
3. The appropriate equipment is set up and used correctly

3. One
1. Knowledge of these principles is demonstrated
2. These principles are applied in the clinical situation and in educating clients

Two
1. Animals are supervised while giving birth and new born animals are cared for
2. The appropriate reproduction, obstetrics and behavior of breeding animals are described

Three
1. The housing of animals in a clinic, including hygiene and disease prevention is correctly described and managed.
2. Legislation regarding feeding and parasite control is described
3. Veterinary clients are advised on available pet-foods
4. Measures to ensure safety of animal patients and staff are correctly applied

Four
1. The relevant legislation and its application to veterinary nurses is described and adhered to
2. Medicines and vaccines are stored and handled correctly

Five
1. Fluid and blood infusions are correctly set up and monitored
2. The use of fluid therapy in critical care is described

Six
1. Animals under treatment are monitored
2. Knowledge of normal animal physiology and clinical parameters is demonstrated

Seven
1. Knowledge is conveyed to owners and the public on preventing diseases and parasites
2. The transmission and prevention of infectious diseases is understood and described
3. Internal and external parasites are identified
4. Aseptic techniques are applied
5. Isolation of patients and disinfection of premises are applied as appropriate

4. One
1. Comply with relevant occupational health and safety legislation and regulations
2. Wear appropriate protective clothing and make sure that persons present also wear it
3. Knowledge of personal vaccination requirements (e.g. Rabies, Tetanus) is demonstrated
4. Equipment and medications are used safely
5. Waste material is disposed of safely and correctly

Two
1. Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and hazardous behaviour by animals is demonstrated
2. Animals are correctly restrained, housed and handled to prevent injury to themselves, staff or animal owners

Three
1. The code of ethics for veterinary nursing is complied with
2. Knowledge of animal welfare legislation is demonstrated and applied
3. Knowledge of control of specified infectious diseases is demonstrated

Four
1. Compassion and ethical attitudes to patients, colleagues and animals within the clinic situation are in accordance with the high standards required of a veterinary nurse
2. Euthanasia and disposal of animal carcases are handled with empathy and sensitivity as well as due regard to environmental concerns

5. One
1. Patient records are kept up to date
2. Records are kept of medications used and new medication is ordered
3. Use of scheduled drugs is recorded in accordance with legislation

Two
1. Clients are informed about disease prevention and care of healthy animals and primary health care activities are promoted
2. The student communicates well with clients and colleagues
3. Correct veterinary terminology is understood and used

Integrated assessment:
Work-place assessments
Written examinations
Oral examinations

Other:
Attitude and ability within the clinic situation in the Veterinary Academic Hospital and selected private practices

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

None

MODERATION OPTIONS

1. External examiners and moderators

Selected by internal examiners or departmental head and approved by Faculty Council

2. S.A. Veterinary Council

Constituted according to the Veterinary and Paraveterinary Act.

3. Veterinary Nurses Association of SA

Office bearers elected by qualified veterinary nurses

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Qualifications required:
B V Sc, B V Sc (Hons), M Med Vet
Relevant M Sc or Ph D
Dip Vet Nurs
Relevant Technikon Higher Diploma

Career experience required:
Veterinary science
Veterinary nursing
Allied veterinary or paraveterinary professional experience

Other criteria:
Employment by the Veterinary Faculty (internal examiner)

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

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