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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: |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 71673 | Bachelor of 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 | ||
| National First Degree | Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services | Curative Health | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 470 | 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 | 2029-06-30 | |||
| 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 is replaced by: |
| Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
| 101858 | Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing | Not Applicable | NQF Level 07 | 360 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of this Qualification is to provide a registered veterinary nurse who can render a professional level of veterinary care to animals within the broader South African community and provide further opportunities for continued personal growth. Qualified learners will be competent in appropriate procedures, specific skills, applied competence and knowledge as required for employment as a veterinary nurse by private, welfare and state veterinary services and industry in terms of the Veterinary and Para Veterinary Professions Act 19 of 1982 as amended. Rationale: The diagnosis and treatment of diseases in animals dates back to early times as long ago as 1900 BC (old Egyptian writings) and 1800 BC (legal code of Hammurabi) as well as in ancient Greece (300-400 BC) and old Roman times (234 BC). The Greek, Apsyrtus (330 AD) is referred to as the "father of veterinary medicine" whilst references to the first published works in veterinary science dates back to 1528 (the work of Vegetius 450 AD). The art of diagnosing and treating animal diseases developed gradually over time with training in veterinary science dating back to 1762 (Lyons, France). The need for specifically trained support staff in a clinical environment similarly developed over time and has led to the recognition of the veterinary nursing profession as a key role player in a larger team of professionals devoted to the health and welfare of animals and their owners. The growing demand for these professionals has led to the introduction of training programmes for this particular category of professional. The proposed Qualification aims to meet the need of the sector by delivering veterinary health-care professionals trained to deliver appropriate services in a wide range of veterinary endeavours ranging from private practice, academia, research, animal welfare, wildlife and rehabilitations centres, state veterinary practice, community clinics, etc. These services are essentially aimed at providing nursing care to the patient and support services to the owner and the veterinarian whilst at the same time facilitating proper management of the clinical facility in liaison with other support staff over the full range of veterinary involvement; pets, exotics, horses, farm animals. Typical learners will include students dedicated to the welfare and well-being of all animals with a keen sense of duty in alleviating suffering and educating others in the art of responsible pet-ownership. Qualified veterinary nurses will find employment in the full range of veterinary practices, academia, animal welfare organisations, animal research organisations, wildlife and rehabilitation centres, state veterinary practice, etc.; in fact anywhere where animals are kept and and/or have to be cared for. Duties will include the clinical care and treatment of animals, performing diagnostic procedures, specific and general administrative duties, patient and facility management. Knowledge and skills gained during the formal training programme can also be applied in related animal industries such as boarding and/or grooming establishments, the pet food industry, the pharmaceutical industry and suppliers of veterinary instruments. The proposed qualification is to be seen as the first tertiary Qualification in the field of veterinary nursing for which the new National Senior Certificate will serve as a prerequisite Qualification. Completion of the proposed qualification may then serve as entry point for further Postgraduate Qualifications in veterinary nursing specifically or branching into other disciplines such as management and/or economics. The proposed Qualification consists of a planned range of learning opportunities commencing with exposure to basic knowledge and knowledge of the normal healthy animal. The depth of exposure is gradually increased towards a more problem-solving approach together with the gradual introduction of more applied aspects through a hands-on approach consisting of prescribed practical work and clinical exposure. An entire lecture-free year at the end of the programme aims to equip the student with the required applied competence and skills in the clinical situation as well as in the management of the facility and interaction with owners and clients. Private veterinary practice is well established in South Africa as are activities related to animal welfare, animal research, veterinary academia, etc. It is well-known that veterinary interaction is aimed at two separate but closely related areas; the care and treatment of the animal and the emotional component of the human-animal bond; the impact on the economy in the provision of safe and wholesome food of animal origin. Both have an impact on the extent to which society and the economy in general stands to gain or loose; one is measured more in terms of the societal gain and advantage, the other in terms of money at all levels of society up to and including international trade and the effect thereof on the national economy. Suffice it to say that both are important and stand to benefit from the availability of a team of optimally trained veterinary health-care professionals. The objectives of the National Qualification Framework will be facilitated through this proposed Qualification by adding on to the scope of the already existing framework a further Qualification serving the needs of a well-established profession. As such it will facilitate the access to and entry of potential learners in additional career paths which will specifically serve societal needs and economic growth in general. It will enhance education in a very important field of veterinary science whilst also creating the possibility of further education and personal development. Through improved access it will facilitate redress and lead to the full development of learners as well as the social and economic development of all the people of South Africa. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Learners who register for this Qualification at NQF Level 7 are assumed to have:
Recognition of Prior Learning: The institution's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning will apply. Access to the Qualification: A candidate must be in possession of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) with English at home or first additional level (achievement Level 4); Life Sciences (achievement Level 4); Mathematics (achievement Level 4); Physical Sciences (achievement Level 4); Life Orientation (achievement Level 4); 2 alternative subjects (one will have to be an alternative language) (achievement Level 3). An Admission Point Score is calculated by adding the numerical value of the achievement level obtained based on Grade 11 or 12 results in the subjects listed above with the exception of Life Orientation. The Additional Placement Test used by Health Sciences faculties as prescribed by the Health Sciences Consortium has to be completed by all candidates. Ranking is to be done as for students in the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Pretoria. Added value information in relation to extra-curricular activities and achievements, leadership positions, sport, cultural and community participation may also be taken into consideration. Structured interviews may be required. Students will be selected in specific categories as follows: The Faculty of Veterinary Science views student selection as a key component of its endeavours to meet the veterinary needs of the country and the specific requirements of higher education legislation. To this end the Faculty states its intent to actively recruit and select students to ensure that the student body will ultimately reflect national demographics. Selection of students is done according to the procedure provided for in the attached document (Annexure 5). In allocating places, the Selection Committee will consider ranked candidates within race groups and allocate places according to national demographics. Places not filled within a group will revert to remaining applicants in that category, on merit. Places not filled in a specific category will be re-allocated to other categories at the discretion of the Selection Committee. |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| Fundamental component: 114 Credits.
Core component: 336 Credits. Elective component: 20 Credits. |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| Exit-Level Outcomes are described as so-called Day One Competencies as follows:
A1. General Professional Skills and Attributes. The new veterinary nursing graduate should be able to: A1.1 Recognise and comply with all legal and statutory requirements and obligations pertaining to veterinary activities. Proof of understanding and application provided in written assessments and during experiential training in real life situations. A 1.2 Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, the lay public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities; listen to, understand and respond empathetically to clients, use language in a form appropriate to the audience and the context (a diversity of cultures, customs, value systems and means). Demonstrated during experiential training when communicating with the full range of peers and members of the public. A1.3 Work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and/or collaboratively with professional colleagues, support staff and clients. Demonstrated during informal and formal contact situations. A1.4 Recognise the ethical responsibilities of the veterinary nurse to the community in relation to their possible impact on the environment and society as a whole, taking into account the diversity of cultures, customs, value systems and means of the various communities (see A 1.8). Proof of understanding and application provided in written assessments and during experiential training in real life situations. A1.5 Demonstrate willingness to use his/her professional capabilities to contribute as far as possible to the advancement of veterinary knowledge in order to improve the quality of animal care and public health. Proof of willingness provided during experiential training in real life situations. A1.6 Assist in managing a veterinary practice through application of basic principles of: Demonstrated during experiential training in simulated and real life situations. A1.7 Understand the need and professional obligation for a commitment to continuing education, training and professional development throughout one's professional life. Proof of understanding and application provided in written assessments. A1.8 Conduct him/herself in a professional manner with regard to the veterinary nurse's professional, legal and ethical responsibilities in relation to individual patient care and client relations, demonstrate a mature personality, integrity, tolerance and patience and understand and apply the Code of Conduct and Practice of the SAVC (see A1.4). Demonstrated during experiential training when interacting with the full range of peers and members of the public. A1.9 Demonstrate and apply skills that enable him/her to competently undertake the functions expected of a veterinary nurse including: Demonstrate application of the principles through behaviour, interaction with peers and members of the public. A1.10 Develop a capacity for intellectual curiosity and desire for life-long learning, self-audit and willingness to participate in the peer-review process. Proof of understanding and application provided in written assessments. A1.11 Demonstrate understanding of the scientific method and the scientific basis of modern veterinary medicine. Proof of understanding and application provided in written assessments. A1.12 Recognise ones own professional/technical limitations and demonstrate awareness of when and from where to seek professional advice, assistance and support. Proof of understanding and application provided in written assessments. B1 Underpinning Knowledge and Understanding. The new veterinary nursing graduate shall have applicable knowledge and understanding of the following: B1.1 Relevant veterinary nursing subjects on which everyday veterinary activities are based. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment. B1.2 The structure and function of healthy animals and all aspects of their behaviour and husbandry. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment. B1.3 Relevant aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, treatment and nursing care of the common surgical, medical and reproductive diseases and other disorders that occur in the common domestic species in South Africa. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment. B1.4 Relevant South African legislation applicable to the veterinary and paraveterinary professions. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment. B1.5 The principles of disease prevention (immunisation, parasite control, housing, nutrition, management and medication) and the promotion of health and welfare, including public health and the application of ethics and safety measures. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment. B1.6 Relevant principles of practice management. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment. C1. Practical Competencies/Skills. The new veterinary nursing graduate should be able to: C1.1 Assist the veterinarian with the implementation of basic preventive and prophylactic programmes to promote health, welfare, productivity and performance (immunisation, feeding, housing, management, training, parasite control, treatment) appropriate to the species and commensurate with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.2 Approach, handle and restrain animals in ways that are effective, safe, humane, ethical and appropriate to the circumstances and instruct others in performing these techniques. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.3 Attend all animals in an emergency and perform basic first aid. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.4 Obtain a basic history of the individual animal/group of animals including relevant aspects related to the immediate environment of the animal(s). Practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.5 Where appropriate, assist a veterinarian with routine diagnostic tests and procedures (such as haematology, basic clinical pathology, basic imaging). Ensure proper collection, preservation, identification, and handling of samples, keep accurate records, and ensure that any diagnostic equipment is used safely and maintained in accordance with current regulations, while applying appropriate quality control. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.6 Use radiographic, ultrasonic, and other technical equipment which can be used as a diagnostic aid, safely and in accordance with current regulations [NB!! Some overlap with point C1.5 above]. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.7 Assist the veterinarian to implement chemical methods of restraint, assess pain, safely induce, maintain and monitor analgesia, sedation and general anaesthesia, and take steps to ensure safe and humane recovery. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.8 Perform a basic clinical examination, monitor patients and be able to distinguish between normal and abnormal. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.9 Assist the veterinarian with common surgical procedures using appropriate techniques and procedures before, during and after surgery, including correct application of the principles of sterilisation of surgical equipment and aseptic surgery. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.10 Advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.11 Handle and dispose of biological waste and contaminated materials in an appropriate manner. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.12 Access the appropriate sources of data on registered medicines; On instruction by a veterinarian store, administer, prescribe and dispense appropriate pharmacological agents or medicines correctly and responsibly in accordance with relevant legislation, including disposal of waste and unused/expired medicines. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.13 Where required, carry out euthanasia safely and humanely with due consideration of the owner's consent and the feelings of owners and others. Advise on disposal of the carcass. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.14 Maintain basic health and welfare records. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. C1.15 Apply principles of bio-security to minimise the risk of contamination, cross infection and accumulation of pathogens in the veterinary premises and in the field. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in formative and summative assessment and practical application and implementation in real life situations. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Integrated Assessment:
A range of formative and summative assessment methods are used that permit the learner to demonstrate applied competence. Integrated assessment methods include theory and practical/clinical skills evaluation. The following assessment methods, but not limited to those listed, are used to ensure the Exit-level Outcomes and Critical Cross-field Outcomes are achieved: |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The proposed Qualification is primarily aimed at delivering para-veterinary professionals who will apply their knowledge and skills in clinical and/or animal care facilities although they may also be able to branch into management as well as the pharmaceutical, pet food and veterinary equipment industries. The academic programme covers the entire range of animal species and veterinary disciplines with less emphasis laboratory activities and even less on animal-related technologies.
As such the programme compares very favourably with what is offered elsewhere but at the same time differs substantially from some of the related programmes and Qualifications. Related programmes are currently offered in Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the USA. In Europe (Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Slovenia and the UK) and Australia, the approach is very similar consisting of apprenticeships in approved clinical facilities, coursework at approved institutions, mainly colleges and central assessment administered by statutory controlling bodies such as the RCVS and VNCA. Terminology used is mainly that of "Veterinary Nurse". The emphasis is predominantly aimed at clinical and/or animal care activities mainly in small animals and horses. Duration of training is 2 years. In New Zealand, a 2-year diploma programme is offered by the University of Massey with emphasis on clinical and animal care activities in small animals and horses. Terminology used is the same as in Europe and Australia. In Canada and the USA, programmes are accredited by the relevant veterinary association (AVMA and CVMA) and offered at a large number of institutions across the various states. These programmes also provide clinical and animal care training but in addition, also emphasizes technical aspects. Many of these programmes are 3- or 4-year degree programmes. Terminology used is that of "Animal Health Technician", "Animal Health Technologist", "Veterinary Technician" and "Veterinary Technologist". In South Africa, 4-year BTech degrees are offered in Veterinary Technology with emphasis purely on technical and laboratory aspects as well as in Laboratory Animal Technology. The latter programme covers both technical as well as clinical/animal care aspects specifically aimed at laboratory animal science. Diploma and degree programmes leading to registration as Animal Health Technicians are also available in South Africa but emphasise preventive and primary curative aspects of animal health. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This Qualification is not seen as an alternative route for entrance into the veterinary programme.
This Qualification will allow graduates to continue with Honours, Master's and Doctoral studies. Post graduate studies in the fields of education and medical education will also be a possibility. |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| 1. External examiners and moderators.
Selected by internal examiners or departmental head and approved by Faculty Council. 2. South African Veterinary Council. Constituted according to the Veterinary and Para-veterinary Act. 3. Veterinary Nurses Association of South Africa. Office bearers elected by qualified veterinary nurses. |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| Any one of the following qualifications is required for assessors:
|
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
| As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
| NOTES |
| N/A |
| LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement. |
| 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 |
| 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. |