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: 

Bachelor of Radiography: Radiation Therapy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
7375  Bachelor of Radiography: Radiation Therapy 
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(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  671  Level 7  NQF Level 08  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 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 obtain registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

This qualification is intended for therapy radiographers in a Radiation Oncology facility. The qualifying person will be competent in applying oncological procedures independently, using ionising radiation in the management and emotional support of patients as part of the health care team.

Graduates will have knowledge of research skills in the field of radiography.

An attitude of lifelong learning will be fostered, ensuring continuing self-development and development in the field. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Matriculation certificate
Other:
Mathematics and Physical Science - Grade 12 or equivalent
Appropriate subjects passed at a satisfactory level.
The number of student places is limited and is subject to selection. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Bachelor of Radiography

One
Demonstrated the ability to perform conventional radiotherapy procedures appropriate to the clinical presentation to ensure optimum radiation localisation and treatment planning
1. Apply anatomical, pathological and technical knowledge and skills, to prepare and construct customized patient treatment accessories for accurate and reproducible application of treatment plans.
2. Apply theoretical and clinical knowledge to localize the neoplasm and treatment fields (simulation procedures as well as CT scanning) in order to facilitate accurate and reproducible treatment set-ups for optimum treatment delivery.
3. Implement the information gained from localisation procedures and effectively produce computerized treatment plans (2D and 3D) for optimal treatment delivery, not exceeding tolerance doses.
4. Utilize knowledge and skills to calculate radiation treatment doses and times/monitor units in order to ensure the treatment delivery complies with the prescription.

Two
Apply scientific knowledge and skills to therapeutic procedures for oncological conditions for optimal radiation treatment and accurate delivery of the radiation treatment prescribed.
1. Operate the equipment (including computers) and accessories safely, optimally and accurately.
2. Apply anatomical and pathological knowledge and understanding to radiotherapy procedures.
3. Set-up of patient for treatment.
4. Deliver correctly planned treatment accurately.
5. Application of basic research skills.

Three
Apply knowledge and clinical skills to provide and facilitate holistic patient care responsibly and effectively according to patients needs in order to ensure a comprehensive radiotherapy service.
1. Apply pathological, radiobiological and radiation physics, theoretical and clinical knowledge to provide physical care to patients with different neoplasms.
2. Apply knowledge of applied psychology with respect to psychological impact of cancer and treatment to provide psychosocial support.

Four
Manage a division of the Radiation Therapy department in terms of Quality Assurance Radiation Protection and resources.
1. Implement and adhere to Quality Assurance programmes in the department.
2. Implementation of guidelines as set out in departmental policy document.
3. Implementation of existing radiation protection laws.
4. Apply managerial skills in organising and administration.
5. Manage routine functions of the Radiation Oncology service.

Five
Access, utilise, communicate information and apply basic research principles applicable to the radiotherapy context.
1. Manage and utilise information technology
2. Transfer knowledge and understanding new situations
3. Evaluate an appropriate research publication

Critical cross-field outcomes:
Critical outcomes include but are not limited to-
  • identifying and solving problems in the field of Radiography in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • working effectively with others as a member of a Health Care Team, and group.
  • The radiographer organises and manages herself and her activities responsibly and effectively in the radiation therapy department
  • the radiographer collects, analyses, organises and critically evaluates information in therapeutic radiography
  • the radiographer communicates effectively with patients, the patient's family, various members of the health care team using visual, or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.[
  • the radiographer uses science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any program of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
    - the radiographer reflects on and explores a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;
    - the radiographers participates as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;
    - being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;
    - the radiographer takes responsibility for her own continuing development and lifelong learning
    - the radiographer is schooled for entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    One
    1.
  • Immobilization material correctly identified.
  • Immobilization material correctly used to produce immobilization aids.
  • Accurate patient positioning.
  • Effective immobilization.
    2.
  • Tumour adequately demonstrated and localized.
  • Treatment volume determined.
  • Normal and critical structures identified.
    3.
  • The completed treatment plan is approved.
  • Treatment plan must include treatment volume in high dose area with minimal dose to surrounding normal tissues and critical structures.
  • The completed treatment plan is in accordance with the approval criteria.
    4.
  • Calculations of correct times and monitor units.
  • Understanding and application of basic dissymmetric principles.

    Two
    1.
  • Equipment and accessories operated according to specified guidelines - QA programmes.
  • Equipment is safely operated.
  • Accurate treatment delivery.
  • Radiation safely upheld at all times.
  • Treatment process and set-up is evaluated and acted upon.
    2.
  • Integrated theoretical and clinical knowledge is used for optimum treatment procedures.
    3.
  • Treatment plan and preparation interpreted correctly.
  • Treatment positioning correctly done using immobilization and technical aids.
  • Treatment machine set correctly.
    4.
  • Correct treatment factors interpreted and utilized.
  • Treatment verified correctly.
    5.
  • Relevant literature obtained, analysed and discussed.
  • Case studies presented to the set criteria.

    Three
    1.
  • Clinical assessment of the patient is effectively done within the radiotherapy context.
  • Physical condition assessed correctly (reaction, vital signs, etc.).
  • Knowledge of tumours and treatment side effects applied to facilitate optimal medical care to the patient.
  • Physical condition managed appropriately referred/counselled.
  • Basic nursing procedures performed appropriately.
    2.
  • Psychosocial status assessed correctly.
  • Empathize/understand emotional, social, spiritual and psychological needs of the patient and significant others.
  • Appropriate referral activated.
  • Signs and symptoms of lesions and radiation side effects identified.
  • Apply knowledge and skills of safe and efficient general hospital procedure and practice.
  • Needs appropriately responded to within the ethical code of practice.
  • Communication skills are effectively used at all times.

    Four
    1.
  • Programmes completed according to procedure manuals, to ensure standards are maintained.
  • Do and monitor quality control checks on equipment and patient set-up.
    2.
  • Policy document is adhered to.
  • Performance is controlled according to policy and procedure.
  • Treatment planning and delivery standards ensured.
    3.
  • Radiation is given in accordance to radiation protection laws.
  • Radiation safety principles for self, staff, patient and the public are applied in all situations.
  • Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislature is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the physical and biological effects of radiation are demonstrated.
    4.
  • Patients to appropriate treatment machines.
  • Knowledge and skills of administration applied for daily functioning of department/unit to ensure maximum productivity in service delivery.
  • Co-ordination and liaison between treatment machines and other areas in the Radiation Oncology department.
  • Scientific knowledge and skills utilized in supervising students.
  • Use computer systems to input, access and retrieve patient data.
  • Manage emergency procedures appropriately.
  • Professional conduct is maintained throughout the radiotherapy service.
  • Knowledge of team dynamics and communication skills applied in order to effectively contribute to the team function.
    5.
  • Resources are directed to ensure optimal radiotherapy service.
  • Human resources optimally managed and motivated.
  • Administration managed optimally.
  • Liaison with stakeholders managed.

    Five
    1.
  • Able to use database and spreadsheet software
  • Relevant information is selected from appropriate sources
  • Data is gathered, compiled, interpreted and presented
  • Information is scientifically presented.
  • Information technology is effectively used
    2.
  • Able to communicate globally
  • Transfer of knowledge and principles is demonstrated
    3.
  • Implementation plan is presented
  • Appropriateness of the research is evaluated
  • Research publication is accurately analysed
  • Research publication is critically interpreted
  • Interpretation and implications thereof are effectively presented

    Integrated assessment:
    Portfolios
    Simulations
    Work-place assessments
    Written examinations
    Oral examinations
    Other:
    Practical evaluations are done

    Assessment is continuous and is done on the following basis
  • Portfolio assessment
  • A basic research project is conducted

    Formative assessment
    The learner works and studies under the constant and close supervision of senior academic and clinical personnel, who monitor/assess and comment on the candidate's performance such as personal evaluation forms are completed.

    Summative evaluation
    Portfolio work that has been compiled by the student is assessed by the assessors and moderator(s)

    One or more written examinations are set at predetermined intervals and especially at or close to the end of the prescribed study period. One or more oral and/or practical examinations may be similarly set. These written, oral and practical examinations are set to a high standard and are conducted in a manner which ensures comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the theoretical knowledge, acquired experience and clinical/practical skills of the candidate 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Related qualifications:
    National Diploma Therapeutic Radiography

    National Diploma Therapeutic Radiography serves as an entry point to the related qualification 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    One or more internal assessors from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Pretoria
    One or more external assessors from other national tertiary educational institutions in the appropriate field of study
    Specialist private practitioners 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Qualifications required:
    B Rad or recognised equivalent qualification(s)

    Career experience required:
    Appropriate research/teaching/academic/clinical postgraduate experience.

    Other criteria:
    Registration as a radiographer with HPCSA 

    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 


    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.