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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91786  Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
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  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  512  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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   2034-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to develop a graduate competent in the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required for the orthotic and prosthetic professions. The qualifying graduate will be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence-based techniques, practical experience, clinical procedures and appropriate skills.

The qualification will produce a well-rounded graduate who will be capable of practicing as a clinician, developing and managing a clinic or a laboratory or providing services as a private practitioner. The graduate will be a team player capable of working in multidisciplinary teams and moving the profession forward.

Rationale:
This Bachelor of Science: Health Sciences: Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics (BSc: MOP) will provide much needed human resources in the profession of Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics. The need for medical orthotists and prosthetists was identified by the Provincial Department of Health and who approached the Institution to provide this qualification to try to alleviate the huge demand for orthotic and prosthetic services in the Province and beyond. This, together with the fact that, at present, there is only one other training provider for this qualification in the country, are the primary reasons for this qualification.

Best practice within the BSc: MOP is reflected in the purpose, which is a multidisciplinary approach that facilitates skills to work synergistically to make significant contributions to knowledge in our increasingly complex health promotion and health care environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that the student has appropriate and relevant knowledge and skills in:
  • Communications at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4.
  • Biology at NQF Level 4.
  • Physical Sciences at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    Students will be admitted into the Bachelor of Science: Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics (BSc: MOP) with credit given to prior learning which will be assessed as per the institutional policy.

    Access to the Qualification:

    The minimum entrance requirement for the BSc: MOP is a:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with endorsement for Degree entry with the following subjects:
    > English.
    > Life Sciences.
    > Physical Sciences.
    > Mathematics.
  • Senior Certificate with Matriculation exemption.
  • Admission requirements based on work experience, age and maturity; admission via recognition of prior learning granted through an internal process will apply. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All the modules, totalling 512 credits, are compulsory.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Physics, 12 credits.
  • Mathematics, 8 credits.
  • Materials Science, 12 credits.
  • General Education I, 8 credits.
  • Principles of Orthotics and Prosthetics I, 28 credits.
  • Clinical Practice I, 24 credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Anatomy I, 20 credits
  • Computer and Graphical Communication, 12 credits.
  • Electronics, 8 credits.
  • Anatomy II, 12 credits.
  • Physiology, 16 credits.
  • Biomechanics I, 16 credits.
  • General Education II, 8 credits.
  • Principles of Orthotics and Prosthetics II, 28 credits.
  • Clinical Practice II, 32 credits.
  • Clinical Studies I, 16 credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Biomechanics II, 12 credits.
  • Ethics and Medical Law, 8 credits.
  • Research Methodology and Statistics, 16 credits.
  • Psychology, 8 credits.
  • Pharmacology, 12 credits.
  • Principles of Orthotics and Prosthetics III, 32 credits.
  • Clinical Practice III, 24 credits.
  • Clinical Studies II, 24 credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 8:
  • Biomechanics III, 12 credits.
  • Clinical Practice IVA (orthotics), 32 credits.
  • Clinical Practice IVB (prosthetics), 32 credits.
  • Clinic, Laboratory and Business Management, 16 credits.
  • Research Project, 16 credits.
  • Advanced Clinical Practice, 8 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate effective communication and apply the principles of medical ethics, professional behaviour and the legal framework to the context within which medical orthotic and prosthetic practitioners operate while maintaining personal health, wellness and safety.
    2. Independently assess, prescribe, practice, supervise, evaluate and facilitate the provision of medical orthotic and prosthetic care to the community, utilising specialised strategies and technologies.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the management, structure and function of orthotic and prosthetic service systems in South Africa and provide operational and clinical supervision within an orthotic and prosthetic environment.
    4. Become a reflective practitioner and lifelong learner within the medical orthotic and prosthetic profession and changing health care environments.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Organising and managing self and own activities responsibly and effectively is demonstrated in the provision of optimal clinical care to patients.
  • Information is collected, analysed, organised and critically evaluated for the assessment and treatment of patients.
  • Effective communicating using visual and language skills orally or in writing is demonstrated through the successful treatment or handover of patients for other services.
  • Understanding the world as a set of related systems is indicated in the cultural sensitivity applied when dealing with patients, colleagues and communities.
  • Team work is demonstrated in the effective working with others as a team and in the context of providing services effectively or moving knowledge forward.
  • Identifying and solving problems are demonstrated in the critical and creative thinking used in patient care and operational matters.
  • Utilising science and technology is clearly indicated in the effective use of technology whilst simultaneously showing protection of the environment and others.
  • The need for continuous professional development and lifelong learning is demonstrated by the awareness of the transformative nature of the health care system. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Professional carriage, behaviour and attitudes are demonstrated in all academic and clinical settings.
  • Optimal expertise and critical knowledge in fundamental and core modules are demonstrated.
  • Intellectual and clinical independence while ensuring safety of self and others is demonstrated.
  • Awareness of the consequences of own decisions and actions is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Knowledge and understanding of human and basic sciences underpinning medical orthotic and prosthetic care is demonstrated.
  • Techniques, processes, systems or technologies are applied and transferred in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts within the health sciences environment and new methods are developed, where appropriate.
  • Specialist knowledge and theory are applied in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems within the Health Sciences environment.
  • Competence in all applications is consistently demonstrated.
  • In-service education and training is provided in medical orthotic and prosthetic care.
  • Independent, specialised orthotic and prosthetic services are provided to all appropriate sectors of the community.
  • Management, education and research skills are applied during independent practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Understanding of the position of medical orthotics and prosthetics within the South African Health care system is shown.
  • Understanding of the management, structure and function of medical orthotic and prosthetic service systems in South Africa is demonstrated.
  • Operational and clinical supervision within a medical orthotic and prosthetic environment is provided.
  • Skills and a capacity for quality assurance in a medical orthotic and prosthetic environment are demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Research skills are developed and research in medical orthotics and prosthetics in a multidisciplinary health care environment is conducted.
  • Knowledge of and engagement in an area at the forefront of the field are demonstrated.
  • New research initiatives are conceptualised and new knowledge or practice in medical orthotics and prosthetics is created.
  • Research leadership and management of research and research development are demonstrated in an ethical and accountable manner in Health Sciences.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Student assessment includes both formative and summative assessment.

    Formative assessment is continuous and focuses on ensuring adequate levels of competencies in critical knowledge, behaviours and skills.

    The clinical assessment of competencies allows for an integrated approach not only to learning but also assessment. Assessment in the multidisciplinary training centre also allows an integrated approach to patient care and will be assessed as such.

    Summative assessment is made from written examinations, clinical skills' assessments and the production of a research project. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Several tertiary institutions throughout the world offer Bachelor Degrees in Orthotics and Prosthetics.
    These include:
  • California State University, United States of America (USA).
  • St Petersburg College, Florida, USA.
  • University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland.
  • Morocco University, North Africa.

    The International Council for Orthotics and Prosthetics (ISPO) monitors international standards. This BSc: MOP meets the ISPO standards and is therefore compatible with other similar international qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with relevant Professional Degrees or Postgraduate Diplomas at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with relevant Masters' Degree's at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal moderation will be undertaken for all non exit level modules. Internal moderators will be required to have a qualification at least one level higher than that being examined. For exit level modules, external examination and/or moderation will apply. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For all modules that pertain to medical sciences, assessors should be registered as practitioners with Health Professions Council of South Africa.

    All assessors must comply with the relevant institutional rules and regulations. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.