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 Technology: Podiatry

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
943	Bachelor of Technology: Podiatry
ORIGINATOR
Committee of Technikon Principals
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CHE until Last Date for Achievement			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
B Tech	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Rehabilitative Health/Services
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	480	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 "Registered"		SAQA 1536/01	2003-07-01	2006-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2007-06-30		2012-06-30

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
73843	Bachelor of Technology: Podiatry	Level 7	Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L7	480	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The qualification is intended for persons qualifying in the field of podiatric medicine. The qualifying person will be competent in providing and managing a comprehensive service in foot health and associated health services independently, in either the private or public sector, thereby contributing to the podiatric health care needs of both rural and urban societies. The qualified person will be able to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

FET Certificate at NQF 4 with

* Biology at NQF 4
* Physical Science at NQF 4
* English second language skills at NQF 4
* Numeric skills at NQF 2

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme or through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

One
1. Institute comprehensive podiatric care to all sectors of the community
* Demonstrate knowledge of the different body systems (132 credits)
* Demonstrate knowledge of elements of chemistry underlying pharmacology and related therapeutic fields (26 credits)
* Demonstrate an understanding of human behaviour and communication systems within the field of podiatric medicine (23 credits)
* Diagnose foot and foot-related disorders and conditions applying appropriate methods and techniques (137 credits)
* Institute appropriate biomechanical treatment regimes and programmes that reflect responsible and accountable approaches to patient care (15 credits)
* Institute appropriate surgical treatment regimes and programmes that reflect responsible and accountable approaches to patient care (40 credits)
* Institute appropriate medical treatment regimes and programmes that reflect responsible and accountable approaches to patient care (43 credits)
* Institute appropriate rehabilitative treatment regimes and programmes that reflect responsible and accountable approaches to patient care (18 credits)
* Devise, design and manufacture appropriate rehabilitation devices for foot and foot-related disorders (24 credits)
* Practice ethical conduct appropriate to the profession (5 credits)

Two
2. Manage a clinical practice for both public and private sectors
* Demonstrate knowledge of health structures and the roles and functions of the multi-disciplinary health team (5 credits)
* Manage and administer financial and human resources (6 credits)
* Manage and administer physical resources (6 credits)
* Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of setting up a podiatric practice (3 credits)
* Perform administrative functions (7 credits)

Three
3. Apply health and safety regulations, guidelines and codes of practice in the performance of podiatric services ensuring personal safety and the safety of others
* Ensure the safety of patients, personnel and public (10 credits)
* Provide emergency medical care (4 credits)

Four
4. Provide podiatric health education to individuals, families, groups and communities
* Design materials according to the needs of the target group (5 credits)
* Develop and implement an educational programme specific to the target group (5 credits)
* Practise effective educational communication (5 credits)

Five
5. Develop research skills and conduct research in order to advance professional development
* Write a research proposal (9 credits)
* Implement a mini research project in podiatric practice (12 credits)
* Produce a research report (12 credits)

CRITICAL OUTCOMES embedded in the specified outcomes:

* Identify and solve problems, using critical and creative thinking
* Work effectively as a member of a team or group
* Demonstrate effective self-management strategies
* Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information
* Demonstrate effective communication abilities
* Use science and technology effectively and critically sharing responsibility towards the environment and health of others
* Demonstrate skills in research
* Demonstrate understanding of the world as a set of related systems
* Use reflective strategies to learn more effectively
* Lay the foundation for life-long learning to ensure ongoing professional competency
* Participate as a responsible citizen at local and national level
* Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour
* Implement mechanisms of quality assurance to ensure competent and safe practice
* Display cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in dealings with patients, colleagues and the public
* Explore education and career opportunities
* Develop entrepreneurial opportunities

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

One
1. The different body systems are explained holistically in terms of physiological, anatomical, pathological, medical and microbiological structures, functions and processes

2. Principles and elements of chemistry are explained correctly
* Principles and elements of pharmacology are explained correctly
* Principles and elements of related therapeutic fields are explained correctly

3. Patient behaviour is explained correctly with insight
* Interviews are conducted according to principles of counselling interviews and communications
* Conflict situations are handled in a professional manner

4. Knowledge of the structure and function of the lower limb and related structures is demonstrated in order to identify foot and foot related disorders correctly
* History taking and examinations are documented correctly
* Diagnostic tests are selected and applied appropriately and interpreted correctly
* Foot and foot-related disorders are evaluated correctly, applying appropriate techniques
* Diagnosis is made accurately on grounds of evaluation

5. Biomedical therapy is selected appropriately according to professionally recognised protocol
* Biomedical therapy is implemented correctly according to professionally recognised protocols
* Continuous reassessment of therapy is implemented according to professional guidelines
* Knowledge and understanding of the function of equipment is demonstrated accurately
* Appropriate instruments and equipment are selected and correctly utilised
* Treatment is planned within the framework of the professional code of practice and the patient's condition and needs

6. Surgical procedure/s is/are selected appropriately where indicated
* Surgical procedure/s conducted accordingly to professionally recognised protocols
* Post-operative care implemented correctly
* Knowledge and understanding of the function of equipment is demonstrated effectively
* Appropriate instruments and equipment are selected and correctly utilised
* Treatment is planned within the framework of the professional code and the patient's condition and needs

7. Therapy is prescribed and/or applied in accordance with the Professional Scope of Practice
* Therapy instituted is monitored and assessed
* Knowledge and understanding of the function of equipment is demonstrated correctly
* Appropriate instruments and equipment are selected and correctly utilised
* Treatment is planned within the framework of the professional code and the patient's condition and needs

8. Rehabilitative therapies are applied appropriately
* Impact of therapies is monitored
* Knowledge and understanding of the function of equipment is demonstrated effectively
* Appropriate instruments and equipment are selected and correctly utilised
* Treatment is planned within the framework of the professional code and the patient's condition and needs

9. Knowledge of materials utilised in manufacturing of podiatric devices is demonstrated appropriately
* Utilisation of equipment in manufacturing of devices is demonstrated effectively
* Devices are fabricated, according to prescription
* Treatment is planned within the framework of the professional code and the patient's condition and needs

10. An understanding of ethical and legal professional activities is demonstrated and explained with insight in accordance with the professional code of practice
* The patient's rights to quality care are protected in accordance with the patient's bill of rights
* Patient's confidentiality is maintained in accordance with the professional code of practice
* Responsibility is assumed for professional decisions in accordance with the requirements of the HPCSA

Two
1. National health policies applicable to podiatry and their relevance to certain situations are explained correctly
* Knowledge of the roles and functions of the multi-disciplinary team and amongst peer groups are appropriately demonstrated
* Communication between and co-operation with patients and stakeholders are effectively maintained

2. Knowledge of budgeting processes is appropriately demonstrated
* Patient accounts are processed effectively
* Knowledge of principles of taxation is accurately demonstrated
* Knowledge of the applicable labour legislation is explained correctly
* Staffing needs for private and public podiatry practice is identified in accordance with required personnel skills and qualities

3. Maintenance of equipment, materials and instruments is demonstrated in accordance with appropriate procedures
* Stock control is maintained, according to practice and departmental protocols

4. Needs of the community are analysed appropriately
* Marketing strategies are demonstrated
* Entrepreneurial skills are demonstrated in accordance with professional demands

5. General administrative and business communication activities are performed effectively
* Patient records and departmental statistics are accurately kept and maintained

Three
1. Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and its relationship to the podiatric context is demonstrated effectively
* The working environment is safe in accordance with health and safety regulations
* Treatment is performed within the framework of health and safety regulations
* Safety protocols are properly implemented
* Knowledge of the functions and indications for usage of equipment utilized, is known and understood in keeping with protection measures and quality control
* Patient safety is ensured during use of equipment through correct usage

2. Protocols applied to specific emergency situations are appropriate
* Ethical and medico-legal requirements are complied with, within the framework of legislation and the professional code of practice

Four
1. Needs of the target group are identified appropriately
* Educational materials are developed according to the needs of the target group
* Efficacy of materials are evaluated holistically
* The information used is correct and sound

2. Needs are identified appropriately
* Applicable information is sourced accurately
* Appropriate educational method and media are selected appropriately
* Presentation of chosen method is effective
* Feedback on the success of the educational programme is obtained in accordance with guidelines
* The information used is correct and sound

3. Skills in verbal and non-verbal communication demonstrated appropriately in interaction with individuals and various target groups
* The information used is corrects and sound

Five
1. Proposal compiled according to set guidelines

2. Project implemented according to plan, abiding by set guidelines

3. Research report is presented according to set guidelines

Integrated assessment:
Formative Assessment

* Tutorials
* Clinical practice feedback
* Peer group assessment
* Posters
* Presentations/participation in group classes/seminars
* Clinical evaluations
* Self-assessment
* Portfolios/Reflective Journal

Summative Assessment

* Tests/examinations using multiple evaluation strategies
* Viva Voce
* Projects/assignments/essays
* Reports laboratory/fieldwork
* Simulations
* Practical work
* Case studies
* Presenting papers
* OSCE's
* Clinical examinations

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Vertical:

* M Tech Podiatry
* D Tech Podiatry
* Associated Masters Programmes in health and business fields, e.g. Masters Degree in Public Health, Masters Degree in Business Administration

Horizontal:

* Limited to certain science related credits, held in common with Homoeopathy, Chiropractic and optometry

MODERATION OPTIONS

SERTEC in conjunction with Health Professions Council of South Africa

Internal plus external moderators to be qualified at level 7 or equivalent. External moderators utilised at final point of exit.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Complies with requirements of external accreditation body (SERTEC)

Assessors to be qualified at equivalent or higher qualification in Podiatry or related field

External moderators to be qualified at level 7 or equivalent

NOTES

While South Africa still had Technikons, all of their qualifications were registered under the Committee of Technikon Principals. After the Technikons became Universities of Technology or merged with Universities, the qualifications were registered under each of these institutions, and the CTP qualifications fell away (hence the end date of 2006, above). Where relevant, replacement information is s
hown in the table above.

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.

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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.

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