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: 

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Sonography 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94679  Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Sonography 
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  Preventive 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 the qualification is to develop a professional who will be competent with the knowledge and skills required for the profession of Diagnostic Sonography. A sonographer is a professional who has gained experience in applying such knowledge and skills in the appropriate workplace context. Skills in management, problem solving and research will also be demonstrated allowing the holder of this qualification to be able to work independently and in a supervisory capacity within the health care team.

Successful completion of this qualification will enable the student to be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a graduate in the field of Diagnostic Sonography. The outcomes achieved will allow the student to practice his/her skills to the benefit of the community and to share their skills and knowledge with fellow students and peers. Registration will be assurance to the community and society that the professional will practice at all times within the relevant scope as determined by the HPCSA.

Rationale:
There is a national shortage of qualified sonographers to operate ultrasound equipment in order to provide a safe and accessible service to the public. Many hospitals and clinics, especially in the government sector, have ultrasound machines but lack operators with the necessary skills to provide a safe and meaningful service or are using personnel to operate these units who have not undergone formal training and assessment.

The field of Medical Imaging is undergoing rapid advancement in both the technology and in the areas in which it can be applied. As more emphasis is placed on preventive rather than curative medicine, ultrasound is a cost effective means of screening for, and determining a wide range of disorders at a relatively early stage, thus helping improve the treatment and prognosis. There is scope for use at all health care levels, especially in Primary Health Care, where it is particularly useful in the assessment and management of maternal and child health care.

The qualification requires learners to be registered with the relevant Professional Board-Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), so as to allow the holder to practice in both the public and private sectors.

The Exit-Level Outcomes of this qualification describe the foundational, practical and reflexive competencies, which constitute the applied competencies required to provide a safe diagnostic sonography service to the public. The holder of the Bachelor's Degree may register for a Master's Degree and may then proceed to a Doctoral qualification. Horizontal articulation may be possible into a Bachelor's Degree in another radiography discipline.

The process of curriculum development within the radiography environment has been a country wide initiative that started many years ago. There is a general consensus that the qualification should be seen as a Professional Bachelor's Degree in Ultrasound Radiography with a minimum of 512 Credits, as this is also in keeping with the international qualifications in Sonography.

This new qualification has been developed to provide content and learning outcomes that will enable the learners to have key attributes for success in the work place, and be able to make a valuable contribution to the South African Health Services environment. This new qualification will enable students to have thorough lifelong learning skills and hence be able to contribute to the social, economic, cultural and intellectual life of a rapidly changing society. It will also provide high-level and globally equivalent skills training in a radiography context and hence strengthen the country's health services.

This new qualification will provide the opportunity for our graduates to be socially and ethically responsible within the HealthCare System. There will be acquisition and application of knowledge, skills and attitudes, driven by a structured system of academic modules and integration with clinical experience in the work place. The new qualification has also a research component which provides the student with the opportunity of undertaking research that should inform good practice and is in alignment with the needs of industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior (RPL):
The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. However it must be noted that no person may practice unless they have received a formal accredited qualification and are registered with the HPCSA. Each applicant will be considered according to the DUT's RPL policy and guidelines. The student will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and the appropriate support/guidance will be provided. The process will provide the learners with an opportunity to demonstrate competence in the relevant learning areas/outcomes and will not prevent him/her from taking up the RPL option towards attempting to gain a qualification that will enable him/her to register with the HPCSA as a radiographer/sonographer.

If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to him/her. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of an appropriate Integrated Assessment method as mentioned above.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow a successful student:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Obtaining of this Qualification in part or in whole.

    Entry Requirements:
    Access to the qualification:
    To be able to gain access to the Professional Bachelor's Degree:

    Health Sciences in Diagnostic Sonography Degree applicants should be in possession of a valid:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission for Degree purposes.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission for Degree purposes.
    Or
  • National Vocational Certificate (NCV) (NQF Level 4).
    And
  • Minimum results in, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises fundamental and core modules at NQF Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 512 Credits.

    Fundamental Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Anatomy I, 12 Credits.
  • Physiology I, 24 Credits.
  • Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
  • DUT General Education I, 8 Credits.
  • Health Sciences General Education I, 12 Credits.
  • Anatomy II, 12 Credits.
    Total credits for NQF Level 5, 80.

    Fundamental Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • General Pathology I, 8 Credits.
  • DUT General Education II, 8 Credits.
  • Health Sciences General Education II, 12 Credits.
  • Health Sciences Research I, 12 Credits.
  • Management for Health Professionals, 8 Credits.
  • Small Business Management, 8 Credits.
    Total credits for NQF Level 6, 56.

    Fundamental Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • DUT General Education III, 8 Credits.
  • Health Sciences General Education III, 12 Credits.
    Total credits for NQF Level 7, 20.

    Fundamental Modules at NQF Level 8:
  • DUT General Education IV, 8 Credits.
  • Health Sciences General Education IV, 12 Credits.
    Total credits for NQF Level 8, 20.

    Core Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Ultrasound Imaging Sciences I, 16 Credits.
    Total credits for NQF Level 5, 16.

    Core Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Professional Practice and Management I, 8 Credits.
  • Ultrasound Practice and Procedures I, 28 Credits.
  • Professional Practice and Management II, 16 Credits.
  • Ultrasound Practice and Procedures II, 52 Credits.
  • Ultrasound Imaging Sciences II, 16 Credits.
    Total credits for NQF Level 6, 120.

    Core Modules at NQF 7:
  • Professional Practice and Management III, 8 Credits.
  • Ultrasound Imaging Sciences III, 16 Credits.
  • Ultrasound Practice and Procedures III, 48 Credits.
  • Health Sciences Research II, 12 Credits.
  • Programme Elective, 16 Credits.
    Total credits for NQF Level 7, 100.

    Core Modules at NQF Level 8
  • Health Sciences Research III, 20 Credits.
  • Professional Practice and Management IV, 8 Credits.
  • Ultrasound Imaging Sciences IV, 16 Credits.
  • Ultrasound Practice and Procedures IV, 36 Credits.
  • Programme Elective, 20 Credits.
    Total credits for NQF Level 8, 100. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Effectively utilises an integrated approach to demonstrate advanced scientific knowledge, skills and competencies in the interrogation and evaluation of current and future technology in the sonography context.
    2. Applies and integrates advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to perform and interpret routine and specialised sonographic procedures and produce images of optimum quality in the clinical workplace context.
    3. Develops critical enquiry and applies complex research skills to conduct formal and informal research within an area of a specialised field in the profession of ultrasound, provides creative insights and rigorous interpretation of findings to solve problems and present the results to peers.
    4. Integrates and applies knowledge of entrepreneurship and the management functions in the complex and dynamic situations within an ultrasound context in order to take full responsibility and accountability for the management of a public or private department in terms of human resources, procurement, ethics, human rights, medical law and quality assurance both as an employee and an employer.
    5. Demonstrates advanced values systems, knowledge and skills that will enable and enhance meaningful participation in society, contribute towards developing sustainable communities, and establish a firm foundation for the assumption of a productive and responsible role in the workplace and beyond. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Scientific knowledge is effectively demonstrated in the selection of equipment and manipulation of controls necessary for patient management and healthcare service delivery.
  • Future technological trends or advances in sonography are effectively reviewed and evaluated in order to inform decision making within the department.
  • Advanced sonography equipment is used to perform routine and specialised examinations using advanced scientific knowledge and skills that demonstrate competence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • An integration of advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and attitudes are competently applied and demonstrated when performing routine and specialised sonographic procedures.
  • The obtained images are critically evaluated to ensure that they are of optimum diagnostic quality and technical factors that may lead to misdiagnosis are eliminated.
  • Sonographic images evaluated and pattern recognition skills are demonstrated when assessing the images in order to determine aberrant appearances in keeping with pathology.
  • Appreciation of the role of ultrasound in the holistic management of the patient is demonstrated in the practical context when other investigations may be required.
  • Advanced quality assurance and understanding of troubleshooting procedures for optimum performance of ultrasound equipment is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Advanced knowledge of research theories, designs and methodologies is applied throughout the research process.
  • Complex research principles, skills and methodology in the field of Ultrasound research are applied and demonstrated in the form of a submitted research proposal and project.
  • Suitable resources are critically evaluated and the research adheres to ethical policies and procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes are applied in the management of public and private sonography departments in accordance with relevant management principles.
  • Rights of the patient, including psychological, cultural and ethical considerations as entrenched in the Human Rights Bill, the Patients Charter and medical law are protected and maintained.
  • Integrated knowledge of management, technology and legislation is demonstrated in the ability to design and equip a new, or alter an existing, ultrasound facility.
  • Performance management strategies are developed in a manner which shows an understanding of management principles and current legislation.
  • The relevant laws, regulations, policies and guidelines that regulate the functioning of healthcare professionals are adhered to in the sonography context to ensure professional conduct within the scope of practice.
  • Quality assurance is applied effectively within the radiography context in accordance with local and national guidelines, policies and procedures.
  • Entrepreneurial principles are described in relation to private practice in sonography.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Informed knowledge of current and historical socio-political issues and their impact are demonstrated.
  • Active involvement into the social system, through community based projects, is demonstrated whilst meeting the standard requirements for the programme.
  • Personal growth is demonstrated through acquiring and development of advanced understanding, insight and observational skills to solve problems related to immediate work environment and beyond.
  • Personal attributes developed are aligned with the standard requirements of the world of work as determined by relevant laws.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Exit Level Outcomes will be aligned to the teaching methods and will be addressed in the assessments. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the qualification will be integrated.

    Assessment of fundamentals will be integrated as far as possible with other aspects-e.g. theory and integrated learning. Practical contexts such as case scenarios and work placements will be used wherever possible. A variety of assessment methods will be used however, the assessment tools and activities will be appropriate to the context in which the student will work after graduating. In addition to assessing students in the workplace, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar strategies may be used to provide a context that is similar to the workplace.

    The term Integrated Assessment means that theoretical and practical components will be assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and methods-where formative feedback will be provided to the student to enable students to improve their work prior to the summative assessment taking place. Combinations of workplace learning, practical, applied theory, foundational knowledge and reflective competencies will be assessed. Continuous assessment will be provided and may include some of the following:
  • Portfolios.
  • Simulations.
  • Workplace assessments and practical workbooks/logbooks.
  • Written assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Case studies and case presentations.
  • Problem based assessments.
  • Peer group projects and assignments.
  • Oral presentations.
  • Competency assessment of clinical skills.
  • Face to face contact with students. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The primary objective of designing the qualification was to meet the needs of the South African community as identified by the National Department of Health and also to be compatible with international standards. The qualification has been compared with the qualifications from various international states, commencing with those which are leaders in the field of Diagnostic Sonography.

    Introduction:
    The ultrasound qualifications in South Africa (SA) are currently registered as a National Diploma and as a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The B Tech may be obtained as a vertical qualification from the National Diploma or as a second category qualification from a National Diploma in another radiographic qualification. The restructuring of both the education and healthcare systems has identified the need to have a professional Degree and the need to bring ultrasound education and training on par with international standards. In comparing this professional Degree with other international states/countries, most offer ultrasound as an additional qualification. In investigating international comparability for an ultrasound qualification the following countries have a "standalone" ultrasound qualification in some format resembling that of South Africa.

    United State of America (USA):
    It should be considered when assessing qualifications from the USA that the registration of competencies is different to those of South Africa. Here in South Africa we have a more holistic qualification which encompasses echocardiography, vascular Sonography and musculo-skeletal sonography within the qualification, hence the need for 4 years of study. In the USA these are separate qualifications and can be studied separately via shorter courses. All curriculum options are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programmes. Also in order for the graduates to practice in the USA, they have to write additional examinations set by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (A.R.D.M.S). Another point to note is that the Diagnostic Sonography qualifications are offered to candidates who hold an associate Degree or Bachelor's Degree.

    St Louis Community College in Missouri:
    This College offers a 42 Credits, four semester ultrasound programme which is offered at Forest Park Campus only. For the practical component, the student is expected to complete 1400 clinical hours. The 42 Credits qualification is offered in three options. Learners may choose either of the following options:
    Option 1: Medical sonography (this covers obstetrics, gynaecology and abdomen ultrasound).
    Option 2: Cardiac sonography.
    Option 3: Vascular sonography.

    On successful completion of the course, a Certificate of Proficiency in Diagnostic Medical Imaging is awarded. Graduates are then eligible to take the certification examinations offered by The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) for their curriculum options - Abdomen and Obstetrics/Gynaecology for Medical Sonography, Adult Echocardiography for Cardiac Sonography, and the Vascular Technology Examination for Vascular Technology. The course is made up of theoretical and practical components. This qualification compares fairly with SA's qualification in terms of how it is offered, theory and practice as well as stipulated hours. The St Louis Community College programme is however too short as compared to the 512 Credits proposed for SA. Furthermore, in SA the successful candidate will be awarded a professional Degree whilst at St Louis Community College a certificate will be awarded.

    University of Texas (MD Anderson Center):
    This university offers a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Sonography. This is a 2 year 130 Credit qualification. There are similarities with some of the modules in the proposed SA qualification namely, Issues in Health Care Ethics, Medical Law and Research Techniques in Radiologic Sciences. These are included in the research modules in the proposed SA qualification. However the research component is covered at a higher level in the SA qualification.

    In the USA, clinical training facilities require evidence or background check for criminal records as well as drug dependency. These specific requirements are not stipulated for the SA qualification. In case of the CPR or First Aid training, most education institutions organise these for their students and is a requirement that every student completes this successfully before they can be awarded their qualifications. In SA, students registering for the course are required to register with HPCSA for the duration of their studies as well as after completion. Registration after completion of studies confers to each practitioner, the professional status and the right to practice within the scope for which they received education and training.

    Course content:
    The way the course content is structured and distributed over the 2 years is in line with the way the SA qualification has been developed. In radiography or specifically ultrasound, students are introduced to concepts at the lower level and they tend to grow or venture into more complex practices as the course progresses.

    Canada:
    Michener Institute offers an Ultrasound Graduate Diploma which is offered as a full-time study over a period of 18 months. The course is offered to registered healthcare professionals with a minimum of three years Degree or Diploma. There was no other qualification from Canada which had a close resemblance to the four year Bachelors Degree proposed for SA.

    United Kingdom: (UK):
    Currently all formal training in the UK for Ultrasound is at a post graduate level. The Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE), is a recognised body in the UK which accredits Ultrasound Programmes in UK Universities. Formal education in ultrasound leads to three qualifications namely the Post Graduate Certificate, Post Graduate Diploma or Master of Sciences in Ultrasound. The post graduate qualifications are offered to health professionals who are in possession of a recognised professional Degree at Honours level. If South Africa should follow a similar programme it will mean a longer wait for the department of health to obtain qualified sonographers. Also the Post Graduate Certificate is limited to one specialisation in Ultrasound for example either in Obstetrics and Gynaecology or general abdominal sonography. With the current shortage of radiologist it is ideal to educate a sonographer who can perform all fields of sonography.

    Uganda:
    The education and training that is taking place in Africa as far as ultrasound is concerned is limited, with SA emerging as the leader in this field. Prof Michael Kawooya, from Makerere University in Kampala has a post course training for sonographers. Makerere University in Uganda is offering a two year post Degree qualification for radiography practitioners as well as other healthcare professionals interested in the course. Due to the population increase and shortage of skilled practitioners or radiologists to provide reports on ultrasound examinations, the institution has
    initiated a role extension programme for registered sonographers.

    This could be viewed as an extension of the current programmes where sonographers are given the opportunity to gain additional skills and take on the role of reporting. The radiographers are trained in producing reports which would contribute to the management of the patient. Report witting as it is taught in Makerere, takes place in four steps, namely observation, analysis, interpretation and report writing.

    How do the international qualifications compare with the SA qualification?

    Comparing this with the course that is currently offered in SA (two year post graduate or three year diplomas at other institutions) and the newly developed four year professional Degree, sonographers are taught to report on their images as part of their training. This has also been formalised in the HPCSA register that sonographers write reports on what they have observed while performing the examinations. Uganda might be on the way to extending the study years for their ultrasound practitioners, only time will tell. This only confirms that the proposed professional Degree in ultrasound is essential in ensuring that the community will be served by fully qualified practitioners capable of safely performing examinations on any part of the body and for various clinical conditions.

    Conclusion:
    Based on the information presented from the various countries, SA maybe the first country to offer a full four year programme in ultrasound. The major difference between the USA's three year qualification and the four year qualification in SA is the research component. SA qualification has included the need for the students to complete a mini research project before they can be awarded a professional Degree. Based on the specific needs of the SA society and the transformation both in the education and healthcare setting, this four year professional Degree together will adequately address the needs of both the South African public and the practitioners who enter the ultrasound profession. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification will allow for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
    Horizontal articulation can occur with:
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Radiography, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nuclear Medicine, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Radiation therapy and Oncology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical articulation can occur with the:
  • Master of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Sonography, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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.