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 Science in Physiotherapy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
9617  Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy 
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand 
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  Rehabilitative Health/Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Level 7  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   2033-06-30  

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 qualification is an undergraduate professional for the training of physiotherapists, where physiotherapy is a health-care profession, which emphasises the use of physical approaches in the promotion, maintenance and restoration of an individual's physical, psychological and social well-being regardless of variations in either health or economic status.

A physiotherapist is primarily involved in the management of physical problems, in particular, those associated with the neuro-muscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, to restore their optimal functional capacity.
  • A physiotherapist's skills are bio-mechanical, electro-physical and biochemical and include the application of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and electro-physical modalities.
  • Through problem -solving and clinical reasoning approaches, the physiotherapist can apply these skills appropriately in response to the varied needs of the individuals.
  • A physiotherapist assesses and evaluates an individual's needs or potential needs and takes account of the current psychological, social and cultural factors and their influence on the individual's functional ability.
  • This encompasses the needs of the patient/client and associated carers. Through negotiation, and in partnership, a physiotherapist works with persons with specific needs in order to optimise their functional ability and potential.

    A physiotherapist has a general role in promoting health and the prevention of health-related problems using education and promoting self-care of individuals and communities. This can extend to advising and teaching associated carers and other health care professionals in order to provide a coherent approach, which maximises the individual's independence. A physiotherapist is involved in healthcare at a primary, secondary and tertiary level and in community-based interventions. A physiotherapist may either work independently as a first-line practitioner or in association with a health-care team to provide optimal services for patient rehabilitation and care. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning
    Learners who fall outside of the regular admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or experiential- or work-based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but need further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes before admission or parallel programmes after admission.

    Entry Requirement:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 576 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 144 Credits:
  • Introduction to Medical Science, 18 Credits.
  • Chemistry I, 18 Credits.
  • Introduction to Physiotherapy, 36 Credits.
  • Physics I, 18 Credits.
  • Basic Principles of Group and Individual Psychology I, 18 Credits.
  • Introduction to Psychology I, 18 Credits.
  • Human Behavioural Sciences, 18 Credits.
  • First Aid, 0 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 0 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 144 Credits:
  • Anatomy for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Students, 48 Credits.
  • Physiotherapy I, 48 Credits.
  • Physiology and Medical Biochemistry, 48 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 150 Credits:
  • Pharmacology, 24 Credits.
  • Physiotherapy II, 24 Credits.
  • Rehabilitation I, 24 Credits.
  • Clinical Physiotherapy I, 42 Credits.
  • General Medicine and Surgery, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methodology Part I, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 138 Credits:
  • Management for Therapists, 12 Credits.
  • Physiotherapy III, 18 Credits.
  • Rehabilitation II, 18 credits.
  • Clinical Physiotherapy II, 72 Credits.
  • Research Methodology Part II, 18 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Physiotherapy problem-solving.
    The qualifying learner is competent to identify, assess and manage physiotherapy problems creatively and effectively.

    2. Application of fundamental and specialist knowledge.
    The qualifying learner is competent to apply knowledge of basic, medical and human sciences, as well as physiotherapy science, from first principles to solve physiotherapeutic problems.

    3. Understanding the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
    In the contexts of the whole individual and his or her place in the family, society, the population and the environment, at the end of the BSc(Physiotherapy) degree, the qualifying learner will have knowledge of health and its promotion, disease and its prevention, rehabilitation and management in these contexts.

    4. Professional and General Communication.
    The qualifying learner is competent to communicate and teach effectively both orally and in writing with peers, colleagues, patients, members of the health care team and the public.

    5. Investigations, experiments and data analysis.
    The qualifying learner is competent to:
    a) Critically evaluate the professional literature.
    b) Design appropriate research.
    c) Analyse and evaluate data.
    d) Contribute to the existing body of knowledge of the profession.

    6. Lifelong learning.
    The qualifying learner is competent and understands the requirements to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast of up-to date expertise and techniques.

    7. Team and multidisciplinary work.
    The qualifying learner is competent to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments showing leadership and performing critical functions.

    8. Professional ethics and practice.
    The qualifying learner is critically aware of:
    a) The need to act professionally and ethically and to take responsibility within own limits of competence.
    b) The need to act within the legal requirements of the profession and is competent to exercise judgement commensurate with knowledge and experience. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1. The qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Apply a problem -solving model to the assessment of patients.
  • Analyse information and make appropriate decisions about assessments, treatments and diagnoses.

    2. The qualifying learner is able to demonstrate the acquisition of a core of theoretical knowledge and is able to:
  • Compare the anatomy and/or physiology of normal and pathological organ systems.
  • Describe the pathology, clinical presentation, course and principles of management of different medical conditions.
  • Describe the role of the physiotherapist in the management of conditions and describe the role of other team members.
  • Describe the indications, contra-indications and therapeutic value of all physiotherapy modalities.
  • Select appropriate assessment techniques and describe their value.
  • Draw up a plan of treatment including short and long-term goals for the various conditions which are encountered.
  • Describe the psychological and sociological aspects of injury, disease, hospitalisation, loss of independence, loneliness etc.
  • Apply principles of physics and biomechanics to meet therapeutic techniques.
  • Describe the mechanics of therapeutic equipment.
  • Describe various healthcare models and their implementation.
  • Demonstrate the use of computers in communication with colleagues, retrieval and dissemination of information.

    3. a) In the context of the population, the qualifying learner is able to:
  • Describe how to establish contact with credible leaders in communities and their sub-groups.
  • Show sensitivity to cultural and other differences.
  • Establish a community database that includes demography, epidemiology, basic services and infrastructure, national, regional and local policies which impact health structure.
  • Define the health needs of an individual in the community by conducting an interview, obtaining a history, if available, and assessing the home.
  • Plan appropriate intervention in conjunction with the community and/or the individual by listening and prioritising the problems as identified above, determining goals in accordance with resources available and those which can be mobilised, facilitating an appropriate comprehensive referral and networking system from consumer to tertiary level care, performing a cost analysis and preparing a budget for the service, encourage community participation and/or peer group review of programmes, establish review dates in order to evaluate and modify the programme if necessary.
  • Analyse healthcare delivery models and comment on their appropriateness in the South African context.
  • Describe the roles of all levels of healthcare workers.

    b) In the context of the individual, the qualifying learner will:
    i) Perform a holistic assessment of the patient by:
  • Extracting relevant data from the medical records.
  • Performing a thorough subjective examination.
  • Performing an accurate objective examination observing any contra-indications.
  • Recording data accurately.
  • Compiling a problem list in terms of the individual's impairments abilities and function.
  • Monitoring treatment.
  • Identifying an emergency situation and reacting appropriately.
  • Demonstrating an awareness of the impact of family support, community attitudes and environment and culture on the health of the individual.

    ii) Plan an appropriate management programme based on the assessment, set appropriate goals and continuously evaluate the programme by:
  • Interpreting the data obtained from patients' records and own assessments.
  • Establishing short-term functional goals based on the problem list and setting deadlines for their achievement where possible.
  • Establishing appropriate functional long-term goals.
  • Designing a treatment plan.
  • Re-evaluating treatment plan regularly.
  • Recording accurately all findings and treatments.

    iii) Execute patient management programmes effectively by:
  • Establishing a therapeutic environment.
  • Selecting appropriate modalities/techniques/procedures.
  • Explaining all procedures to the patient/caregiver.
  • Applying therapeutic procedures safely and effectively, observing precautions/contra-indications.
  • Evaluating procedures after each intervention.
  • Responding appropriately to emergency situations.
  • Recording all treatment details and patients' responses accurately.
  • Empowering patients and care-givers to accept responsibility for their own well-being through appropriate health education.
  • Preparing appropriate functional home programmes and advice taking into consideration patients' particular home environment.
  • Prescribing medication as defined by the HPCSA.

    4. The qualifying learner will:
    a)
  • Demonstrate an understanding of non-verbal messages.
  • Demonstrate effective, appropriate communication by means of introductions, concise explanations and/or demonstrations, contracting, and referral.
  • Participate in ward rounds, meetings, and case presentations.
  • Demonstrate responsibility by seeking advice and assistance where necessary.
  • Modify the approach to acknowledge differences in cultures and religions.
  • Demonstrate listening, observing and responding skills.
  • Demonstrate appropriate counselling skills.
  • Demonstrate self-awareness of own strengths and weaknesses.
  • Demonstrate non-judgemental behaviour.
  • Demonstrate listening responding and observing skills.
  • Demonstrate empathy and compassion.
  • Describe the stages of loss and the basic principles of support following a loss.

    b) Demonstrate appropriate teaching skills for:
  • Teaching an appropriate activity or exercise to an individual or group of patients.
  • Educating the patient's caregiver regarding the patient's condition.
  • Planning and teaching an appropriate home programme.
  • Teaching various topics to peers, other health workers and the public.

    c) Disseminate knowledge of the profession to members of the health team and to the public.

    5. The qualifying learner is able to
    a)
  • Carry out a literature search using library and computer facilities.
  • Identify the various research designs, sampling procedures and statistical tests used in the literature and comment on whether or not they are appropriate.
  • Ask relevant research questions.
    b)
  • Prepare research proposals.
  • Use appropriate evaluative procedures.
    c)
  • Describe research findings.
  • Draw conclusions based on research findings.
    d)
  • Undertake relevant research.
  • Present the research findings to colleagues.
  • Publish research findings.

    6. The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Describe the value of keeping up to date with relevant research literature and attending regular continuing education.
  • Engage in lifelong learning using well developed time management and independent learning skills.
  • Embark on a career in the field of study, or on another career, using the independent study and problem-solving skills required for the attainment of this qualification.

    7. The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Demonstrate accountability to the team and community.
  • Demonstrate appropriate management principles.
  • With regard to personal time management [personal].
  • With regard to caseload management [organisational].
  • With regard to assistant and helper management [organisational].

    8. The qualifying learner is able to:
    a)
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of what is expected from a physiotherapist - e.g. confidentiality, maintenance of dignity correct procedure of referral, respect, honesty, appropriate treatment, and punctuality.
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of the ethical rules of the HPCSA and the ethical code of conduct of the SASP.
  • Abide by the norms and standards of a particular working environment.
    b)
  • Describe the rules of the HPCSA and their implications regarding practice.
  • Describe the role of the Professional Board for Physiotherapy.
  • Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the importance of the patient's records being legal documents.
  • Describe the scope of physiotherapy practice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The final clinical examination, as well as the clinical examinations were done during the third and fourth years, provide an integrated assessment of the students in that theoretical, practical and presentation skills are assessed as the student demonstrates patient assessment skills, practical management skills and documentation skills. Assessment is both cumulative (in the form of on-going clinical assessments, case presentations, oral examinations are written reports) and summative (in the form of written examinations, practical and clinical examinations). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Physiotherapy, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Physiotherapy, 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 2006; 2009; 2012; 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. University of Witwatersrand 


    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.