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 Clinical Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96409  Bachelor of Health Sciences in Clinical Technology 
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  508  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 learner to possess the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to practice as a Clinical Technologist, as a part of a multi-disciplinary team, in one of the following specialist categories: Cardiology, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Critical Care, Nephrology, Neurology, Pulmonology or Reproductive Biology. The qualifying learner will be able to independently perform diagnostic, therapeutic and corrective procedures on patients using specialised health technology and techniques for the treatment of patho-physiological conditions in a hospital-based or in a private practice setting. This qualification will enable the learner to engage in research and contribute to the creation of new knowledge within the field. Lastly the qualification is designed to provide learners with specific clinical technology skills and competencies that are included in management and research.

Rationale:
The design process of the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Clinical Technology has been an joint and concerted effort which involved clinical technology academics, practitioners and representatives from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). In the deliberations, HPCSA has stipulated minimum qualification requirements for independent practice. Aspects that were raised and highlighted during the design of this qualification include the following:
  • There is a need for highly skilled Clinical Technologists by the industry and in order to meet the legislative and operational requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). This was identified at the Advisory Board meetings as well as in meetings with the Board of Radiography and Clinical Technology on numerous occasions.
  • The new qualification will allow for greater flexibility of career advancement, both vertically and horizontally, as Clinical Technologists are directly involved with changes in technology, and are therefore in a position to contribute to academic and clinical research.
  • The new qualification is designed so that personal growth and job advancement within and across the health sector is made possible.
  • The qualification in Clinical Technology will also make it possible to align the qualification with other similar Allied Health Professional qualifications.
  • Clinical Technologists with professional degrees are needed internationally, and will be further aligned for international recognition. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has a RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior qualifications and relevant experience. Learners are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting on extensive work learning. Once the institution's RPL office has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Department of Emergency Medical Sciences for assessment. The department's RPL committee will assess the candidate's portfolio against the relevant learning outcomes.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission for degree purposes.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of modules with the total of 508 Credits at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8:

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5, Totalling 116 Credits:
  • Anatomy, NQF Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • Physiology, NQF Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • Chemistry, NQF Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • Physics, NQF Level 5 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Clinical Technology, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • Pathophysiology I, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology I, NQF Level5, 12 Credits.
  • Health Sciences General Education I, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • Community Healthcare and Research I, NQF Level 5 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6, Totalling 128 Credits:
  • Pharmacology, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • Community Healthcare and Research II, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • Pathophysiology II, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Anatomy and Physiology II, NQF Level 6, 24 Credits.
  • Instrumentation for Clinical Technology II, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Technology Practice, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methodology I, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • HIV and Communicable Diseases in KZN, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • Equity and Diversity, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7, Totalling 108 Credits:
  • Restorative Justice, NQF Level 7, 8 Credits.
  • Contemporary Social Issues, NQF Level 7, 12 Credits.
    Cardiology:
  • Health Care Management I, NQF Level 7, 8 Credits.
  • Pathophysiology for Cardiology, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacology for Cardiology, NQF Level 7, 8 Credits.
  • Clinical Technology Practice in Cardiology I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Cardiology I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 8, Totalling 96 Credits:
  • Pathophysiology for Critical Care, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacology for Critical Care, NQF Level 7, 8 Credits.
  • Clinical Technology Practice in Critical Care I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Critical Care I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.
  • Health Care Management II, NQF Level 8, 16 Credits.
    Neurophysiology:
  • Pathophysiology for Neurophysiology, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacology for Neurophysiology, NQF Level 7, 8 Credits.
  • Clinical Technology Practice in Neurophysiology I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Neurophysiology I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.
    Nephrology:
  • Pathophysiology for Nephrology. NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacology for Nephrology, NQF Level 7, 8 Credits.
  • Clinical Technology Practice in Nephrology I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Nephrology I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits
    Perfusion:
  • Pathophysiology for Perfusion, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacology for Perfusion, NQF Level 7, 8 Credits.
  • Clinical Technology Practice in Perfusion I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Perfusion I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.
    Pulmonology:
  • Pathophysiology for Pulmonology, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacology for Pulmonology, NQF Level 7, 8 Credits.
  • Clinical Technology Practice in Pulmonology I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Pulmonology, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.
    Reproductive Biology:
  • Pathophysiology for Reproductive Biology, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacology for Reproductive Biology, NQF Level 7, 8 Credits.
  • Clinical Technology Practice in Reproductive Biology I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Reproductive Biology I, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits.

    Research Project:
    Specialisation in Cardiology:
  • Clinical Technology Practice in Cardiology II, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Cardiology II, NQF Level 8, 28 Credits.
    Specialisation in Critical Care:
  • Clinical Technology Practice in Critical Care II, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Critical Care II, NQF Level 8, 28 Credits.
    Specialisation in Neurophysiology:
  • Clinical Technology Practice in Neurophysiology II, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Neurophysiology II, NQF Level 8, 28 Credits.
    Specialisation in Nephrology:
  • Clinical Technology Practice in Nephrology II, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Nephrology II, NQF Level 8, 28 Credits.
    Specialisation in Perfusion:
  • Principles and Practice of Clinical Technology in Perfusion II, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Perfusion II, NQF Level 8, 28 Credits.
    Specialisation in Pulmonology:
  • Principles and Practice of Clinical Technology in Pulmonology II, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Pulmonology II, NQF Level 8, 28 Credits.
    Specialisation in Reproductive Biology:
  • Clinical Technology Practice in Reproductive Biology II, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits.
  • Instrumentation and Techniques for Clinical Technology in Reproductive Biology II, NQF Level 8, 28 Credits.

    Electives at NQF Level 5:
  • DUT General Education I Cornerstone Module, 12 Credits.
    One of the following modules:
  • Introduction to Technopreneurship, 8 Credits.
    Or
  • Violence and non-violence, 8 Credits.
  • Clinical Instruction OR Small Business Management, NQF Level 8, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply scientific and technological knowledge to perform and monitor diagnostic, therapeutic and quality assurance procedures in the clinical environment for the management of patients in a field of specialisation in accordance with statutory and operational requirements.
    2. Perform therapeutic, corrective and organ system support on patients using specialised health technology to facilitate management of the patient.
    3. Conduct research in a field of clinical technology in compliance with legislated and ethical research requirements.
    4. Demonstrate entrepreneurship and management skills in the health care facility to ensure professional, legal and ethical service delivery. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Knowledge and understanding of human and basic sciences underpinning Clinical Technology is applied.
  • Techniques, processes, systems or technologies in original, creative and innovative ways are applied and transferred which are appropriate to specialised and complex contexts within the health care environment and in order to improve clinical practice, where possible.
  • Application of specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems within the Healthcare environment is demonstrated.
  • Management, education and research skills during independent practice are applied.
  • Professional carriage, behaviour and attitudes in all academic and clinical settings are demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Optimal expertise, competence and critical knowledge in fundamental and core modules is applied.
  • Intellectual and clinical independence ability while ensuring safety of self and others in all sectors of the community is demonstrated.
  • Specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems within the Health Care environment is applied.
  • Management, education and research skills during independent practice are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Research skills through conducting of research in Clinical Technology in a specialist field and in a multidisciplinary health care environment are demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of and engagement in an area at the forefront of the field is demonstrated.
  • Conceptualising new research initiatives is conducted, and new knowledge or practice in Clinical Technology is created.
  • Research leadership and management of research and research development is demonstrated in an ethical and accountable manner in Health Sciences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
  • The position of Clinical Technology within the South African Health care system is understood.
  • The self, time and resources are managed efficiently in order to ensure professional and efficient service delivery is demonstrated.
  • Operational and clinical supervision within a Clinical Technology unit is provided.
  • Skills in administrative management and a capacity for quality assurance and auditing control in a Clinical Technology unit are demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The 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 center allows also an integrated approach to patient care which will be assessed as such.

    Integrated assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods for example: written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, log books, clinical reports, assessment of clinical competence through simulation in the Skills Laboratory, as well as clinical assessment in the training unit, and the successful completion of a mini-dissertation.

    The qualification will be awarded to a student who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the qualification, as detailed in the stated outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme or though experience that complies with the stated specific outcomes i.e. RPL is applied.

    Clinical Competence:
    Clinical competence is ensured by close supervision by clinical staff during the period of training, which is introduced in the first year, and gradually intensified by the fourth year of study. Students need to complete a clinical work record based on integrated work experience with a specified minimum amount of cases to be recorded.

    Clinical assessments are performed on patients to determine clinical competence in routine procedures in Critical Care, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Nephrology, Neurology, Pulmonology or Reproductive Biology. In order to achieve clinical competency in this qualification, it is the requirement of the HPCSA that the all students complete a minimum of 3840 clinical hours at an accredited training facility and are mentored by a registered practitioner. On completion all students must successfully complete a competency-based test (CBT) in order to register with the HPCSA as a Clinical Technology Scientist in Critical Care, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Nephrology, Neurology, Pulmonology or Reproductive Biology. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The primary reason for designing this qualification was to meet the needs of the South African community as identified by the Health Professions Act, 1974 (Act No. 56 of 1974) of the National Department of Health and also ensure that it is compatible with the international standards. International comparability study has been done accordingly with particular reference to the following areas:
  • Cardiology, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Neurophysiology.
  • Nephrology.

    Cardiology, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Neurophysiology United Kingdom (UK):
    The Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland oversee the training Clinical perfusion scientists. The UK offers a 4-year degree in Clinical Physiology (Cardiology, Cardiovascular Perfusion or Neurophysiology). The degree course can be done full time at university, or, for trainee physiologists already working in a cardiac unit/theatre, courses are available with day or block release attendance at college. Trainee clinical technologists currently follow a two-year, mainly in-service qualification.

    United States of America (USA):
    The Cleveland Clinic Foundation School of Cardiovascular Perfusion, in collaboration with Cleveland State University in the USA, offers a four year Bachelor of Sciences in Health Sciences with an emphasis in Cardiovascular Perfusion Science. The Cardiology/Cardiovascular Perfusion is a full time, two year qualification (including the Summer session), spans five consecutive semesters, and is designed for learners who have already completed approximately two or more years of college in science disciplines that include biological, physical, social, mechanical and/or prior health preparation. The learner is awarded a Bachelor of Science qualification.

    Nephrology:
    Europe:
    Many European countries are leaders in the field of renal therapies. These countries include the UK, Italy, France and Germany. Health practitioners in Europe with similar qualifications are known as Renal or Hemodialysis Technicians. Training institutions utilises the European Core Curriculum in Renal Technology (ECCRT). The course of study is mainly conducted in the work place with support lectures and demonstrations, drawing upon the experience and knowledge of colleagues and other professions within the department where possible. The course follows a modular approach and has no set time limit.

    The learning outcomes and assessment methods of the ECCRT compares favourably with the DUT qualification.

    USA:
    The USA is the country with the largest renal care programme in the world. Health practitioners in the USA with similar qualifications are known as Dialysis Technicians, Hemodialysis Technicians or Renal Dialysis Technicians/Technologists.

    There are three Credentialing Programmes for Dialysis Technicians/Technologists:
    National Nephrology Certification Council (NNCC):
    The NNCC offers the Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) examination. Technicians are eligible to take the CCHT examination with a suggested minimum of six months experience in nephrology technology. The CCHT examination measures cognitive levels in four dialysis practice areas: clinical (50%), technical (23%), environmental (15%), and role (12%). NANT recognises the CCHT examination as a valid measure of basic competency for hemodialysis patient care technicians.

    The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT):
    BONENT offers an examination for Hemodialysis Technician Certification, leading to the Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) designation. Technicians are eligible to take the CHT exam with a minimum of 12 months experience in nephrology technology. The BONENT Hemodialysis Technician Certification Examination measures technical proficiency in five major domains of practice and tasks performed in the scope of hemodialysis technology: patient care (65%), machine technology (10%), water treatment (5%), dialyser reprocessing (5%) and education/personal development (15%). This qualification compares favourably with the Bachelor of Clinical science Degree: Nephrology with the 480 credit exit level but differs with respect to practical experience required.

    The National Nephrology Certification Organisation (NNCO):
    NNCO offers two examinations: Clinical Nephrology Technology, leading to the Certified in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) designation and Biomedical Nephrology Technology, leading to the Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT) designation. Technicians are eligible to take the CCNT and CBNT exams with a minimum of 12 months experience in nephrology technology. The Clinical Nephrology Technology examination measures knowledge in four major areas: principles of dialysis (25%), machine preparation and operation (20%), patient assessment (20%) and treatment (35%). NANT recognizes the CCNT examination as a valid measure of current competence in the specialized area of practice of patient care hemodialysis technicians.

    The Biomedical Nephrology Technology examination measures knowledge in six major areas: principles of dialysis (25%), scientific concepts (15%), electronic applications (10%), water treatment (20%), equipment functions (20%) and environmental/regulatory issues (10%). NANT recognises the CBNT examination as a measure of current competence in the specialised area of practice of biomedical hemodialysis technicians. This qualification compares favourably with the Bachelor of Clinical science Degree: Nephrology with the 480 credit exit level but differs with respect to practical experience required.

    Conclusion:
    Although this qualification is designed to meet the needs of South Africa as identified by the National Department of Health, there is a great need for it in the other African countries as well. No similar qualification exists in the African states. The only qualification that is closely related to this one is to be found in developed countries such as the United States, Canada and Europe.

    Attempts to compare South African Clinical Technology practice with international practice have seen a review of international best practice. The quality and scope of South African Qualifications is endorsed by the fact that both developed and semi-developed countries readily accept South African Clinical Technology qualifications. The primary reason for designing this qualification was to meet the needs of South Africa as identified by the National Department of Health and also to ensure that it is compatible with international standards. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal:
    Articulation horizontally is possible with Bachelor's degree in Clinical Technology at level 8 with other higher education institutions nationally and internationally such as:
  • Bachelor of Medical Sciences Honours in Clinical Radiobiology.

    Vertical:
    Articulation is possible vertically with the Master's Degree in Clinical Technology (Critical Care/Cardiology/CardiovascularPerfusion/Nephrology/Neurology/Pulmonology/Reproductive Biology) or an equivalent Master's Degree, NQF Level 9, or with generic Masters Degrees at this and other universities will be possible. Specific modules may be portable and articulate with related health care disciplines. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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.