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:

Advanced Diploma in Radiography: Diagnostic

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
96453	Advanced Diploma in Radiography: Diagnostic
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Curative Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	160	Level 6	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Registered"		SAQA 0480/09	2012-07-01	2014-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2015-12-31		2018-12-31

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
97188	Postgraduate Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in Radiography (Diagnostic) was developed not only for the need of radiographers to develop professionally but to equip diplomats with new technological advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The latter made it essential for radiographers to be informed of the latest international developments. The Advanced Diploma in Radiography (Diagnostic) thus aims to enhance specialised knowledge and competencies through participative learning, enabling students to make informed autonomous ethical decisions in addressing MRI challenges and account for scientific and social dimensions in the field of MRI.

The Advanced Diploma in Radiography (Diagnostic) will deliver diplomats that will demonstrate a systematic understanding of in-depth knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems in MRI and new insights at the forefront of MRI and its related area of professional practice. It further intends to develop radiographers to be skilled, competent and confident in MRI.

This is reflected by a comprehensive understanding and mastering of advanced skills and techniques applicable to the field of MRI; originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established imaging techniques are used in the field.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Radiography (Diagnostic) qualification provides postgraduate education in a specialised field of Diagnostic Radiology namely MRI that is characterised by high quality, excellence, relevance to community needs and the development of scarce skills and highly specialised capacity needed in the African continent in general and in South Africa specifically.

The Advanced Diploma in Radiography (Diagnostic) is designed to fill the continuing education needs of qualified diagnostic radiographers and to provide a career pathway for those who wish to obtain additional skills in the specialised and growing area of MRI.
Technological advances in MRI have led to a greater range of clinical applications, such that MRI is now a core imaging modality in contemporary healthcare.

This qualification intends to foster the personal and professional development of the postgraduate radiographer by encouraging students to build on appropriate undergraduate study and existing clinical skills in MRI to further their knowledge and practical expertise in this area recognised by training institutions worldwide.

The qualification is proficiently developed by experts, within the framework of international comparability, occupational demands and requirements, and community needs. It is also aligned with the national priorities in the Health Sector and complies with the criteria, norms and standards set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

It will be offered at the main campus of University of the Free Sate, which has one of the best medical training facilities in Africa at its disposal. The Faculty of Health Sciences designed and approved the Advanced Diploma in Radiography (Diagnostic) and thus confirmed its academic and administrative capacity and competency to offer the qualification.

Academic staff responsible for the Advanced Diploma in Radiography (Diagnostic), are suitably qualified and have sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and teaching competence on the academic level the Advanced Diploma requires.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access is not to be considered for the course.

RPL for exemption:
Based on the RPL Policy of the UFS, candidates may be granted exemption from required components of the programme, fully or partially, on the basis of comparable training and clinical experience in MRI imaging, gained at another institution. The maximum admissible period of exemption is 2 months. The said periods of training must have extending over a period of at least twelve months and for at least six months continuously in an accredited institution, division or department and have occurred within the last two years before registering for postgraduate study for the Advanced Diploma (Diagnostic). This will be done in consultation with the particular Head of Department, the Head of the School of Medicine and appropriate structures within the Faculty of Health Sciences. The rules and regulation of the HPCSA will be adhered to.

Entry requirements:
General Admission Rule GH30.1 will be applied:
Before a student may enrol for the Advanced Diploma Radiography (Diagnostic) he/she must:

Be in possession of at least a three-year B.Rad. Degree or equivalent qualification; or be admitted to the status of the three-year B.Rad. Degree on the recommendation of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Be appointed as Diagnostic Radiographer at an accredited training hospital that has the appropriate facility at its disposal.

Be registered as Diagnostic Radiographer with the HPCSA.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

All modules are compulsory. First semester modules are prerequisites for second semester modules.
First semester:
APS501, Applied Physics, 40 Credits.
RAR501, Radiographic Anatomy/Physiology/Pathology, 40 Credits.

Second semester
RTR502, Radiographic Practice, 40 Credits.
PCR502, Clinical Radiographic Practice, 40 Credits.

TOTAL CREDITS: 160.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Portray expertise and critical knowledge in the field of MRI.
2. Perform MRI imaging techniques safely, effectively and to a high standard.
3. Appreciate the importance of MRI safety and how to work effectively and safely within an MRI environment.
4. Work effectively with MRI equipment.
5. Confidently advise the radiologist on the appropriate MRI protocol for a clinical case.
6. Select and safely use imaging parameters for a range of core MRI examinations, including alternatives.
7. Use a wide range of specialised skills and competency in identifying, conceptualising and critiquing MR hardware and software selections for MR protocols appropriate for applicable clinical cases.
8. Demonstrate sensitivity and knowledge of the physical and emotional aspects of patient care in MRI.
9. Work within multidisciplinary teams.
10. Organise and manage a MRI unit schedule; this includes to establish policies and procedures for the safe execution of MRI examinations.
11. Manage their own continuous professional development in order to stay abreast of developments in the field of MRI.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
Expertise and critical knowledge in the field of MRI is portrayed proficiently.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
MRI procedures are performed responsibly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
MRI safety guidelines are competently adhered to.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
MRI equipment is used confidently.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
The imaging protocol applied is appropriate for the clinical case.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
Imaging parameters is appropriate and suitable for an applicable clinical case.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7:
The hardware and software selection applied is appropriate for an applicable clinical case.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8:
Sensitivity and knowledge of physical and emotional aspects of patient care in MRI are portrayed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9:
Multidisciplinary teams are worked within effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 10:
Effective and safe workflow of an MRI unit is portrayed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 11:
Own continuous professional development in the field of MRI, in order to stay abreast of developments, is effectively managed.

Integrated Assessment:
Continuous assessment:
The training will be work based. Regular appraisal with constructive feedback by the Radiologist responsible for training is not only pivotal to demonstrate up-to-date competence but is also important for a continuous learning process.

Workplace based assessment:
This assesses daily practice. The following tools are utilised:

Case based discussions.

Direct observation of practise and procedures.

Objectively structured clinical evaluation (OSCE).

Peer assessment tools.

The assessment purpose and the competences to be assessed are clearly articulated in terms of relevant learning outcomes and assessment criteria and appropriate to the mode of delivery of the programme. Assessment in the programme intends to improve the curriculum, inform teaching, guide learning (formative), monitor student progress, and for grading purposes (summative). The assessment strategy and activities selected, designed and implemented are constructively aligned with the assessment purpose, competences, context, knowledge, skills, attitudes, learning outcomes, assessment criteria, the nature and level of the students, the level, context and content of the relevant programme/module and the learning facilitation/mode of delivery being offered. The assessment criteria are suitable for an Advanced Diploma programme and align with the NQF Level 8 and Bloom's revised taxonomy.

For summative assessment, internal and external moderation for exit-level modules for both examination sessions in both semesters are undertaken to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures. Suitably qualified external moderators/examiners are appointed in terms of clear criteria and administrative procedures and conduct their responsibilities in terms of clear guidelines. These criteria and procedures are consistent with the institution's policy and guidelines for the implementation of Internal and External Moderation. Procedures and policies are also in place to receive, process and record assessment results securely and reliably and to ensure integrity of certification processes for the qualification.
Summative Assessment is done by the University of the Free State (UFS) and students have to complete a minimum number of clinical hours (700 hours) in the MRI department.

Evaluation of Competence:
Evaluation of overall competence of the trainee will be based on:

A written appraisal submitted by the Educational Supervisor.

Different kinds of evidence of learning are collected to monitor student progress. These are assessed in accordance with the stipulated assessment criteria, and the contemporary principles of good assessment.

Student progress is monitored through continuous formal and informal assessment drawing on a range of methods and contexts relevant to the outcomes, assessment criteria and mode of delivery of the programme.

Constructive feedback on the learning process and/or learning progress is provided to individual students in oral and/or written format and clearly explained and justified.

Workplace based assessment includes the following tools to assess daily practice:

Case based discussions.

Direct observation of practice and procedures.

Objectively structured clinical evaluation (OSCE).

Peer assessment tools.

Format of the examination:
The examination comprises of the following;
Semester 1:

Applied physics, 1 x 3 hour written paper.

Radiographic Anatomy/Physiology/Pathology, 1 x Oral examination (45 min).

Semester 2:

Radiographic Practise, 1 x 3 hour written paper.

Clinical Radiographic Practice, 1 x OSCE, 2 x Oral examination (45 min each).
Completion of a research project on a topic (of relevance to MRI) selected by the student.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Advanced Diploma in Radiography (Diagnostic) is both nationally and internationally comparable to similar postgraduate qualifications.

The Ontario College Graduate Certificate is offered over two semesters in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This Post Graduate Diploma Certificate Magnetic Resonance Imaging program prepares graduates of accredited Medical Radiation Sciences programs for the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologist's entry-to-practice certification exam in.

The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences in Canada offers a Graduate Certificate (postgraduate) Programme in magnetic resonance imaging of 19 months part time.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Successful completion of this Advanced Diploma in Radiography (Diagnostic) meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to a cognate Master's Degree (NQF Exit Level 9, NQF 8 pre-2009). In addition, successful students master several field-specific and generic and clinical competences serving as an important interface for integration with diverse programmes and disciplines within health care thus providing for meaningful horizontal articulation to applicable Master's Degrees (NQF Exit Level 9, NQF pre-2009) in the health care environment.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

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.

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 the Free State