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: 

Diploma in Radiography Therapy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96760  Diploma in Radiography Therapy 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, 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
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
65349  National Diploma: Radiography: Therapy  Level 6  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The Diploma in Radiography (Radiation Therapy) is designed to produce competent and compassionate professionals who play a critical role within the multidisciplinary health care team. Offered within our context as a university of technology, this qualification responds to the national demand for skilled radiation therapists who can contribute meaningfully to cancer care and treatment services in both public and private sectors. The qualification aligns with national health priorities, including the expansion of oncology services, and is designed to prepare graduates to meet the growing need for technically skilled, ethically grounded, and patient-centred radiation therapy professionals.
The qualification aims to develop a graduate who is proficient in the scientific principles and technical competencies required for safe and effective radiation therapy, including treatment planning, patient positioning, quality assurance, and radiation safety. On achieving the qualification, the learner will have the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings, demonstrating clinical judgement, problem-solving skills, and a strong commitment to patient care. Graduates will be equipped to work confidently up to a Level 3 scope of practice, integrating their knowledge and skills in diverse workplace contexts, while collaborating effectively within the health care team. Additionally, students will develop essential graduate attributes such as critical thinking, lifelong learning, communication, and ethical reasoning, which are vital for professional growth and responsiveness to changes in health care.
The qualification promotes the development of both technical expertise and professional identity. Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification include the ability to: demonstrate competence in delivering radiation therapy procedures safely and effectively; apply ethical and legal principles in practice; engage in reflective practice and continuous professional development; and communicate effectively with patients and health care professionals. These outcomes support the overarching purpose of the qualification  to develop radiation therapy professionals who are capable of contributing to the advancement of the profession and the delivery of equitable, high-quality cancer care across South Africa.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Perform conventional radiotherapy procedures appropriate to the clinical presentation, to ensure optimum radiation localisation and treatment planning.
  • Apply scientific knowledge and skills to therapeutic procedures for oncological conditions for optimal radiation treatment and accurate delivery of the radiation treatment prescribed.
  • Apply knowledge and clinical skills to provide and facilitate holistic patient care responsibly and effectively. Do this per the patient's needs to ensure a comprehensive radiotherapy service.
  • Manage a division of the Radiation Therapy department in terms of Quality Assurance Radiation Protection and resources.

    Rationale:
    Radiation Therapy is one of the scarce skill professions in South Africa, and more Radiographers are trained to address this shortage. The Radiation Therapist is involved in the planning and dose calculation and accurate administration of various forms of ionising radiation for the treatment and care of patients with malignant and benign neoplasms, according to a prescription of a Radiation Oncologist. Radiation Therapy has grown substantially as an individual allied health science discipline alongside the new ionising radiation and computer technologies that have emerged worldwide since the 1960s. Thus, the practice of Radiation Therapy requires an increasing range of skills and professional scope. The learning for the practice of Radiation Therapy has grown accordingly from informal, hospital-based training to formal qualifications offered by higher education institutions in partnership with academic hospitals. It is true for South Africa and across the globe. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Applications for recognition of prior learning are made via the Assessment and Graduations Unit (AGU). The institution's policies regarding RPL guide the process to be followed for all RPL applications.

    The following procedure will be utilised when applications for RPL are received:
    " The learner completes prescribed RPL form obtained from the Assessment and Graduations Unit (AGU) of the institution.
    " The completed form is submitted to AGU.
    " The appropriate HOD with expert/experts in the field assesses the application.
    " They make a recommendation regarding the application.
    " The relevant HOD meets with the chairperson of the faculty RPL Committee to evaluate the document and check for completeness of the documentation.
    " The signed document/s with recommendation is then presented to EXCO for final discussion and approval.
    " EXCO's decision is then sent to AGU for implementation and to communicate the outcome to the applicant.
    " A successful learner can now apply for the specific programme for which RPL was sought.

    Please note that RPL will also be awarded to learners who provide sufficient evidence that the stated competencies and/or outcomes of the qualification have been achieved through relevant experience. Subject recognition is applied to Diagnostic Qualified Radiographers to advance the learners into the second year of National Diploma: Radiography: Therapy.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, without endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 402 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 150 Credits:
    " Radiographic Practice I, 24 Credits.
    " Clinical Radiographic Practice I (WIL), 24 Credits.
    " Radiographic Pathology I, 12 Credits.
    " Physics and Chemistry, 12 Credits.
    " Image Recording, 12 Credits.
    " Anatomy, 24 Credits.
    " Physiology, 12 Credits.
    " Psychodynamics of Patient Management, 12 Credits.
    " Personal Information Management, 0 Credit.
    " Academic Literacy and Communication Studies, 6 Credits.
    " Basic Digital Literacy, 6 Credits.
    " Advanced Digital Literacy, 6 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 132 Credits:
    " Radiographic Practice II (T), 36 Credits.
    " Work Integrated Learning Clinical Radiographic Practice II (T), 24 Credits.
    " Radiation Science II, 0 Credits.
    " Image Recording II, 24 Credits.
    " Radiation Physics II, 24 Credits.
    " Radiographic Pathology II, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:
    " Radiographic Practice III (T), 48 Credits.
    " Clinical Radiography Practice III (T), Work-integrated Learning, 24 Credits.
    " Radiation Science III (T), 24 Credits.
    " Applied Psychology III, 24 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform conventional radiotherapy procedures appropriate to the clinical presentation, to ensure optimum radiation localisation and treatment planning.
    2. Apply scientific knowledge and skills to therapeutic procedures for oncological conditions for optimal radiation treatment and accurate delivery of the radiation treatment prescribed.
    3. Apply knowledge and clinical skills to provide and facilitate holistic patient care responsibly and effectively. Do this per the patient's needs to ensure a comprehensive radiotherapy service.
    4. Manage a division of the Radiation Therapy department in terms of Quality Assurance Radiation Protection and resources. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply anatomical, pathological and technical knowledge and skills, to prepare and construct customised patient treatment accessories for accurate and reproducible application of treatment plans.
  • Apply theoretical and clinical knowledge to localise the neoplasm and treatment fields, (simulation procedures as well as CT scanning) to facilitate accurate and reproducible treatment delivery.
  • Implement the information gained from localisation procedures and effectively produce computerised treatment plans (2D and 3D) for optimal treatment delivery, not exceeding tolerance doses.
  • Utilise knowledge and skills to calculate radiation treatment doses and times/monitor units to ensure the treatment delivery complies with the prescription.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Operate the equipment (including computers) and accessories safely, optimally and accurately.
  • Apply anatomical and pathological knowledge and understanding of radiotherapy procedures.
  • Set-up, the patient for treatment.
  • Deliver planned treatment accurately.
  • Apply basic research skills.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply pathological, radiobiological and radiation physics, theoretical and clinical knowledge to provide physical care to patients with different neoplasms.
  • Apply and understand anatomical and pathological knowledge of radiotherapy procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Implement and adhere to Quality Assurance programmes in the department.
  • Implement guidelines as set out in departmental policy document.
  • Implement current radiation protection laws.
  • Apply managerial skills in organising and administration.
  • Manage routine functions of the Radiation Oncology service.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous evaluation of theoretical, practical and clinical aspects.
    Tests Assignments / Projects / Practicals.
    Presentations Case studies.
    Clinical assessments. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Diploma in Radiography Therapy at the CUT was internationally benchmarked against the following qualification:
    (a) The Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton. ----University of Alberta, qualification (Diploma of Radiation Therapy) is a three-year Diploma/ four-year degree course where the CUT qualification is three years. With the CUT qualification students are awarded the credits of the first year through a recognition of prior learning process as they have a National Diploma in diagnostic radiography. Both qualifications have modules and research. The qualifications also align in terms of Treatment Planning and Dosimetry, Radiobiology and Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices.
    (b) Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, India, qualification (Diploma of Radiation Therapy) is a four-year qualification where the CUT qualification is a three-year qualification (refer to (a) for detail) that includes both research and modules, where the Diploma in Radiography Therapy at the CUT includes a research component. The qualifications also align in terms of Patient Care and Communication Skills, Research and Continuous Learning, and Clinical and Technical Proficiency.
    (c) Santa Barbara School of Technology, USA, qualification (Diploma of Radiation Therapy). This qualification is presented over two years as modules and includes Radiation Physics, Patient positioning and immobilization/ mould room techniques, and Principles and Practice of Radiation of therapy similar to Diploma in Radiography in Therapy at the CUT. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Diploma, NQF Level 6.
  • Possible horizontal articulation options between Sub-Frameworks for this qualification reached the registration end date in December 2025.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Radiography Therapy, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Higher Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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 (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    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.