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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Biomedical Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96850  Diploma in Biomedical Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Mangosuthu 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
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
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-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 
The qualifying learner will be able to perform and organize laboratory operations in clinical diagnostic laboratories and related fields in compliance with statutory requirements for ethics, safety and quality assurance. Supervisory, management and research skills are developed.

Individuals who want to become registered Medical Technologists will work in a registered Medical training laboratory. After registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), they may work in government, private and research health care laboratories. To practice independently as a Medical Technologist 2 years' post-registration experience is required. Unregistered Biomedical Technologists may work in non-diagnostic laboratories. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider`s learning programme, or by a combination of formal and informal learning, and work experience.

Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate/ Senior Certificate/Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC), NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • National Higher Certificate, Level 5 in the field of Biomedical Technology an equivalent qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Select and perform routine and specialized clinical diagnostic techniques in specified disciplines in accordance with statutory requirements through application of knowledge of principles of techniques and instruments, physiological and pathophysiological conditions (Haematology, Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Cellular Pathology) in the place of study, workplace or both.
    2. Perform and monitor Quality Assurance procedures within predetermined limits:
  • Footnote: Underpinned by ethics, safety and communication.
  • The learners are competent in Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs).
    3. Manage resources efficiently and effectively:
  • Footnote: Underpinned by ethics, safety and communication.
  • The learners are competent in SOPs-Standard Operating Procedures.
    4. Participate in research in Medical Technology in compliance with ethical research principles:
  • Footnote: Underpinned by ethics, safety and communication. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.1. Specimens are assessed for suitability for tests requested:
  • Routine and specified specialized media, stains, solutions and reagents are prepared according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Specimens are analysed using appropriate SOPs and Quality Control procedures.
  • Principles, methods and application of different SOPs are correctly described.

    1.2. Results are recorded and compared with established reference ranges and/or appropriate control specimens:
  • Accurate data capturing and retrieval skills are demonstrated electronically and manually.
  • Laboratory results are evaluated through correlation of data in the context of the principles, techniques and instruments used.
  • Factors that affect procedures and test results are recognized and appropriate action taken.
  • Laboratory results are evaluated through correlation of data with physiological and pathological conditions.

    2.1. Principles of Quality Assurance are explained and applied in the context of the tests performed:
  • Quality Control results and Quality Assurance data are evaluated and interpreted and appropriate action is taken.
  • SOPs are assessed, reviewed and updated where necessary.

    2.2. Instruments are monitored for efficient functioning and appropriate action is taken when necessary.
  • Corrective and preventive maintenance of equipment is performed.

    3.1. An appropriate budget for the laboratory is drawn up and explained and implemented.

    3.2. Appropriate legislation is explained and implemented:
  • Appropriate training programmes for staff and Continuing Professional Development programmes are developed and implemented.
  • Selection, recruitment and interview techniques are demonstrated.

    3.3. Mechanisms for stock control are applied:
  • Economic viability of instruments and methods are evaluated.
  • Effective utilization of laboratory space is demonstrated taking into account physical constraints, safety, personnel equipment and the provision of service.

    4.1. Changes in methodology and disease profiles in clinical diagnostic laboratories are identified and investigated.
  • Appropriate information is selected from relevant sources.
  • Information is collated, analysed, synthesized and presented in a coherent and scientific manner including statistical and graphical methods.

    4.2. Information is accessed, organized and presented using appropriate Information Technology.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Workplace evaluation by peers and supervisors.
  • Assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Work schedule evaluations.
  • Projects in teams.
  • Reports on tasks and projects.

    Summative Assessment:
  • Workplace evaluation by supervisors.
  • Project reports.
  • Oral presentations.
  • Interviews.
  • Written and practical examinations. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    Occupational Certificate in Biomedical Technology, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
    Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech): Biomedical Technology, Level 7.
    Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Technology, Level 7. 

    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. Mangosuthu 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.