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 Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99705  Diploma in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Life Healthcare Group (prev College of Learning/Afrox Coll of Nursing) 
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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Diploma in Nursing will enable Staff Nurses to provide nursing services within their scope of practice. The qualifying learner will apply evidence-based nursing practice which is based on research or established practices that have proven to be effective both nationally and internationally within the profession.

Staff Nurses will attain transferable skills for application in other professions, disciplines and general life which include:
  • A methodical, solution-based approach to problem solving.
  • An empowered strengths-based approach to personal development.
  • Competence in written and oral communication.
  • Capacity to assess and implement health and other policies.
  • Ability to plan, implement and manage projects of a varied nature.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Maintain professionalism in own practice of nursing.
  • Apply knowledge of biomedical, biotechnological and psycho-social sciences to the practice of nursing.
  • Develop, implement and evaluate population-based health care.
  • Assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care for individuals and groups with stable, uncomplicated health problems based on thorough assessment.
  • Deliver nursing care to sick or disabled individuals and groups with stable uncomplicated health problems.
  • Promote rehabilitation of individuals and groups with disabilities.
  • Diagnose and treat minor ailments.
  • Deliver safe maternal care.
  • Manage a health care unit.
  • Utilise principles of science and methodology in investigating nursing and health-related problems.

    Upon qualifying the learners will be able to:
  • Execute a nursing care plan.
  • Prevent of deformity.
  • Monitor vital sign.
  • Monitor reactions to disease, stress, anxiety, medication and treatment.
  • Promote health and family planning.
  • Conduct basic optometry and oral health checks.
  • Immunise.
  • Administer prescribed medicine.
  • Provide services for children under 15 years of age.
  • Monitor reproductive and other women's health care services.
  • Provide preventive care.
  • Provide curative care.
  • Render health education to the population.
  • Manage health services.
  • Participate in health team work.
  • Train other members of the health team.
  • Participate in research activities.
  • Collaborate with other sectors involved in community development.
  • Find solutions to unfamiliar problems.
  • Conduct self-assessment and the continuous development of personal professional skills.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is an entry-level qualification in nursing, designed to prepare learners as generalist nurses capable of meeting the service delivery needs of healthcare institutions and the broader health system. Learners will be equipped to provide quality nursing care across diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health environments. The qualification addresses the critical shortage of qualified nurses in South Africa by increasing accessibility for prospective learners and expanding the pipeline of skilled professionals entering the healthcare industry. It is anticipated that the majority of the learner population will be able to access this qualification, thereby contributing significantly to workforce development and improving health outcomes nationally.

    Beyond entry-level practice, the qualification creates pathways for further study in nursing, health sciences, and allied health disciplines, supporting professional advancement and lifelong learning.
    The rationale for this qualification is grounded in healthcare workforce planning, ensuring the development of nurses who can deliver competent, ethical, and legally compliant care. Learners will attend to essential daily living needs of healthcare users in both public and private settings, in accordance with the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005) and Regulation 2127: Regulations Regarding the Scope of Practice for Nurses and Midwives, Chapter 5. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the
    same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with diploma endorsement, NQG Level 4.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • An equivalent qualification at Level 4 or the Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing at Level 5.
    And
    Registration with the South African Nursing Council as a General or Psychiatric Nurse. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 376 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 128 Credits:
  • General Nursing Care year 1, 87 Credits.
  • Management process year 1, 5 Credits
  • Ethics in Nursing year 1, 2 credits.
  • Legal practice, record keeping & legislation year 1, 5 Credits
  • Professionalism year 1, 6 Credits
  • Research methodology year 1, 3 Credits
  • Anatomy & Physiology year 1, 8 Credits
  • Introduction to applied sociology year 1, 2 Credits
  • Introduction to applied psychology year 1, 2 Credits
  • Introduction to pharmacology year 1, 5 Credits
  • Health Information Systems year 3, 3 Credits

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 214 Credits:
  • General Nursing Care year 2, 92 Credits
  • Microbiology year 2, 10 credits
  • Introduction to Applied Sociology Year 2, 5 Credits
  • Introduction to Applied Psychology year 2, 6 Credits
  • Basic Pharmacology Year 2, 10 Credits
  • Management process year 3, 54 Credits
  • Reproductive Health Care Year 3, 7 Credits
  • Community health care year 3, 10 Credits
  • Communicable Diseases year 3, 10 Credits
  • Research methodology year 3, 10 Credits

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 34 Credits:
  • General Nursing Care year 3, 34 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing.
    2. Apply knowledge of psycho-social sciences in the practice of general nursing.
    3. Apply knowledge of pharmacology in general nursing practice.
    4. Provide general nursing care throughout the lifespan of an individual in various healthcare settings.
    5. Render general nursing care within a legal and ethical framework.
    6. Use and maintain healthcare information systems for general nursing practice.
    7. Manage a healthcare unit by implementing the management process.
    8. Provide reproductive health care to promote and maintain optimum health of individuals and families. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology in caring for the health care user.
  • Apply knowledge of microbiology in caring for the health care user
  • Application of biological sciences supports accurate interpretation of clinical data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply knowledge of psychology & sociology in ways which benefits the quality of healthcare delivered to healthcare users.
  • Understand and apply knowledge of human behaviour and psychological development throughout the life span.
  • Implement and apply social & diversity-sensitive care in general nursing care.
  • Identify and manage a range of psychological emergency situations accordingly.
  • Deal with emotional demands of general nursing practice effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply knowledge of pharmacodynamics & pharmacokinetics in general nursing practice within applicable scope of practice.
  • Describe, control, dispense, and administer medications in various healthcare settings within legislative requirements.
  • Perform drug calculations accurately to ensure correct dosages.
  • Identify, manage and report adverse drug reactions and side effects appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Provide curative and rehabilitative care for all age groups at acute healthcare facilities and rehabilitative centres.
  • Deliver preventative and promotive nursing care at community and primary health care across all age groups.
  • Adapt nursing care to meet the specific developmental needs of infants, children, adults, and the elderly.
  • Maintain continuity of care through appropriate referral and follow-up systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Deliver nursing care in accordance with legal frameworks and professional standards.
  • Hold patient rights, dignity, confidentiality, and informed consent at all times.
  • Identify and manage ethical dilemmas using appropriate decision-making models.
  • Demonstrate accountability and responsibility in all aspects of nursing practice

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use Healthcare information systems effectively for documentation, reporting, and communication.
  • Accurately and securely maintain patient records and in compliance with legal requirements.
  • Use digital systems to support clinical decision-making and improve patient care outcomes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Understand the management process (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) in managing health care units.
  • Effectively utilise Human, financial, and material resources to ensure quality care.
  • Demonstrate leadership and supervisory skills in coordinating healthcare teams.
  • Implement quality improvement strategies and risk management principles within the health care unit.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Provide reproductive health services to individuals and families across the lifespan.
  • Deliver Health education and counselling on family planning, sexual health, and maternal care.
  • Provide antenatal and postnatal care in accordance with best practices and guidelines.
  • Demonstrated early identification and management of reproductive health risks and complications.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated Assessment
  • The qualification will comprise continuous; formative, work integrated learning (practical) and summative assessments.
  • Theory assessments take the form of written tests, assignments and projects (individual and group).
  • Work integrated learning assessments take the form of procedural skills assessments.
  • Workbooks with learning outcomes and procedures will be given to learners for completion during work integrated learning placements that includes simulation.
  • The use of continuous assessments for small credit subjects

    The South African Nursing Council registers the learner against the qualification on completion of the academic qualification. The South African Nursing Council may require a licensure examination to be written prior to registration
  • And/or any applicable method, including evidence of involvement in a research project.

    Summative assessment:
    May take the form of, but not limited to:
  • Oral.
  • Written.
  • Practical examinations.

    A work integrated learning (WIL) approach is adopted which is career focussed education that includes classroom based and workplace based forms of learning that are appropriate for the qualification. The aim of WIL is theory practice integration in both the classroom and clinical area. Practical block periods follow theoretical intermittently during the academic year, to ensure that the content related to outcomes is covered prior to the learners' exposure to the real world setting. Formative assessments will take place during the training period of both theory and practice and summative assessments at the end of each semester for theory assessment and at the end of each academic year for the practical assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable to the following countries:
    The Diploma in Nursing at NQF Level 6 was compared with comparable nursing qualifications offered in Australia and Kenya. The selected qualifications represent internationally recognised diploma-level nursing education and provide relevant points of comparison in terms of qualification level, clinical preparation, theoretical knowledge, practical experience, professional competence and preparation for nursing practice.

    Country: Kenya
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Registered Nursing
    Qualification Level: Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) Level 6

    Purpose:
    The Kenyan Diploma in Registered Nursing is designed to prepare learners for registration and professional practice as Registered Nurses within the Kenyan healthcare system. The qualification develops comprehensive clinical knowledge, clinical judgement and nursing decision-making. Learners are exposed to a broad range of nursing competencies, including health assessment, disease management, health promotion and, depending on the specific qualification, components of midwifery. The qualification integrates theoretical education with substantial clinical experience in hospitals and primary healthcare settings, enabling learners to plan, implement and evaluate holistic nursing interventions.

    Similarities:
    The Kenyan Diploma in Registered Nursing and the South African Diploma in Nursing are comparable in their emphasis on integrating theoretical knowledge with substantial clinical experience. Both qualifications seek to develop nurses who can apply clinical knowledge, undertake patient assessments, implement nursing interventions and contribute to the provision of comprehensive healthcare.

    Both qualifications also incorporate clinical learning across different healthcare environments and emphasise the development of professional competence, clinical judgement and safe nursing practice. The focus on holistic patient care and the ability to apply nursing knowledge to different health needs provides a significant area of comparability.

    The two qualifications are also positioned at Level 6 within their respective national qualifications frameworks, providing a useful comparison of diploma-level nursing education across the South African and Kenyan qualifications systems.

    Differences:
    The principal difference relates to the professional designation and scope of practice associated with the qualification. The Kenyan qualification is specifically described as a Diploma in Registered Nursing and prepares graduates for registration as Registered Nurses with the Nursing Council of Kenya. It therefore places considerable emphasis on clinical judgement and independent nursing decision-making within the Kenyan healthcare system.

    The curriculum may also differ in areas such as midwifery, community health, disease management and the organisation of clinical training, reflecting the healthcare priorities and regulatory requirements of Kenya. The South African Diploma in Nursing is similarly governed by the requirements of the South African nursing education and regulatory environment and therefore reflects the healthcare needs, scope of practice and professional requirements applicable in South Africa.

    Country: Australia
    Qualification Title: Diploma of Nursing
    Qualification Level: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 6

    Purpose:
    The Australian Diploma of Nursing is designed to prepare learners for professional practice as Enrolled Nurses. The qualification develops applied clinical knowledge and skills, professional communication, patient-centred care and safe nursing practice within a defined scope of practice and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Learners are prepared to provide direct patient care, administer medications within their authorised scope, contribute to multidisciplinary healthcare teams and support patients across healthcare settings, including hospitals, aged-care facilities and community health environments. The qualification places strong emphasis on competency-based education, workplace readiness and clinical placement to ensure that learners can apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in regulated healthcare environments.

    Similarities:
    The Australian Diploma of Nursing and the South African Diploma in Nursing at NQF Level 6 are comparable in their combination of theoretical knowledge and practical clinical education. Both qualifications aim to develop competent nursing practitioners who are able to apply nursing knowledge and skills in real healthcare environments.

    Both qualifications emphasise safe and effective patient care, professional communication, clinical competence and the integration of theoretical learning with practical experience. Clinical exposure is an important component of both qualifications, enabling learners to develop the practical competencies required for nursing practice and to engage with patients and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Both qualifications also place emphasis on preparing graduates for practice within regulated healthcare systems, requiring learners to demonstrate appropriate professional knowledge, clinical skills and ethical conduct.

    Differences:
    The principal difference relates to the professional scope and registration category associated with the qualifications. The Australian Diploma of Nursing prepares graduates for practice as Enrolled Nurses, who practise within a defined scope and generally under the supervision or direction of a Registered Nurse. The South African Diploma in Nursing is positioned at NQF Level 6 within the South African qualifications framework and is aligned with the South African regulatory and professional nursing context.

    The qualifications also operate within different national healthcare and regulatory environments. Consequently, the scope of practice, professional registration requirements, clinical competencies and specific curriculum requirements may differ between Australia and South Africa. The Australian qualification has a particularly strong competency-based and workplace-readiness orientation, while the South African qualification is structured according to the requirements of the South African higher education and nursing regulatory framework. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides the following articulation options:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Emergency Care, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, at NQF Level 7

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. Life Healthcare Group (prev College of Learning/Afrox Coll of Nursing) 


    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.