Bachelor of Health Sciences: Medical Laboratory Science
Health Sciences and Social Services - Rehabilitative Health/Services
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose: The purpose of this qualification is to produce a graduate who will be competent in analysing and managing human and animal specimens for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases and for research purposes, integrating laboratory tests with pathophysiological conditions in a specified area of specialization in accordance with statutory and operational requirements. They should be able to recognize ethical standards within their scope of practice. The areas of specialization include Clinical Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Virology, Clinical Chemistry, Haematology, Immunohaematology, Cytology, Histopathology, Cytogenetics, Immunology, and Forensic Medicine.
This qualification enables the learner to competently apply an integration of theory, principles, proven techniques, practical experience, and appropriate skills to the solution of well-defined and complex problems in the selected field of Medical Laboratory Science. The learner will become a reflective practitioner and a lifelong learner in his or her profession, benefiting the community and society. Upon completion of this qualification, graduates will also be able to demonstrate skills in management and research, allowing the graduate to work independently within the health care team and contribute to the body of knowledge in the profession.
Focus Areas:
- Understand diagnostic techniques required for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of patient care.
- Keep abreast of new trends in technology, equipment, and diagnostic methodology for continued professional development and improved health services.
- Understand the development of research potential to advance South African medical services.
- Understand management and quality assurance skills for effective delivery of quality laboratory services.
- Apply ethical and safety considerations in the profession.
- Display empathy and communication skills required in delivering information to health care participants.
Rationale: The Bachelor of Health Sciences: Medical Laboratory Science aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to operate as qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists. These professionals play a crucial role in the healthcare field by conducting laboratory analyses on human and animal specimens for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases. The qualification aims to meet the high demand for skilled Medical Laboratory Scientists in South Africa, addressing shortages in the profession.
The qualification aligns with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and responds to the requirements of the National Health policy for offering a four-year Bachelor's Degree for all health care professionals. It aims to equip graduates with advanced competencies to meet the legislative and operational standards of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The Degree also provides graduates with opportunities for career advancement and diversification within the health sector.
Graduates will be prepared to work in diverse settings, from quaternary medical care facilities to remote health care settings, promoting equity in health care and social upliftment. The qualification also aims to enhance research output, promote industry development, and contribute to addressing the burden of disease in the country. Graduates will be registered with the HPCSA to practice as Medical Laboratory Scientists in various healthcare laboratories.
In conclusion, this qualification aims to produce competent and skilled professionals who can contribute to the health sector, engage in lifelong learning, and make a positive impact on society through their work in medical laboratory science.
Outcomes
- Perform and integrate laboratory tests with pathophysiological conditions in a field of specialisation in accordance with statutory and operational requirements and make appropriate decisions and recommendations based on the critical evaluation of available information.
- Apply complex research skills to conduct formal and informal research within an area of a specialised field of medical laboratory science, provide meaningful interpretation of findings to solve problems and present the results to peers.
- Competently apply and integrate advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to perform routine and specialised tests and techniques in the context of medical laboratory sciences.
- Effectively integrate and apply knowledge of entrepreneurship and management functions in complex and dynamic situations within the medical laboratory science context demonstrating responsibility and accountability for the management of human resources, procurement, ethics, human rights, medical law and quality assurance both as an employee and an employer.
- Demonstrate an ability to operate and communicate effectively within the context of medical laboratory science and an understanding of the roles and relationships within the health and related sectors.
- Critically evaluate current and new trends in technology, to improve practice and to solve problems in a variety of contexts within the discipline.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Select, perform, interpret, and integrate routine and specialized diagnostic techniques, including molecular biology techniques, in accordance with statutory requirements.
- Evaluate laboratory results through correlation of data and recognize factors affecting procedures and test results.
- Interpret laboratory results in the context of physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
- Apply in-depth knowledge of disease processes to evaluate, interpret, and integrate findings.
- Describe, apply, and evaluate quality assurance procedures.
- Integrate learning across general and chosen field of study.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Analyse, synthesise, and evaluate information within laboratory constraints.
- Evaluate new equipment, techniques, and methods.
- Recommend appropriate techniques and methods based on sound principles.
- Understand and appreciate diversity within a local and global context.
- Conduct research in compliance with ethical principles.
- Identify research needs in medical laboratory sciences.
- Apply appropriate research methods and evaluate findings.
- Produce a research report following accepted guidelines.
- Demonstrate social responsibility and ethical reasoning in dealing with challenges.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Assess, review, and update standard operating procedures.
- Monitor equipment and take appropriate action.
- Plan, organise, and prioritise work activities.
- Apply, evaluate, and change laboratory safety procedures if required.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Manage human, infrastructural, operational, and financial resources effectively.
- Develop, approve, and implement a business plan.
- Explain principles of entrepreneurship skills.
- Demonstrate professional conduct, innovation, and leadership.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Investigate factors affecting test procedures and results and generate reports.
- Align clinical interactions with ethical guidelines.
- Collect, analyse, interpret, and report data accurately.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Explain and apply appropriate legislation.
- Demonstrate intellectual and practical skills.
- Communicate effectively in English with patients, colleagues, and service providers.
- Utilize technology applications appropriately.
Integrated Assessment:
- Learning, teaching, and assessment are aligned.
- Assessment methods will be varied and context-appropriate.
- Norm-referenced and criteria-referenced assessments will be used.
- Formative assessments include written assignments, tests, performance assessments, problem-based assessments, and more.
- Summative assessments include final examinations, competency assessments, portfolios, oral presentations, and research projects.
- Assessments focus on core knowledge, application, evaluation, and analysis of concepts and skills.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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