University of Johannesburg

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine

Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services

Purpose and Rationale

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine

Purpose:

The purpose of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine is to develop qualifying learners who are competent in the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required for diagnosing patients and formulating treatment plans in the field of Complementary Medicine for health promotion. The qualifying learner will be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence based techniques, practical exposure and appropriate skills under supervision. The qualifying learner will be competent to compound, dispense and prescribe Complementary Medicine (CMs) within that scope of practice. The learner will also be a team player capable of working in multidisciplinary teams to promote the profession. On completion of this programme the learner will be able to:

  • Derive, analyse and interpret clinical data in order to identify and assess the range of health problems presented to CM therapists and practitioners, using a comprehensive and holistic approach with the integration of relevant clinical competency and CM knowledge.
  • Integrate biomedical, behavioural and social sciences relevant to health promotion within a primary health care setting.
  • Develop and implement prevention plans and basic treatment protocols that would promote health, with an understanding of the role and function of other health disciplines and their relevance in multi-disciplinary patient management.
  • Communicate effectively and apply the principles of medical ethics and professional behaviour within a multi-cultural and international context.
  • Evaluate and interrogate multiple sources of literature as critical users and developers of research in a CM related field.
  • Identify the pharmaceutical and legislative requirements pertaining to the manufacture and sale of CMs and the operation of a dispensary, including related compounding and dispensing procedures.

Rationale:

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has indicated a willingness to support the integration of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM), as a global term, into public health care systems. In the South African context, the term Complementary Medicine (CM) is contained in the General Regulations to the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 1965). Practitioners within the field of CM are required to be registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA), under Act 63 of 1982. Registration entitles the practitioner to diagnose and treat any ailment in humans, and to compound and dispense applicable medicine in terms of their scope of practice and in terms of Section 22C(1)(a) of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 1965). This qualification is a professional Bachelor's Degree which seeks to address needs of the profession and requirements of the AHPCSA. This qualification seeks to produce a graduate competent to act as a primary-contact practitioner appropriately skilled for the prescribed scope of practice. This qualification allows the qualifying learner to register with the AHPCSA as an acupuncture therapist in view of the acupuncture component. The qualification will also prepare the learner for further study in the CM field; namely Homeopathy and Physiotherapy. As per the Allied Health Professions Act, 1982 (Act 63 of 1982), a minimum qualification of a Diploma is required for registration as an acupuncture therapist (acupuncturist) with the AHPCSA. The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) (Complementary Medicine) will cater for possible registration as an Acupuncturist and will also allow for articulation into the additional Master of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine programme.

Outcomes

  1. Derive, analyse and interpret clinical data in order to identify and assess the range of health problems presented to Complementary Medicine (CM) therapists and practitioners, using a comprehensive and holistic approach with the integration of relevant clinical competency and CM knowledge.
  2. Integrate biomedical, behavioural and social sciences relevant to health promotion within a primary health care setting.
  3. Develop and implement prevention plans and basic treatment protocols that would promote health, with an understanding of the role and function of other health disciplines and their relevance in multi-disciplinary patient management.
  4. Communicate effectively and apply the principles of medical ethics and professional behaviour within a multi-cultural and international context.
  5. Evaluate and interrogate multiple sources of literature as critical users and developers of research in a CM related field.
  6. Identify the pharmaceutical and legislative requirements pertaining to the manufacture and sale of CMs and the operation of a dispensary, including related compounding and dispensing procedures.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Collecting, analyzing, and organizing information: Students must demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze, and organize information related to clinical problems in the field of Complementary Medicine.
  • Implementing basic therapeutic interventions: Students should be able to identify and implement basic therapeutic interventions for pre-diagnosed patients.
  • Solving complex CM problems: The ability to solve complex CM problems holistically through innovative application of knowledge and conceptual thinking skills.
  • Competency in problem identification and solving: Demonstrating competency in applying theoretical principles of problem identification and solving in CM and reflecting on the application made.
  • Working effectively in a team: Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization, or community.
  • Identifying appropriate acupuncture protocols: Identifying the appropriate therapeutic acupuncture protocols as they relate to body systems and disorders.
  • Applying relevant acupuncture techniques: Applying relevant acupuncture techniques to the treatment of pre-diagnosed conditions in a clinical/practical setting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Applying an integrative approach: Applying an integrative approach with emphasis on biological, psychological, and social aspects of health in health promotion within a primary health care setting.
  • Understanding major pathologies: Demonstrating an understanding of major pathologies affecting various body systems in terms of pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Integrating biomedical knowledge: Integrating biomedical knowledge with evidence-based practice in treating and managing common health conditions.
  • Understanding psychological attributes: Understanding psychological attributes important in health and applying this knowledge to CM.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Specialist knowledge in problem-solving: Demonstrating specialist knowledge in formulating strategic solutions in the CM environment and applying appropriate methodologies to solve problems.
  • Effective communication: Communicating effectively, orally and in writing, with different stakeholders in the health field.
  • Decision-making skills: Choosing between various methods of managerial decision-making to achieve organizational objectives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Taking responsibility: Accepting responsibility for activities and progress in CM.
  • Adhering to professional requirements: Acting in accordance with health professional requirements and prescribed organizational and professional ethical codes of conduct.
  • Ethical considerations: Considering and acting in accordance with ethical and professional codes of conduct and seeking guidance on ethical issues when necessary.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Planning and conducting research: Providing evidence of the ability to plan and conduct limited research in CM and related management.
  • Research skills: Demonstrating intellectual competencies and research skills in CM and implementing strategies to address changes in various areas.
  • Investigating research questions: Investigating research questions or problems by applying advanced knowledge in CM.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Ethical and legal considerations: Providing evidence of ethical, legal, and therapeutic considerations in dispensing medicines and therapeutic devices.
  • Prescription writing: Writing, evaluating, and correctly interpreting prescriptions.
  • Patient information: Recording relevant patient information and providing appropriate advice for quality use of medicine.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Formative Assessment: Assessment during the learning process, which may include tutorials, presentations, group work, peer assessments, and written tests.
  • Summative Assessment: Assessment for making judgments about learner competence, such as tests, assignments, projects, and examinations.
  • Variety of assessments: Using a variety of assessment methods including observation, evaluation, questions (oral or written), clinical examinations, and treatment of patients under supervision.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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University of Johannesburg
University of Johannesburg
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Description
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a public university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of the Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand, and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. UJ is one of the largest universities in South Africa, with over 50,000 students enrolled across its four campuses. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences. UJ is known for its commitment to providing quality education, promoting social justice, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.