Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Technology
Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Technology
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Technology qualification is a 496-Credit professional learning qualification at NQF Level 8, preparing individuals for careers in the fields of Clinical Technology, Clinical Research and Health Care Services. The qualification is intended to develop skilled and well-rounded learners with the highest expertise in clinical technology related scientific knowledge, techniques, and technology.
The qualification design underpins the philosophy of Scholarship for Teaching and Learning (SoTL), which intends to promote in-depth understanding of literature, critical reflection, and sharing of new knowledge through presentation or publication. The clinical technologist will be able to perform organ system support; diagnostic; therapeutic, as well as corrective procedures on patients using specialized health technology and techniques for the treatment of various patho-physiological disorders. The learner who successfully completes this qualification will be able to apply problem-solving skills and critical reflective thinking that culminates in the production of a research project that meets the criteria and ethical principles of the academic institution.
Rationale:
The Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) established a Standard Generating Body (SGB) that designed the qualification in conjunction with the institutions as well as members of the industry. As members of the industry were involved in the qualification design, the learners will meet the needs of the workplace. The primary reason for designing this qualification was to meet the needs of the South African community and its requirement for Clinical Technologists as identified by the National Department of Health and also ensure that it is compatible with international standards.
The South African government is committed to providing a framework for a structured uniform National Health Care System and to combine the national health plan and human resource development strategy for an effective and efficient health care service resulting in socio-economic transformation. Clinical Technologists will form an integral component of this Health Care System through their clinical training at public hospitals.
The Department of Health is leading the implementation of a multi-professional team-based approach to health care delivery, where each member of the team has a defined role to ensure there is minimum duplication and overlapping of functions. This process will also ensure that no single member of the team dominates but that different members of the team will lead at different times depending on the services to be rendered.
Due to the increasing demand for specialized health care practitioners in the various medical fields, there is a need for Clinical Technologists in the seven different categories: Cardiology, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Critical Care, Nephrology, Neurophysiology, Pulmonology, and Reproductive Biology. Achievement of this qualification will allow the learner to be registered as a Clinical Technologist with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Practicing Clinical Technologists will perform professional acts in accordance with the Scope of Practice for Clinical Technologists.
Upon successful completion of this qualification, learners that meet the minimum entry requirements will have the flexibility of the career-path for clinical technologists and be admitted vertically towards a Master Degree in the cognate field of study, or horizontally to Postgraduate qualifications such as Postgraduate Diplomas for the purpose of career change and/or diagonally to qualifications such as a Master of Business Administration - also for the purpose of career change.
Outcomes
- Critically review scholarly literature, employ scientific methodology, gathering and processing of research data, and critical evaluation of results to present and communicate to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to a field of specialisation.
- Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in the health sciences, and critically evaluate the knowledge of various types and techniques of technology in a field of specialisation.
- Understand the complexities and uncertainties of performing therapeutic, corrective procedures and organ system support and its suitability to pathophysiological investigations in unfamiliar clinical situations in their field of specialisation.
- Identify, analyse and apply current scientific, technical knowledge, and specialised skills in various pathophysiological conditions during clinical procedures in a field of specialisation.
- Identify and address ethical and legal issues based on critical reflection upon the appropriateness of patient management, principles and concepts in the health establishment to ensure professional, and ethical service delivery.
- Critically review scholarly literature, employ scientific methodology, gathering and processing of research data, and critical evaluation of results to present and communicate to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to a field of specialisation.
- Present and communicate accurate academic and professional information and knowledge, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to all members.
- Operate effectively in performing and monitoring safety, health, environmental, and quality assurance procedures in the clinical environment in a field of specialisation to ensure professional service.
- Manage a healthcare facility or own practice based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between business management and entrepreneurship within the health sciences.
- Design and implement appropriate teaching strategies in the health sciences as well as assessment methods appropriate to clinical education for the ongoing learning of self and others during Workplace-Based Learning (WPBL).
- Account and respond to decisions and actions, as well as those of others in a field of specialisation.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Interpret and apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology during clinical procedures.
- Research and apply information and technology in a clinical context.
- Apply up-to-date information to solve problems and accomplish specific applications.
- Correlate, interpret, and evaluate physiological and patho-physiological conditions for appropriate action.
- Carry out test procedures to ensure accuracy and effective monitoring in a clinical environment.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Integrate specialized knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology within a clinical context.
- Evaluate patho-physiological conditions effect on procedures and outcomes.
- Select appropriate apparatus and procedures for clinical assessments.
- Consider and display knowledge of medical law, bio-ethics, and human rights during procedures.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Evaluate standards used in procedures to establish adherence to minimum requirements.
- Understand and explain patho-physiological conditions during procedures.
- Explain scientific principles of equipment function in clinical procedures.
- Apply different test procedures for accuracy and effective monitoring.
- Interpret and remediate equipment malfunctions affecting procedures.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Apply therapeutic procedures accurately for optimal patient care.
- Explain risks and side effects to patients and families.
- Explain compliance and non-compliance to procedures to patients and the healthcare team.
- Prepare patients and equipment for procedures to minimize complications.
- Monitor patient responses during procedures and interpret results effectively.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Manage time and resources for professional and ethical service delivery.
- Apply principles of human rights, ethics, and medical law in healthcare.
- Apply medico-legal and professional policies in managing human resources.
- Identify functions of health councils and professional associations.
- Demonstrate understanding of public liability and malpractice insurance.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Identify research problems and articulate them for research projects.
- Investigate research methods and strategies for clinical research.
- Apply appropriate statistical analysis for chosen research methods.
- Evaluate research publications and present findings effectively.
- Adhere to research ethics and human rights principles.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Utilize information technology for professional service and skills development.
- Understand and apply the impact of socio-cultural factors on communication.
- Apply conflict management and collaboration in problem resolution.
- Present patient cases to the healthcare team systematically.
- Identify and demonstrate the benefits of meetings and collaboration.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Explain and apply aspects of occupational health and safety legislation.
- Adhere to standard operating procedures for patient safety.
- Apply infection control and sterilization principles.
- Apply quality control principles in procedures.
- Identify and address equipment malfunctions in a clinical facility.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Specify objectives in line with the mission/vision statement.
- Design a business plan for implementation.
- Determine resource requirements for staff.
- Manage administrative functions and budgeting.
- Ensure compliance with financial policies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Identify learning outcomes and strategies for Work Integrated Learning.
- Design a WIL portfolio for learner achievements.
- Manage human and physical resources for WIL.
- Develop training and professional development programs.
- Assess performance according to health care norms.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
- Understand and adhere to medical law in clinical settings.
- Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for patient care.
- Apply ethics and human rights responsibly.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assess applied knowledge and competence.
- Use formative and summative assessments throughout the qualification.
- Conduct Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE) for Clinical Professional Practice modules.
- Require a Portfolio of Evidence for assessment at the end of the year.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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