Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostic

Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health

Purpose and Rationale

Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics

Purpose:

The purpose of the Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics is to provide the learner with nationally relevant and internationally compatible imaging skills that meet the health needs of societies and the learners' social and educational needs. This qualification enables the learner to competently apply an integration of theory, practical experience, and appropriate attitudes for their daily practice and to the solution of well-defined and abstract problems in Diagnostic Radiography.

A learner in this qualification will achieve the following competencies at the end of the study:

  1. Understanding of Diagnostic Radiography principles: Solve practical problems within radiography through competent performance of routine and specialized radiographic procedures.

  2. Identification of health problems in the context of Diagnostic Radiography.

  3. Suggestion and implementation of solutions or plans of action to solve problems professionally through effective and safe patient care practices following ethical principles, human rights, and medical law requirements.

  4. Professional duties: Perform with confidence in collaboration with other health care professionals, assume leadership when appropriate, and promote efficient and effective service delivery and total quality management in the radiography profession and healthcare service.

  5. Keeping up with current trends: Stay informed on changing needs of Diagnostic Radiography service on regional, national, and international levels by engaging in research within the profession.

  6. Contribution towards professional development: Facilitate the continuing professional development of Diagnostic Radiography staff through research and teamwork.

  7. Improvement of Diagnostic Radiography practice: Reflect on and explore strategies to enhance practice through organizational and management skills.

  8. Effective communication: Demonstrate competency in using technology for effective communication among healthcare workers and stakeholders to ensure quality patient care and facilitate management processes.

Rationale:

This qualification is a 480 Credits professional degree, different from the current 360 Credits offering, as it introduces a research project, radiographic practice management, expanded theoretical knowledge, and clinical skills in new radiographic modalities. Radiography professionals with higher qualifications, research experience, and theoretical knowledge are required to keep up with technological advancements.

The qualification aims to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for radiography practice and lifelong learning. Graduates will be able to work independently with Diagnostic Radiography imaging modalities in both public and private healthcare institutions, manage imaging departments effectively, and conduct research to improve service delivery and increase knowledge in radiography.

Successful completion of this qualification enables registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Diagnostic Radiographer and articulation to qualifications specializing in areas such as Mammography, CT, and MRI.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate competency in the performance of routine and specialised radiographic procedures to produce images of diagnostic quality.
  2. Evaluate the quality of routine and specialised radiographic images and perform image interpretation to identify normal and abnormal appearances.
  3. Perform safe and effective patient care following the patient's needs and departmental protocol to ensure the provision of quality service and maintain the welfare of the patient.
  4. Apply the principles of human rights, ethics and medical law which ensure the well-being of the patient.
  5. Access, organise and present information applicable to the radiography context to record, retrieves and communicates patient data.
  6. Plan, develop and apply total quality management appropriate to the diagnostic radiography context.
  7. Demonstrate research skills and foster a research climate in Diagnostic Radiography.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

  • Interpret request forms and demonstrate knowledge of relevant radiographic terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
  • Select appropriate techniques for image production.
  • Utilize accessory equipment and imaging systems for specific positioning techniques.
  • Apply radiation protection and safety measures.
  • Perform routine and specialized radiographic techniques with and without contrast media.
  • Demonstrate sterile techniques for needle placement in a vein.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

  • Evaluate radiographic images for diagnostic quality.
  • Ensure images conform to medico-legal requirements.
  • Identify normal and abnormal radiographic appearances.
  • Apply corrective measures to techniques.
  • Communicate findings to healthcare professionals.
  • Exercise judgment in additional radiographic views.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

  • Assess patient conditions and take appropriate action.
  • Respect cultural and psychological diversity.
  • Explain procedures to patients.
  • Provide optimal patient care.
  • Demonstrate communication skills.
  • Recognize contrast media reactions and provide emergency care.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

  • Act professionally with psychological, cultural, and ethical considerations.
  • Protect patient rights and maintain confidentiality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

  • Use information technology for patient data.
  • Compile and present data scientifically.
  • Communicate IT within radiographic context.
  • Select and evaluate relevant information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

  • Apply principles of quality assurance and control.
  • Manage equipment within budget.
  • Develop communication and cooperation strategies.
  • Understand management principles and legislation.
  • Maintain departmental records.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

  • Engage in professional development.
  • Participate in social, political, and academic debates.
  • Analyze and understand research.
  • Design and report on research projects.

Integrated Assessment

  • Formative assessments: Tests, assignments, projects, presentations.
  • Summative assessment: Examinations, practical assessments.
  • Integrated module for Clinical Education and Practice.
  • Integrated assessment for the Research Project.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Description
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is a public university located in Pretoria, South Africa. It was established in 2014 and is named after Sefako Makgatho, a former president of the African National Congress. SMU specializes in health sciences education and research, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health sciences. The university is committed to producing competent healthcare professionals who can contribute to the improvement of healthcare in South Africa and beyond. SMU places a strong emphasis on community engagement and strives to address the healthcare needs of underserved populations. The university collaborates with various healthcare institutions and organizations to provide practical training opportunities for its students and to conduct research that addresses local health challenges. With its state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated faculty, SMU aims to be a leading institution in health sciences education and research in Africa. It is committed to promoting excellence, innovation, and social accountability in healthcare education and practice.

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.