Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics
Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to develop a competent learner who has a thorough grounding in the knowledge and skills required for the Diagnostic Radiography profession and who has gained experience in applying such knowledge and skills in the appropriate workplace context. 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 abstract problems in the selected field of Diagnostic Radiography. The learner should become a reflective practitioner and a life-long learner in his or her profession, thereby benefiting the community and society. Skills in management and research will also be demonstrated allowing the holder of this qualification to work independently and in a supervisory capacity within the health care team. Successful completion of this qualification will enable the learner to register with the relevant Professional Council as a Specialist Radiographer.
Rationale:
The imperative of this learning programme arises from the proposed introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) programme, which is expected to result in a requirement of a large number of health professionals including radiographers. This new qualification is required for the following two reasons:
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Diagnostic radiography is one of the identified scarce skills in South Africa and is vitally important to the effective diagnosis and management of disease within the NHI programme. The qualification would be beneficial as a radiographer with an understanding of deep theoretical and wide knowledge in diagnostic radiography would be required.
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Radiographic imaging in general plays a key role in understanding complex biological systems and is dependent on interdisciplinary fields (e.g. physics, human biology, computer sciences) to extract that information. Diagnostic Radiographers work in close collaboration with radiologists in the health care team. In the South African setting, however, there are a limited number of radiologists to service the population of the country. This shortage of radiologists has resulted in a change in the type of radiographer required for the South African health system. This radiographer would be required to perform general radiography, limited computed tomography (CT), supervised fluoroscopy and limited magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as is currently the case. Furthermore, this new cadre of health professional would be required to perform limited unsupervised fluoroscopic studies, do image interpretation of selected examinations, assist with and administer contrast media, perform advanced CT and MRI examinations, and apply quality management techniques relevant to diagnostic radiography.
The qualification will increase accessibility and the number of well-qualified, competent and independent radiography graduates. These graduates will be able to play a leadership and a supportive role in the multidisciplinary health care team in both the public and private health services of the Province and the country.
Outcomes
- Perform routine and specialised radiographic procedures to produce images of diagnostic quality.
- Access, organise and present information applicable to the radiography context to record, retrieve and communicate patient data.
- Evaluate the quality of routine and specialised radiographic images and perform image interpretation to identify normal and abnormal appearances.
- Plan, develop and apply total quality management appropriate to the diagnostic radiography context.
- Perform safe and effective patient care following the patient's needs and departmental protocol to provide quality service and to maintain the welfare of the patient.
- Apply the principles of human rights, ethics and relevant medical law which ensure the well-being of the patient.
- Apply the principles, specific knowledge, skills and values related to one of the chosen electives as listed.
- Conduct research.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Interpret request form for validity and knowledge of relevant radiographic terminology, anatomy, physiology and pathology.
- Select accessory equipment and imaging systems and utilize specific positioning techniques.
- Apply radiation protection and safety measures.
- Prepare routine and specialised radiographic techniques and procedures competently.
- Demonstrate aseptic techniques for examinations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Demonstrate information technology skills for patient data.
- Compile and present information scientifically.
- Communicate information technology within the radiographic context.
- Select and evaluate relevant information critically.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Evaluate radiographic images for diagnostic quality and medico-legal requirements.
- Apply corrective measures to techniques.
- Communicate radiographic appearances to healthcare professionals.
- Exercise independent judgement for additional views.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Demonstrate principles of quality assurance and control.
- Select, order, and maintain equipment within budget.
- Develop communication and co-operation between role players.
- Implement performance management strategies.
- Maintain departmental records following requirements.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Assess patients relevant to clinical condition.
- Respect cultural and psychological diversity.
- Explain procedures to patients professionally.
- Provide optimal patient care.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills.
- Recognize and respond to contrast media reactions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Recognize psychological, cultural, and ethical considerations.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and rights.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Apply subject principles to related activities.
- Apply specialized techniques for contextual objectives.
- Apply quality assurance principles.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Demonstrate research principles and methodology.
- Maintain relevance with national needs and ethical policies.
- Evaluate and use suitable resources.
- Present findings in oral and written formats.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative Assessment: Various methods including written tests, assignments, practicals, portfolios, logbooks, clinical reports, case studies, presentations, group work, and clinical placement assessments.
- Summative Assessment: Written and oral examinations, practical assessments, portfolio development, logbooks, and OSCE.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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