Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Sonography
Health Sciences and Social Services - Preventive Health
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose
The purpose of the qualification is to develop a professional who will be competent with the knowledge and skills required for the profession of Diagnostic Sonography. A sonographer is a professional who has gained experience in applying such knowledge and skills in the appropriate workplace context. Skills in management, problem-solving, 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 student to be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a graduate in the field of Diagnostic Sonography. The outcomes achieved will allow the student to practice their skills for the benefit of the community, and to share their skills and knowledge with fellow students and peers. Registration will assure the community and society that the professional will practice within the relevant scope as determined by the HPCSA.
Rationale
There is a national shortage of qualified sonographers to operate ultrasound equipment in order to provide safe and accessible service to the public. Many hospitals and clinics lack operators with the necessary skills to provide a meaningful service or are using personnel who have not undergone formal training and assessment. The field of Medical Imaging is advancing rapidly in both technology and application areas. Ultrasound is a cost-effective means of screening for a wide range of disorders at an early stage, thereby improving treatment and prognosis. The qualification requires learners to be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa to enable practice in both public and private sectors. The Exit-Level Outcomes describe the competencies required to provide safe diagnostic sonography services. Graduates may continue their education with a Master's and Doctoral qualification. The curriculum development aims to provide skills for success in the workplace and contribute to the South African Health Services environment. Graduates will have lifelong learning skills to contribute to society and strengthen the country's health services. The qualification emphasizes social and ethical responsibility within the healthcare system and includes a research component aligning with industry needs.
Outcomes
- Effectively utilises an integrated approach to demonstrate advanced scientific knowledge, skills and competencies in the interrogation and evaluation of current and future technology in the sonography context.
- Applies and integrates advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to perform and interpret routine and specialised sonographic procedures and produce images of optimum quality in the clinical workplace context.
- Develops critical enquiry and applies complex research skills to conduct formal and informal research within an area of a specialised field in the profession of ultrasound, provides creative insights and rigorous interpretation of findings to solve problems and present the results to peers.
- Integrates and applies knowledge of entrepreneurship and the management functions in the complex and dynamic situations within an ultrasound context in order to take full responsibility and accountability for the management of a public or private department in terms of human resources, procurement, ethics, human rights, medical law and quality assurance both as an employee and an employer.
- Demonstrates advanced values systems, knowledge and skills that will enable and enhance meaningful participation in society, contribute towards developing sustainable communities, and establish a firm foundation for the assumption of a productive and responsible role in the workplace and beyond.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Scientific knowledge demonstrated in the selection of equipment and manipulation of controls
- Review and evaluation of future technological trends in sonography
- Use of advanced sonography equipment for routine and specialised examinations
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Integration of advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in sonographic procedures
- Critical evaluation of obtained images for diagnostic quality
- Demonstration of pattern recognition skills in assessing images
- Appreciation of ultrasound's role in holistic patient management
- Understanding of quality assurance and troubleshooting procedures
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Application of advanced research theories, designs, and methodologies
- Demonstration of complex research principles in a research proposal
- Critical evaluation of suitable resources and adherence to ethical policies
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Application of advanced knowledge in managing sonography departments
- Protection of patient rights and adherence to ethical considerations
- Demonstration of integrated knowledge in designing and equipping ultrasound facilities
- Development of performance management strategies
- Adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines in healthcare
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Demonstration of informed knowledge of socio-political issues
- Active involvement in community-based projects
- Personal growth through advanced problem-solving skills
- Development of personal attributes aligned with the world of work standards
Integrated Assessment:
- Alignment of Exit Level Outcomes to teaching methods and assessments
- Integration of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values in assessments
- Use of various assessment methods appropriate to the context of the work environment
- Utilization of simulations, case studies, role-plays, and other strategies
- Integration of theoretical and practical components in assessments
- Provision of formative feedback to enable student improvement
- Assessment through portfolios, simulations, workplace assessments, written assignments, and more
By aligning assessments with these criteria, students will be evaluated comprehensively on their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of sonography.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 512
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.