Health Sciences and Social Services - Preventive Health
The purpose of this qualification in Biokinetics is to provide learners with a sound scientific knowledge base in the field of human physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, and human movement science. It aims to equip learners with practical skills, appropriate attitudes, and values to enhance health, optimize wellbeing and performance, and prevent the progression of certain ailments in individuals and communities. The main focus of this qualification is to provide professional training in scientifically based prescriptive exercise in the following four domains of practice:
The practice of these four domains will be conducted once the patient's conditions have been clinically stabilized (e.g., diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, etc.).
Biokinetics is a profession that focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, final phase rehabilitation of orthopaedic injuries, and the management of chronic diseases and disabilities through individualized, scientifically based exercise program prescription, physical activity intervention programs, and health education. It is an integral part of the holistic and multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, making it fitting within the Health Sciences Faculty at the university.
Currently, qualifying as a biokineticist requires completing a three-year learning program (BHMS or BSc in HMS and Biochemistry), followed by a Bachelor Administration Honours (HMS-Biokinetics), and a one-year internship (3 + 1 + internship). This extended process means that learners take five years to qualify as professional biokineticists, with no university control over external internships.
By offering a four-year professional Biokinetics qualification, the university can ensure quality training for biokineticists completing the Bachelor of Health Science in Biokinetics. Learners will be required to register with the Health Professions Council South Africa from year one of the four-year program, enhancing the credibility of the degree. This aligns the qualification more competitively with similar four-year professional health qualifications like physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
The new qualification will have a specific focus on biokinetics-related subject matter. The extended professional internship over two years will provide learners with early, extensive, and high-quality exposure to the necessary biokinetics skills for the profession and the broader health sector.
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.