Durban University of Technology

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Clinical Technology

Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Title: Bachelor of Health Sciences in Clinical Technology

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to develop a learner to possess the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to practice as a Clinical Technologist, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, in one of the following specialist categories: Cardiology, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Critical Care, Nephrology, Neurology, Pulmonology, or Reproductive Biology. The qualifying learner will be able to independently perform diagnostic, therapeutic, and corrective procedures on patients using specialized health technology and techniques for the treatment of patho-physiological conditions in a hospital-based or private practice setting. This qualification will enable the learner to engage in research and contribute to the creation of new knowledge within the field. Lastly, the qualification is designed to provide learners with specific clinical technology skills and competencies that are included in management and research.

Rationale:

The design process of the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Clinical Technology has been a joint and concerted effort involving clinical technology academics, practitioners, and representatives from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). In the deliberations, HPCSA has stipulated minimum qualification requirements for independent practice. Aspects that were raised and highlighted during the design of this qualification include the following:

  • There is a need for highly skilled Clinical Technologists by the industry and in order to meet the legislative and operational requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). This need was identified at the Advisory Board meetings as well as in meetings with the Board of Radiography and Clinical Technology on numerous occasions.
  • The new qualification will allow for greater flexibility of career advancement, both vertically and horizontally, as Clinical Technologists are directly involved with changes in technology and are therefore in a position to contribute to academic and clinical research.
  • The new qualification is designed to enable personal growth and job advancement within and across the health sector.
  • The qualification in Clinical Technology will make it possible to align with other similar Allied Health Professional qualifications and also meet international standards for Clinical Technologists with professional degrees.

Outcomes

  1. Apply scientific and technological knowledge to perform and monitor diagnostic, therapeutic and quality assurance procedures in the clinical environment for the management of patients in a field of specialisation in accordance with statutory and operational requirements.
  2. Perform therapeutic, corrective and organ system support on patients using specialised health technology to facilitate management of the patient.
  3. Conduct research in a field of clinical technology in compliance with legislated and ethical research requirements.
  4. Demonstrate entrepreneurship and management skills in the health care facility to ensure professional, legal and ethical service delivery.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Application of knowledge and understanding of human and basic sciences for Clinical Technology.
  • Applying techniques, processes, systems, or technologies creatively and innovatively in specialized and complex healthcare contexts.
  • Demonstrating critical and novel application of specialist knowledge and theory to solve practical and theoretical problems in healthcare.
  • Applying management, education, and research skills in independent practice.
  • Demonstrating professional behavior and attitudes in academic and clinical settings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Applying expertise, competence, and critical knowledge in fundamental modules.
  • Demonstrating intellectual and clinical independence while ensuring safety in the community.
  • Applying specialist knowledge and theory creatively to address complex problems in healthcare.
  • Applying management, education, and research skills in independent practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Demonstrating research skills by conducting research in Clinical Technology in a specialist field.
  • Engaging in cutting-edge areas of the field.
  • Conceptualizing new research initiatives and creating new knowledge in Clinical Technology.
  • Demonstrating research leadership and management ethically in Health Sciences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Understanding the role of Clinical Technology in the South African healthcare system.
  • Efficiently managing self, time, and resources for professional service delivery.
  • Providing operational and clinical supervision within a Clinical Technology unit.
  • Demonstrating skills in administrative management, quality assurance, and auditing control in a Clinical Technology unit.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Formative and summative assessment methods are used.
  • Various assessment methods such as written and oral examinations, projects, case studies, and clinical assessments are utilized.
  • Clinical competence is ensured through supervision and completion of clinical work records.
  • Students must complete a specified number of clinical hours and pass a competency-based test to register as a Clinical Technology Scientist.

This markdown format presents the Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes in a structured and organized manner.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
508
SAQA Source
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Durban University of Technology
Description
Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a public university located in Durban, South Africa. It was established in 2002 through the merger of Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon. DUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines including engineering, business, health sciences, arts and design, and applied sciences. The university is known for its focus on practical and career-oriented education, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields. DUT also has strong industry partnerships and collaborations, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared for the job market.

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.