University of the Witwatersrand

Bachelor of Audiology

Health Sciences and Social Services - Preventive Health

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification in Audiology

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners, through a planned combination of learning outcomes, with the knowledge, skills and attitudes consistent with best practice in the profession of Audiology. This will enable graduates to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Audiologist and to competently and independently provide appropriate professional services within the scope of practice. Graduates will be prepared to work with persons of all ages who are at risk of or present with vestibular disorders and hearing impairment. Regulations governing Audiologists and their training and scope of practice in the South African context apply. Newly qualified graduates are required to enter community service where they may need to collaborate, plan, set up, and deliver services independently at all levels of the health care system. Effective communication and professional ethical practices, especially when addressing the communication needs of a multicultural and multilingual population, are emphasized in this qualification.

Rationale:

The demand for Audiologists has increased due to technological advancements, research developments, and an aging population. This qualification will meet the needs of stakeholders, academic institutions offering Audiology programs, and the profession as a whole in South Africa. It has the potential to influence national and international policies related to audiology, hearing disorders, health sciences, and education. The impact will extend to Audiology services in South Africa and potentially across the African continent. While Audiology and speech-language pathology are closely related disciplines, they have evolved independently and significantly in the last two decades, each being recognized nationally and internationally as distinct professions. The qualification ensures that learners maintain the necessary knowledge and skills in both Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology to offer quality professional services in the South African context.

Outcomes

  1. Develop appropriate database search strategies and selection criteria for Audiology.
  2. Communicate and produce information using a range of technologies.
  3. Understand how knowledge is reported within the discipline of Audiology.
  4. Conduct small scale research projects using the appropriate disciplinary conventions in Audiology.
  5. Evaluate, plan and execute professional services in Audiology eco-systematically.
  6. Use integrated information in conjunction with audiology knowledge to negotiate and derive an appropriate therapy plan.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Information accessed and processed using a range of technologies: Learners are able to access and process information using various technologies relevant to Audiology.
  • Assimilation of key defining concepts in Audiology: Learners can understand and apply key concepts in Audiology texts, arguments, and positions.
  • Collection, selection, organization, interpretation, and critical evaluation of different kinds of data in Audiology: Learners are able to collect, select, organize, interpret, and critically evaluate various types of data in Audiology.
  • Use of specialist resources in Audiology: Learners can effectively utilize specialist resources in Audiology practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Understanding of academic communication conventions in Audiology: Learners grasp the communication norms in academic settings related to Audiology.
  • Communication of own position in relation to debates in Audiology: Learners effectively communicate their stance in Audiology debates.
  • Skillful and flexible use of written and spoken language: Learners demonstrate proficiency in using written and spoken language with skill and flexibility.
  • Synthesis of information to articulate sustained arguments in Audiology: Learners can synthesize information to present coherent arguments in Audiology.
  • Application of appropriate information technologies in communication activities: Learners apply suitable information technologies in communication activities with clients and peers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Interpretation and critique of the subject matter of Audiology: Learners can interpret and critique the subject matter of Audiology.
  • Extrapolation and integration of information and theory in Audiology: Learners extrapolate and integrate information and theory in Audiology to solve problems and plan actions within specific contexts.
  • Critique of debates, concepts, issues, and concerns in Audiology: Learners critically analyze and evaluate debates, concepts, issues, and concerns in Audiology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Use of research data to inform audiological practice: Learners utilize research data to inform their audiological practice.
  • Collaboration with research specialists to develop research questions: Learners work collaboratively with research specialists to develop research questions based on clinical practice in Audiology.
  • Recognition of the scientific basis of Audiology and use of basic scientific methods: Learners acknowledge the scientific foundation of Audiology and apply basic scientific methods in their practice.
  • Utilization of relevant literature in Audiology to inform practice: Learners use relevant literature in Audiology to enhance their practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Identification of areas requiring investigation: Learners identify areas in Audiology that require further investigation.
  • Prioritization in relation to case history, service delivery, organization models, cultural background, and current literature research: Learners prioritize various aspects related to Audiology practice.
  • Selection of appropriate audiological tools based on client's needs and cultural background: Learners select suitable audiological tools considering the client's needs and cultural background.
  • Outline of the role of other professionals and stakeholders in audiological treatment programs: Learners describe the involvement of other professionals and stakeholders in the implementation of audiological treatment programs.
  • Assessment of the relationship between individual and local, national, and global issues in Audiology: Learners evaluate the connections between individuals and broader issues in Audiology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Establishment of client's past and present status: Learners determine the past and current status of the client.
  • Identification of potential etiological factors of audiological problems: Learners identify possible causes of audiological issues.
  • Seeking regular feedback and meetings with role players: Learners engage in regular communication and feedback sessions with relevant individuals.
  • Ensuring a continuous review process of therapy techniques and results: Learners maintain a consistent review process of therapy techniques and outcomes.
  • Communication of outcomes of procedures performed on the client: Learners effectively communicate the results of any procedures conducted on the client.
  • Development and application of flexibility in audiological programs: Learners develop and apply flexibility in implementing audiological programs according to client needs and environmental factors.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Learners are assessed through various methods such as assignments, tests, written and oral exams, clinical reports, and supervisors' evaluations of clinical performance.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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University of the Witwatersrand
Description
The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits University or simply Wits, is a renowned public research university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Established in 1896, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. Wits University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, commerce, health sciences, and law. The university is known for its academic excellence, research contributions, and commitment to social justice. It has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life, with numerous student organizations and cultural activities. Wits University is recognized internationally for its high-quality education and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Africa.

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.