Advanced diploma in Somatology

Purpose

This qualification will equip qualified Somatologists with the necessary competencies and specialisation of Somatic therapy modalities, leadership and business skills to function as multi-skilled, adaptable and socially responsible Somatologists and managers within the Somatology discipline both locally and internationally.

These highly qualified Somatologists may work under supervision and/ or alongside dermatologists and other general practitioners who regularly practice Aesthetic Medicine, performing both pre and post specialised facial and body treatments ethically within a Somatologists scope of practice. Additionally, they will be able to apply specialisation in complementary modalities and new less invasive therapies, techniques and technologies. Thereby providing axillary support to other health care professionals which will contribute to relieving the burden on the national healthcare system.

The primary aim is to encourage critical reflective practices within the graduate to be able to determine, design and perform the most appropriate specialised treatment option for a client whether it be a terminally ill patient or a professional athlete. Thus, they need to be able to relate their theoretical knowledge and apply it in different contexts.

The qualification will also prepare learners for entry into a postgraduate qualification.

Rationale

This qualification is primarily discipline specialised in nature. Furthermore, it seeks to promote entrepreneurship or management opportunities within the Somatology field both locally and internationally. With the added specialisation, the qualification aims to encourage and improve professional relationships with all other health care professionals through research and being responsive to the primary health care and wellness need of the people of South Africa, thereby adapting and cementing their position within the health care community.

In recent years a major shift has occurred within the health sector where the emphasis has progressed from a curative approach to a more preventative approach. Linked to this, a need for different forms of therapies to complement and supplement one another in pursuit of optimum health for clients. This has narrowed the gap between that which has traditionally been seen as allopathic and alternative medicine and therapies.

Today, the traditional Western medical field acknowledges the value and positive medical research supporting various complementary, alternative and adjunct therapies and methodologies (CAM).

Due to the availability of and access to information the general public is also more aware in terms of the health and well-being of the human body, as well as quicker, new less invasive therapies, techniques and technologies and are therefore demanding a more holistic approach from health practitioners.

Therefore, the focus within the field of Somatic therapies has also shifted from a 'traditional only aesthetic focus' to a multi-skilled health and wellness related focus. This field has seen major advances in terms of new technologies, techniques and products which place the practicing Somatologist in a position to receive referrals from health care professionals, and vice versa. The qualification will incorporate specialisation in complementary and palliative care with the introduction of deep tissue, lymphatic and sports massage techniques. Thereby providing axillary support to other health care professionals.

The qualification will focus greatly on non-invasive medical aesthetic procedures which can be performed professionally and ethically by Somatologists. The specialisation will also provide potential employers in the medical aesthetics industry with confidence in the capabilities of graduates. It will reduce the need for them to further invest in training the Diploma diplomat to provide the support services they require from a Somatologist.

Entrepreneurs are desperately needed in South Africa and Africa to improve our economy and this qualification places a great focus in this area to develop diplomats to become self-employed and employers themselves.

The industry was consulted through questionnaires and advisory board representatives and it was advised that the Advanced Diploma would provide more specialization in certain modalities that will meet the needs of industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Rules for awarding RPL credits will be in accordance with the policy of the institution.

A challenge test or portfolio will provide the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and will not be so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining this qualification.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow

• Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
• Gaining or exemption of credits.
• Obtaining of the Somatology Advanced Diploma in part.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• A 360 Credits Diploma in Somatology or equivalent at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Somatology Research Methodology 1, 24 Credits.
• Business Management and Leadership in Somatology, 16 Credits.
• Somatic Complementary Therapy, 32 Credits.
• Somatic Medical Aesthetics Therapy I, 24 Credits.
• Somatic Medical Aesthetics Therapy II, 24 Credits.

1. Critically and holistically evaluate the current state of the body in order to identify, recommend and perform the appropriate specialised remedial, rehabilitative, curative, preventative, palliative treatments safely and /or referrals according to ethical standards of the profession.
2. Demonstrate and apply ethical entrepreneurial and comprehensive business management skills for the establishment and operation of a Somatology related setting or health care practice.
3. Design and apply meaningful research protocols for the advancement and development of the Somatology/Wellness discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Discuss different body systems in terms of anatomy and physiology, related disorders, pathologies and nutrition.
• Use knowledge of the structure and function of the body systems to identify pathologies disorders and design appropriate treatments.
• Apply scientific principles to critically assess the current state of the health of the client taking into account the individuals unique requirements and available facilities, whilst demonstrating responsibility to the practice and environment as a whole.
• Manage, perform and integrate non-invasive specialised treatments safely and ethically within a Somatologists scope of practice.
• Articulate a complete understanding of case studies findings, demonstrating reflection on appropriateness, practicalities and professionalism of application of specialised treatments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Discuss ethical, safety and legal standards and that they are adhered to.
• Evaluate professional codes of conduct for statutory and non-statutory bodies relevant to the practice of Somatology.
• Demonstrate responsible care of equipment and physical resources.
• Investigate promotion and retail opportunities within communities.
• Identify appropriate advertising opportunities using basic research principles within communities.
• Conduct promotion of services and the retail of products.
• Demonstrate management of human, financial, physical and information resources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate reflective learning and critical thinking skills for the evaluation and examination of research strategies and design.
• Apply and present research methodology and protocols in a research proposal.
• Formulate and develop a research project within the Somatology/Wellness discipline.
• Discuss ethical practices and legal standards.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify and address ethical issues within research.
• Demonstrate an ability to critically review information gathering, analysis and interpretation of data.

Integrated Assessment

As the qualification is discipline specialised in nature, the approach allows for a variety of both formative and summative assessments including but not limited to case studies, simulations, group work, theoretical tests and reflective practices to be utilised to maximise learning experiences.