Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to meet the needs of the South African community as identified by the National Department of Health and to ensure that it is compatible with international standards. Following this imperative from the National Department of Health, the Professional Board for Biomedical Technology at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) promotes the development of new learning programmes in all health professions to align offered qualifications with the new Higher Education Qualifications Subframework (HEQSF). The acquisition of advanced competencies is required by the sector in order to meet the legislative and operational requirements of the HPCSA.

This qualification will enable the professional to competently apply an integration of theory, principles, proven techniques, practical experience and appropriate skills to the solution of well-defined and abstract problems in the selected field of Medical Laboratory Sciences. The qualified learner will operate as a reflective practitioner and a life-long learner in his or her profession, thereby contributing to the community and society. This qualification will provide learners with operational competencies as well as management skills, including supervision, mentoring and leadership placing them at the heart of technology education and innovation. Successful completion of this qualification will enable the graduate to register with the relevant Statutory Health Council. Registration will be assurance to the community and society that the professional will practice at all times within the relevant scope as determined by the Statutory Health Council. Unregistered Medical Laboratory Scientists may work in non-diagnostic laboratories. Minimum standards for education and training are determined by the Professional Board to ensure that the interest of the public are protected.

Forging partnerships with industry, community and research organizations within the healthcare environment is an essential component to ensure the success of this qualification. Moreover, a module in Molecular Biology is offered within this qualification which sets it apart from similar Degrees nationally.

Rationale

Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) form an integral part of the healthcare system in the country. Diagnostic and analytical services provided by the MLS provide vital information regarding the patient's health and play a crucial role in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of various diseases. This qualification is designed with an intention to develop a professional practitioner career with a higher level of cognitive skills and competencies, as well as empathy for humanity. The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with operational and scientific research, knowledge, management skills as well as mentoring, leadership and supervision. This qualification has been structured to address the need for higher level competencies associated with a professional degree at Level 8.

The National Board Examination will be incorporated into the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree and learners must pass this examination in order to graduate. All learners registered at the institution must register in their first year as learners with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Upon successful completion of this qualification the graduate is required to register with the HPCSA in order to work in a diagnostic laboratory. A Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) must have an additional two years post-registration laboratory experience before full registration as a MLS with the HPCSA can be obtained.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners can be allowed access to this qualification on condition that he/she provided evidence that stated competence has been achieved through workplace and/or work integrated learning experience. It may be required from the learner to submit a portfolio of evidence in the prescribed format to be assessed. Academics and practitioners in medical technology will handle matters of articulation and RPL. RPL will be carried out in accordance with the Institution's policies and procedures in collaboration with assessment and graduation unit.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into this Bachelor's Degree are

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting admission to Bachelor studies.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules and elective modules offered at Level 5, 6, 7 and 8, totalling 513 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 69 Credits

• English Proficiency, 9 Credits.
• Computer skills, 9 Credits.
• Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences, 24 Credits.

> Role of the MLS, 5 Credits.

> Communication, 4 Credits.

> Ethics and Medical law, 5 Credits.

> Safety, 5 Credits.

• Quality assurance, 5 Credits.
• Integrative Medical Sciences, 27 Credits.

> Biostatistics, 9 Credits.

> Health Physics, 9 Credits.

> Health Chemistry, 9 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 184 Credits

• Immunology I, 12 Credits.
• Human Anatomy and Physiology and Disease I (Mod B), 20 Credits.
• Cellular Biology I, 12 Credits.
• Human Anatomy and Physiology and Disease I (Mod A), 20 Credits.
• Clinical Chemistry II (Module A), 12 Credits.
• Haematology II (Module A), 12 Credits.
• Immunohaematology II, 12 Credits.
• Medical Microbiology II (Module A), 12 Credits.
• Cytology II, 12 Credits.
• Clinical Chemistry II (Module B), 12 Credits.
• Haematology II (Module B), 12 Credits.
• Medical Microbiology II (Module B), 12 Credits.
• Cytogenetics II, 12 Credits.
• Histology II, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 126 Credits

• Clinical Chemistry III, 12 Credits.
• Haematology III, 12 Credits.
• Medical Microbiology III, 12 Credits.
• Cytology III, 12 Credits.
• Research Methods, 12 Credits.
• Integrative Medical Laboratory Sciences III, 66 Credits.

(Theory and practice)-WIL.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 46 Credits

• Laboratory Management, 10 Credits.
• Research Project, 36 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 88 Credits (select one WIL)

• Clinical Pathology IV, 88 Credits.
• Clinical Chemistry IV, 88 Credits.
• Haematology IV, 88 Credits.
• Immunohaematology IV, 88 Credits.
• Immunology IV, 88 Credits.
• Medical Microbiology IV, 88 Credits.
• Virology IV, 88 Credits.
• Cytology IV, 88 Credits.
• Histology IV, 88 Credits.
• Cytogenetics IV, 88 Credits.

1. Perform and integrate laboratory tests with pathophysiological conditions in a specific field of specialisation in accordance with statutory and operational requirements.
2. Evaluate current and new trends in technology to improve practices and to solve problems in a variety of contexts.
3. Conduct research in the field of medical laboratory sciences in compliance with legislated and ethical research principles.
4. Apply management and entrepreneurship skills in the context of medical laboratory sciences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Select, perform, interpret and integrate routine and specialised diagnostic techniques (including molecular biology techniques) in a specific field in accordance with statutory requirements and situational standard operating procedures.
• Evaluate laboratory results through correlation of data in the context of the principles, techniques and instruments used.
• Recognise factors that affect procedures and test results and take appropriate action to nullify these.
• Interpret laboratory results through correlation of data with physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
• Evaluate, interpret and integrate findings through application of an in-depth knowledge of disease processes.
• Monitor equipment for efficient functioning and take appropriate action when necessary.
• Describe and apply laboratory safety procedures, including infection control, throughout all operating procedures.
• Describe and apply quality assurance procedures throughout all operating procedures."

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Analyse, synthesise and evaluate constraints within a given laboratory relative to the services required of the facility.
• Learn the use of new equipment in depth to obtain the maximum use thereof.
• Recommend appropriate new techniques and methods on the basis of methodological scientific principles.
• Analyse and recommend new techniques and methods which have been written up and/or presented formally with motivation and applied where applicable.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify, articulate and investigate research needs within the chosen specialisation in the field of medical laboratory sciences appropriately.
• Apply appropriate research methods.
• Review and document applicable literature according to accepted scientific practices.
• Collect, analyse and interpret data accurately using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
• Evaluate research findings and formulate conclusions and recommendations, based on sound theoretical principles.
• Produce a research report in accordance with the required institutional research guidelines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Analyse and manage human, infrastructural, operational and financial resources efficiently and effectively.
• Develop, approve and implement a business plan for a new medical laboratory service within a structured situation.
• Explain principles of entrepreneurship skills in terms of the proposed business model.
• Explain and apply current, relevant legislation where applicable, such as within the proposed business plan.
• Align all clinical interactions and related activities with the provisions and rules of the relevant institution and the codes of ethics of the HPCSA and relevant professional associations.
• All manner of communication, including appropriate use of electronic media and medical terminology, with patients, colleagues and other service providers, is clear, direct and accurate and delivered in terms of maintaining patient confidentially.

Integrated Assessment

Diverse assessment methods help to increase assessment opportunities and encourage academic success of the learner. It provides the opportunity for all learners to excel in one or more methods of assessment creating a culture of success. Formative and summative assessments are implemented to ensure that exit level and critical cross-field outcomes are met. Assessment is purposefully used to generate data for grading, ranking, selecting and predicting learner performance. Integrated assessment will be conduction in accordance with the requirements of the HPCSA as well as the policies and procedures of the institution.

Formative Assessment may include

• Tests (theory and practical).
• Written and practical assignments.
• Literature reviews.
• Presentations (oral and visual).
• Peer reviews.
• Case studies.
• Seminars.

Simulations in structured learning environments

• Portfolios.
• Posters.
• Journals.
• Research proposals and reports.

Summative Assessment may include

• Examinations (oral or written).
• Practical examinations.
• Supervisor reports.
• Log-books.
• Portfolios.
• Assignments.
• Research proposals and reports.
• Presentations (oral and visual).