Diploma in Biomedical Technology

Purpose

The Diploma Biomedical Technology aims to develop competent professionals with extensive theoretical knowledge and be able to apply practical skills of laboratory diagnostics and analysis in the workplace. The qualification will enable the learner to integrate and use their skills learned in the medical laboratory and work independently and in a supervisory capacity within the healthcare team. It will also enable the learner to competently integrate theory, principles, proven techniques, practical experience and appropriate skills to the solution of well-defined and abstract problems in the field of Biomedical Technology. The learner will be able to become a reflective practitioner and a life-long learner in his or her profession. The learner will be able to perform routine and specialised techniques, apply quality assurance, manage resources and do research with skill and excellence.

Rationale

Biomedical Technologists form an integral part of the diagnostic process of inpatient care. There is a need for professionals to assist with the patient clinical service provision through the laboratory processing and analysing of human tissue and blood samples in a variety of specialisation fields.

The learner will be able to perform and organise laboratory operations in clinical diagnostic laboratories and related fields in compliance with statutory requirements for ethics, safety and quality assurance. Supervisory, development of management and research skills. The learner will complete a three-year Diploma under the auspices of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). For the final qualification as a registered Medical Technologist (with HPCSA), learners will complete an internship programme in an accredited medical training laboratory and write a board examination under the auspices of The Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (SMLTSA).

Learners also have the option to work as medical representatives for pharmaceutical companies; work in a research laboratory and data analysing for clinical trials. After registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), they may work in government, private and research health care laboratories. To practice independently as a Medical Technologist, the learner must have two years, post-registration experience. Unregistered Biomedical Technologists may work in non-diagnostic laboratories.

The learning pathway in which this qualification resides is a blended learning and problem-based approach with a significant emphasis on practical application. This profession benefits society and the economy through the development of highly skilled professionals in this field who can work in a certified laboratory or have the option to practice independently in their laboratory under the guidance of the SMTSA and HPCSA. The latter will result in innovation and job creation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institutions' has the policy to facilitate access to public higher education. Especially for persons who are disadvantaged in terms of access to public higher education, by recognising the prior learning achievements of individuals, irrespective of how these were acquired. In upholding this commitment, the institution's intention with this Policy is not to accredit previous learning achievements, but rather to provide learners with due recognition in determining access.

Learners wishing to gain access to the institution through RPL must present themselves for consideration, along with all credible evidence of learning achievements. The institution is only responsible for encouraging and supporting such applications.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate without endorsement.

Or

• Higher Certificate or Advanced Certificate in a related field.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 180 Credits

• Anatomy & Physiology I, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Medical Technology, 10 Credits.
• Chemistry I, 12 Credits.
• Physics I, 12 Credits.
• Calculations & Statistics, 12 Credits.
• English Proficiency, 8 Credits.
• Pathophysiology I, 12 Credits.
• Biochemistry I, 12 Credits.
• Immunology I, 12 Credits.
• Computer Skills I, 6 Credits.
• Microbiology I, 15 Credits.
• Blood Transfusion Technology, 15 Credits.
• Chemical Pathology I,15 Credits.
• Cellular Pathology I,15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 180 Credits

• Microbiology II, 15 Credits.
• Haematology II, 15 Credits.
• Chemical Pathology II, 15 Credits.
• Cellular Pathology II,15 Credits.
• Microbiology III, 15 Credits.
• Chemical Pathology III, 15 Credits.
• Haematology III, 15 Credits.
• Cellular Pathology III, 15 Credits.
• Work-integrated Learning, 60 Credits.

1. Select and perform routine specialised clinical diagnostic techniques in specified disciplines per statutory requirements. Through the application of knowledge of principles of methods and instruments, physiological and pathophysiological conditions in the place of study, workplace or both.
2. Perform and monitor Quality Assurance procedures within predetermined limits.
3. Manage resources efficiently and effectively.
4. Participate in research in Medical Technology in compliance with ethical research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Assess specimens for suitability for tests requested.
• Routine and specified specialised media, stains, solutions and prepare reagents according to SOPs.
• Analyse specimens using appropriate SOPs and Quality Control procedures.
• Analyse principles, methods and application of different SOPs are correct.
• Record and compare results with established reference ranges and appropriate control specimens.
• Demonstrate accurate data capturing and retrieval skills electronically and manually
• Evaluate laboratory results through correlation of data in the context of the principles, techniques and instrument.
• Recognise factors that affect procedures and test results and take appropriate action.
• Evaluate laboratory results through correlation of data with physiological and pathological conditions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Explain the principles of Quality Assurance and apply in the context of the tests performed.
• Evaluate and interpret quality control results and Quality Assurance data and take appropriate action.
• Assess, review and update SOPs where necessary.
• Monitor instruments for efficient functioning and take proper action when necessary.
• Perform corrective and preventive maintenance of equipment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Explain, draw up and implement a budget for the laboratory.
• Describe and enforce relevant legislation.
• Develop and apply appropriate training qualifications for staff and Continuing Professional Development qualifications.
• Demonstrate selection, recruitment and interview techniques.
• Apply mechanisms for stock control.
• Evaluate the economic viability of instruments and methods.
• Effective utilisation of laboratory space is demonstrated, taking into account physical constraints, safety, personnel equipment and the provision of service.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify and investigate changes in methodology and disease profiles in clinical diagnostic laboratories.
• Select appropriate information from relevant sources.
• Collate, analyse and synthesise and present information coherently and scientifically, including statistical and graphical methods.
• Access, organise and present information using appropriate Information Technology.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

• Assignments.
• Written tests.
• Work schedule evaluations.
• Projects in teams.
• Reports on tasks and projects.

Summative Assessment

• Workplace evaluation by supervisors.
• Project reports.
• Oral presentations.
• Interviews.
• Written and practical examinations.