Diploma in Somatology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to develop competent practitioners who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in the Health and Skin Care/Somatology Field in order to become multi-skilled Health and Skin Care Therapists/Somatologists with a holistic approach that will enable them to find employment, both nationally and internationally.

The qualification will

• Provide each student with the necessary theoretical and practical foundation required by the Wellness, Spa and Health and Skin Care Industry.
• Enable each student to develop the entrepreneurial skills to build their own business and provide a professional service to their clients, enabling them to become economically self supportive.
• Develop the student's intellectual, creative, perceptual and technological abilities to increase competence and independence in order to adapt to the ever changing Wellness, Spa and Health and Skin Care environment.

Rationale

The Health and Skin Care Industry requirements for Health and Skin Care Therapists/Somatologists, on a national as well as an international basis, are that they are versatile and analytical in their approach to identifying client needs and suitable treatments, are employable, show support to the medical profession at all times and are able to competently perform the Body, Skin and Complementary Therapies within the field.

As the Health and Skin Care/Somatology industry is rapidly expanding, nationally and internationally, the demand for qualified, multi-skilled therapists with new knowledge in the field is high. As the health sciences environment is becoming more aware of preventive health measures, this qualification will enable students to become health conscious professionals, who can provide their clients with information on a better lifestyle, thus reducing stress in everyday situations.

Health and Skin Care/Somatology also links to other health science fields. Many medical practitioners (Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons and General Practitioners) utilise the skills of Health and Skin Care Therapists/Somatologists to complement their treatment procedures (pre-and post operative care, hair removal and skin rejuvenation treatments).

This qualification will provide students with job opportunities in Salons, Spas, Clinics, Cruise Liners and Hotels, both nationally and internationally. This qualification will also provide therapists with the entrepreneurial skills to build their own businesses and provide a professional service to their clients, so contributing to the local economy and becoming economically self-supporting.

The potential student must be in possession of a National Senior Certificate or recognised Grade 12 equivalent. The student must be competent in:

• Communication at NQF Level 4, with reading, writing and conversational proficiency in the English language.
• Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 4.
• Life Sciences at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Quality Assuring body.

Access to the Qualification

• Students, who register for this qualification, should have to a National Senior Certificate with exemption from the South African Matriculation Board or endorsement from the Board, certifying that they are eligible for diploma study at a tertiary institution. In the case of applicants not writing South African Senior Certificate examinations, such results are subject to verification before exemption can be obtained.
• A composite score called the Admissions Points Score (APS) based on NSC performance will be used with points calculated as follows:
• Rating code; Rating Marks %:

> 7 - Outstanding achievement; 80-100.

> 6 - Meritorious achievement; 70-79.

> 5 - Substantial achievement; 60-69.

> 4 - Adequate achievement; 50-59.

> 3 - Moderate achievement; 40-49.

> 2 - Elementary achievement; 30-39.

• 1 - Not achieved; 0-29.

The point's ratings for the 6 subjects required for the NSC, excluding Life Orientation, will be used in calculating the APS, which is calculated as the sum of the 6 points ratings with no subject weighted more than any other. A Minimum point score of 24 or higher is required.

The Qualification is made up of Fundamental and Core subjects and a minimum of 360 Credits is required to complete the qualification:

The Credits are allocated as follows

NQF Level 5

• Anatomy and Physiology 105, 20 Credits.
• Cosmetic Science 105, 15 Credits.
• Nutrition 105, 15 Credits.
• Business Practice 105, 20 Credits.
• Somatology 105, 30 Credits.
• Biotics 105, 20 Credits.

Total Credits for NQF Level 5: 120 Credits.

NQF Level 6

• Anatomy and Physiology 206, 20 Credits.
• Cosmetic Chemistry 206, 15 Credits.
• Nutrition 206, 15 Credits.
• Business Management 206, 10 Credits.
• Research Methodology 206, 10 Credits.
• Somatology 206, 30 Credits.
• Biotics 206, 20 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology 306, 20 Credits.
• Chemistry of Oils 306, 20 Credits.

Total Credits for NQF Level 6: 160 Credits.

NQF Level 7

• Business Planning 307, 20 Credits.
• Somatology 307, 30 Credits.
• Research Principles and Practice 307, 30 Credits.

Total Credits for NQF Level 7: 80 Credits.

There is no Elective component in this qualification.

1. Perform an assessment to formulate a Somatology treatment plan.
2. Apply known theory and skills to solve problems within the context of Somatology.
3. Integrate knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology when carrying out treatments.
4. Explain the Chemistry and formulation of relevant products.
5. Prepare a comprehensive business plan to establish own business.
6. Carry out a limited research project.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• Problems are solved by critically evaluating, selecting and applying appropriate techniques and skills as required by the health and skin care industry.
• Information regarding the individual's health and skin condition is collected, analysed and organised.
• The learner demonstrates the ability to plan and organise own working environment (time management), to ensure effective productivity during the day.
• The learner demonstrates the ability to ensure responsible usage of all equipment, technology and treatment materials within the working environment.
• The learner demonstrates understanding of organisational hierarchies and the importance of teamwork, which will allow student to work effectively within a team and take responsibility for own actions and enhance own marketability/employability.
• Recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation is demonstrated by the acceptance of and active participation in the existing systems within the health and skin care field.
• Complex information is communicated reliably and coherently using appropriate professional conventions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

1.1 The client's specific body and facial needs are identified through visual, tactile and verbal assessment.

1.2 The information is analysed, synthesised and evaluated to formulate a specific treatment plan suitable for the client's individual needs.

1.3 The most appropriate treatment is performed on the client to address identified needs.

> Range of Treatments include, but are not limited to, Skin Care, Body Care, Electrical therapy, Hair Removal Techniques, Complementary therapies, hand and feet treatments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

2.1 Skin and body conditions are identified for possible contra-indications to treatments.

2.2 Conditions that fall outside the scope of practice of a Health and Skin Care Therapist/Somatologist are readily identified and referred to the relevant healthcare professional.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

3.1 Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body is utilised when performing treatments.

3.2 Possible problem areas are identified and discussed with the client.

3.3 Problems outside of the scope of the Somatologist are referred to the relevant healthcare professional.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

4.1 The chemistry and formulation of relevant products are explained.

4.2 The most appropriate home care products to suit the specific needs of the client are selected and their actions are explained.

4.3 The products are recommended to the client and their application is explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

5.1 Principles and practices of a Health and Skin Care Clinic/Spa operation are identified and explained.

5.2 General and specific entrepreneurial skills are identified and explained.

5.3 A monthly schedule of operations for the organisation is developed and discussed.

5.4 A Comprehensive Business Plan is compiled and all the information and criteria incorporated are motivated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

6.1 When preparing for a research project, different sources of information are evaluated for appropriateness.

6.2 The Harvard style of referencing is used in all research documents.

6.3 An appropriate research subject is chosen and a hypothesis is formulated.

6.4 A suitable research method is selected and utilised to obtain the required data.

6.5 A research report is written up and suitably presented.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment

Throughout the learning programme, formative assessment strategies are used to ensure that exit level and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are achieved. Strategies include:

• Written assignments.
• Tests (or examination equivalent tests).
• Projects.
• Peer assessments.

Summative assessment

Can take the form of

• Oral.
• Written examinations.
• Practical examinations in salons with agreeable clients.