Diploma in Somatology

Purpose

This qualification will equip learners from diverse backgrounds with the necessary competencies, management and entrepreneurial skills to function as a multi-skilled, socially and environmentally responsible Somatologist with integrated comprehensive embedded knowledge to enable the implementation of a holistic approach in order to achieve and maintain health and well-being of individuals.

The qualified Somatologist will be able to apply and provide the appropriate preventative, rehabilitative and palliative treatments to promote physical and emotional balance and well-being. The Somatologist will be able to practice independently or work in conjunction with various healthcare professionals to promote holistic health and wellness through referral and cooperative practices.

This person could be employed in clinics, wellness centres, health care settings and spas, both nationally and internationally, as well as being self employed by applying management practices and employing entrepreneurial skills in a small, micro or medium business enterprise.

A life-long learning culture will be instilled in a Somatologist through reflective engagement to encourage innovation and promote social responsivenessto the needs of the people of South Africa and Africa.

Rationale

In recent years a major shift within the health care sector has moved the emphasis from a curative to a more preventative approach to health care. This demands a range of different forms of therapies to complement and supplement one another in pursuit of optimum health for clients. The gap between allopathic and alternative medicine and therapies has narrowed. Today allopathic medicine acknowledges the value of various complementary, alternative and adjunct therapies and methodologies (CAM). A South African study found that 39% of all medical professionals referred patients to Somatologists, while 66% of Somatologists referred clients to a medical professional. Thus many health concerns can be identified or avoided earlier so reducing stress on the already heavily burdened health care sector.

The availability of and access to information has empowered the general public to demand a more holistic approach to their health care. To meet this demand, the focus within the field of Somatic therapies has also shifted from a more aesthetic to a multi-skilled health and wellness related focus. This field has seen major developments in terms of new technologies, techniques and products, which placethe practicing Somatologist in a position to receive referrals from health care professionals, and vice versa. It is also envisaged that health care centres will employ qualified Somatologists to help reduce pain and discomfort associated with recuperation and to provide relief and improved health and well-being.

There is therefore a vital need to train Somatologists who are able to adapt to an ever-changing world by identifying best-practice that complies with professional standards and ethics, as well as to provide for the needs of clients and the industry within clinics, wellness centres, health care settings and spas, both nationally and internationally. The need for a Diploma in Somatology was evident following consultation and a survey in 2010 with relevant stakeholders, being Somatologists, learners, Spa employees, alumni, Advisory Board members, product houses, employment agencies, and other medical professionals.

The qualification could assist in reducing the pressure placed on primary health care in South Africa. An emerging trend is for more Somatologists to work in collaboration with other medical professionals in order to improve client/patient care and recovery. The introduction of medical spas has also become a popular trend and the new qualification will assist in providing qualified staff that can cover these sought after positions.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Rules for awarding RPL Credits will be in accordance with the policy of the University and in agreement with the relevant Quality Council.

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

• Access to the qualification for learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.
• Obtaining of the Somatology Diploma in part or in whole.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entrance requirements for this qualification are

• Senior Certificate (SC) without endorsements.

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational [NC(V)], level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6, 7 and Electives Modules at Level 7 totalling 396 Credits:

Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 140 Credits

• Anatomy and Physiology for Somatology, 24 Credits.
• Microbial Hygiene I, 8 Credits.
• Basic Pharmacology I, 8 Credits.
• Communication and Academic Writing, 8 Credits.
• Science I: Chemistry, 8 Credits.
• General Education: Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
• General Education: Foundations of Professional Practice, 12 Credits.
• Aesthetics Practice I, 12 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship I, 8 Credits.
• Somatic Therapy I: Face, 16 Credits.
• Nutrition I, 8 Credits.
• Somatic Therapy I: Body, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 212 Credits

• Disease Fundamentals, 16 Credits.
• Science Il: Cosmetic, 8 Credits.
• Nutrition II, 8 Credits.
• Socio Psychology I, 8 Credits.
• Socio Psychology II, 8 Credits.
• Aesthetics Practice II, 12 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship II, 8 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship Ill, 8 Credits.
• Somatic Therapy II: Body, 16 Credits.
• Somatic Therapy II: Face, 16 Credits.
• Complementary Therapy I, 16 Credits.
• Complementary Therapy II, 16 Credits.
• Wellness Therapy I, 16 Credits.
• Somatic Clinical Practice I, 16 Credits.
• Somatic Clinical practice II, 32 Credits.
• General Education: Values in the workplace, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Module at NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.

• Somatic Therapy III: Body, 16 Credits.

Electives Modules at NQF Level 6, 28 Credits

• HIV and communicable diseases in KwaZulu Natal. 8 Credits

Or

• Community engagement project, 8 Credits.

And

• Global Environment, 8 credits.

Or

• Information and communication Technology Literacy and Skills, 8 Credits.

And

• Community Health Care Research l 12 credits.

Or

• Environmental Awareness of Health Professionals, 12 Credits.

1. Critically assess the current state of the body in order to identify, select and perform the appropriate aesthetic, remedial, rehabilitative, curative, preventative, palliative treatments safely and/or refer patients according to ethical standards.
2. Effective communication practices are developed taking into consideration cultural and linguistic diversity so as to work independently or within a team in a professional and ethical manner.
3. Demonstrate entrepreneurship, business and leadership skills for the establishment and operation of a Somatology/Wellness practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Different body systems are described and explained in terms of anatomy and physiology, related disorders, pathologies and nutrition.
• Knowledge of the structure and function of the body systems are used to identify pathologies disorders and appropriate treatments.
• Concepts and principles of Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Somatology and Wellness Science are described and explained.
• The concepts and principles of the basic sciences are applied and used for the selection of products, equipment and treatments.
• The client is examined in a professional manner to identify disorders and conditions for the selection of appropriate treatments.
• Disorders and conditions are identified and described during the consultation.
• Information related to each treatment is documented for monitoring and evaluating.
• The appropriate treatment/s is/are prescribed in a safe and ethical manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Professional codes of conduct for statutory and non-statutory bodies relevant to the practice are explained.
• The practice complies with the relevant codes of conduct and scopes of practice.
• Role players and stake holders are defined, identified and classified.
• Client nonverbal conduct is observed, and interpreted within the context of a practice.
• Conflict is professionally managed.
• Consultations are conducted according to principles of communication practices.
• Barriers to effective communication are explained and taken into account in a clinical environment.
• Communication with role players and stakeholders is effectively maintained through appropriate verbal or written modes.
• Client history is taken and documented in a confidential and effective professional manner.
• Information related to each treatment is documented and recorded in writing and/or electronically for monitoring and evaluation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Types of businesses appropriate for a Somatology Practice are identified.
• Setting up costs and requirements are identified, categorised and calculated according to the services provided in the practice.
• Treatment costs are calculated.
• Ethical, safety and legal standards are explained and adhered to.
• Responsible care of equipment and physical resources is demonstrated.
• Promotion and retail opportunities are investigated within communities.
• Appropriate advertising opportunities are identified using basic research principles within communities.
• Promotion of services and the retail of products are conducted.
• Human, financial, physical and information resources are managed.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment for the Diploma includes both formative and summative assessment. Formative assessment is continuous and focuses on ensuring adequate levels of competencies in significant knowledge, behaviours and skills have been achieved by the learner. The clinical assessment of competencies allows for an integrated approach not only to learning but also through the process of assessment. Assessment in the clinic allows for an integrated approach to client care which will also be assessed as such.

Integrated assessment will take the form of an appropriate assortment of assessment methods for example: written and oral assessments, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, log books, reflective reports, and assessment of clinical competence through simulated and clinical assessment in situ.

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the approval of the assessors and moderators that the qualification, as reflected in the exit level outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme or though experience that complies with the stated learning outcomes i.e. Recognition of Prior Learning is applied.