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SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120483  Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-02-02  2029-02-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-02-02   2033-02-02  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing is to strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge and expertise in Occupational Health Nursing as a speciality of the nursing profession. It is designed to enable the Occupational Health Nursing specialist nurse to undertake advanced reflection and to develop skills based on current thinking, practice, and research methods in the field of Occupational Health Nursing. This includes prevention of disease, injury, complications, screening, appropriate management, and prompt referral of patients with specific and complex health problems in the Occupational Health Nursing settings.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Practice occupational health nursing professionally within an ethical and legal framework as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Apply knowledge and principles of the research process applicable to specialist clinical practice.
  • Render comprehensive specialist occupational health nursing care according to the patient's needs using the scientific approach.
  • Apply specialist knowledge and principles when communicating, making theoretical arguments, or developing documentation.
  • Participate actively in the multi-professional team by demonstrating shared leadership and decision-making.
  • Provide professional support for personnel, patients, families, and communities to promote independence and behavioural change to enhance health outcomes.
  • Demonstrate scholarship in teaching and learning through evidence-based education.
  • Facilitate learning in a positive learning environment to optimize competence in occupational health nursing practice.
  • Participate in the design of new curriculum; interpret, apply, and evaluate an existing curriculum for occupational health nursing programmes.
  • Implement appropriate strategies to develop self and other nurse leaders.
  • Manage an occupational health setting based on the understanding of the roles and relationships within the multi-disciplinary team.

    Rationale:
    There is a need for Occupational Health Nurses in the country as determined by the National Department of Health and the South African Nursing Council (SANC). The qualification will strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge in the field of Occupational Health Nursing. It will enable the Occupational Health Nursing specialist to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice, and research methods in Occupational Health Nursing.

    This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts to undertake professional or highly skilled Occupational Health Nursing work.

    The qualification is recognised and regulated by the SANC and is competency-based to achieve clinical competency. This qualification will benefit society through the provision of specialised quality occupational nursing. This qualification benefits the individual, community, society, and country through promotive; preventive; curative and rehabilitative health services. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Nursing, NQF Level 7
    And
  • Registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a registered/professional/general nurse and midwife. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8, totalling 130 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 130 Credits:
  • Ethical-legal-Professional Frameworks in Occupational Health Practice and Management, 8 Credits.
  • Research Project, 10 Credits.
  • Health Risk Assessment and Medical Surveillance, 8 Credits.
  • Workplace Health Promotion and Practice, 8 Credits.
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response, 8 Credits.
  • Clinical Practice in Occupational Health 1, 48 Credits.
  • Chronic disease, Communicable Disease and Vulnerable Employee Management, 8 Credits.
  • Contemporary Occupational Health Nursing, 8 Credits.
  • Clinical Practice in Occupational Health 2, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Utilise an appropriate code of ethics.
  • Apply the legal knowledge and ethical framework that guides occupational health nursing and client-centred care.
  • Use ethical decision-making and moral reasoning models to resolve professional and ethical dilemmas.
  • Problem-based or clinical case studies and policy guidelines are used to identify, analyse and discuss limitations in ethical and legal practice and to make recommendations for resolution.
  • Display effective interpersonal and communication skills on all levels of interaction and rendering of services.
  • Display professional behaviour within the scope of practice.
  • Display ethical problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Apply relevant legal framework in occupational nursing practice.
  • Consult and refer appropriate team members.
  • Analyse, develop and implement policies and procedures appropriate for the protection of the health of employees and the community.
  • Identify and address limitations in ethical, legal and policy guidelines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply the nurses' process in nursing a community of workers comprehensively at all intervention levels.
  • Assess individuals, groups, and communities comprehensively.
  • Identify hazards and health risk assessment on individuals, groups, and workplaces.
  • Formulate nursing diagnosis for individuals, groups, or the organisation (community) based on assessment findings > Compile nursing care plan based on identified risks and needs.
  • Evaluate and implement a nursing care plan.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate an integrated occupational and health promotion/ wellness programme.
  • Apply the knowledge and principles of the research process applicable to specialist clinical practice in a research project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse and implement national and provincial policies to ensure compliance with the National Health Strategy.
  • Provide comprehensive service that is informed by current vital and health statistics.
  • Apply specialised occupational health nursing care in meeting the health needs of the patient by utilising the scientific approach.
  • Manage occupational health nursing emergencies according to protocol.
  • Identify, implement, and adhere to current best practices in providing evidence-based occupational health nursing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Implement and maintain standards for risk management care.
  • Adhere to national core standards to improve quality care.
  • Create a safe working environment for workers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Review information and practices to make creative suggestions in response to challenges in the field of occupational health nursing.
  • Utilise relevant and up-to-date information when developing and communicating professional and occupational ideas.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Achieve shared decision-making through effective communication.
  • Provide consultancy and referral to relevant stakeholders through a service-centred process.
  • Advocate the Human rights of patients.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Provide mentorship and preceptorship to novices through evidence by using appropriate techniques.
  • Design and present education programmes for Occupational Health Nurses Specialists and other multidisciplinary team members to ensure best practices in health care services.
  • Evaluate peers and learners for Occupational Health Nursing using valid and reliable instruments to ensure competent health care practitioners.
  • Design and present educational programmes for clients, their families, and communities to promote independence and behavioural change to enhance health outcomes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Create, apply, and integrate new knowledge through research.
  • Identify and formulate relevant researchable questions pertaining to occupational health nursing.
  • Access and evaluate sources to determine the best available evidence in occupational health nursing.
  • Disseminate results to professional audience.
  • Demonstrate scholarship within the professional, ethical-legal framework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Apply appropriate learning theories are applied during the facilitation of learning.
  • Facilitate theory-practice integration in occupational health nursing practice.
  • Establish a conducive environment for learning.
  • Promote professional socialisation of students in Occupational Health Nursing.
  • Demonstrate role model, professional, ethical, and legal integrity as a facilitator of learning.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Participate in the design of new curriculum; interpret, apply, and evaluate an existing curriculum for occupational health nursing programmes.
  • Assess the relevance of a curriculum within a specific context.
  • Evaluate the alignment of curriculum with the institutional education paradigm, outcomes, and assessment methods.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Identify and utilise own leadership style among the range of styles.
  • Identify personal gaps in the use of technology and language proficiency required for the role of Occupational Health Nurse as manager.
  • Engage in academic networks to demonstrate participation in academic governance and quality improvement.
  • Identify strategies to identify and develop young nurse leaders.
  • Demonstrate professional, ethical, and legal integrity as a leader.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Plan and provide for health care based on sound assessment and informed decision-making.
  • Develop occupational health care setting philosophy, vision, mission, goals, policies, and procedures for occupational health nursing care provision and personnel management that comply with current legislation, SANC requirements and international best practices for the profession.
  • Establish systems to promote cost-effectiveness and efficient service delivery in the occupational health setting
  • Direct management and leadership activities towards the establishment of a team approach to health care, and the effective delivery of services within a physically safe and emotionally supportive environment.
  • Manage the occupational health programme efficiently.
  • Use the principles of human resources, financial and quality management in the management of the occupational facility.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate quality assurance and improvement programmes appropriate to the needs of the occupational health service. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Cardiff Metropolitan University
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellbeing

    Modules:
  • Assessing the Impact of Work on Health: positive and negative influences of the workplace on the safety and health of workers and evaluate the impact of emerging wellbeing issues.
  • Approaches to Improving Worker Safety, Health and Wellbeing, workplace safety, health, and wellbeing programs; evidence for creating an all-inclusive approach to improving safety, health, and wellbeing at work. (Comparable to the Workplace Health Promotion and Practice in the SA qualification)
  • Health Risk Perception & Communication; impact of psychological and psychosocial factors upon the perception and communication of and response to, a range of risks and threats to health and wellbeing. (Comparable to the Health Risk Assessment and Medical Surveillance in the SA qualification)
  • Principles and Practice of Risk Assessment; theoretical and practical approaches to risk assessment, hazard identification and risk control and to evaluate their impact on improving safety, health, and wellbeing performance in the workplace. (Comparable to the Health Risk Assessment and Medical Surveillance in the SA qualification)
  • Applied Research Methods and Design; Develop the qualitative and quantitative research skills necessary to undertake research and evaluate interventions and day-to-day practice.
  • Influencing Individual and Organisational Behaviour; compare approaches to influencing worker behaviour and evaluate their effectiveness in improving health, safety, and wellbeing performance in the workplace. (Comparable to the Workplace Health Promotion and Practice in the SA qualification)
  • Evaluating Safety, Health, and Wellbeing Performance; evaluate and improve the effectiveness of health, safety and wellbeing programmes through the appraisal of individual and organisational performance outcomes.
  • Developing Safety, Health, and Wellbeing Strategies & Interventions; construct a strategic response and multidisciplinary approach to improving safety, health, and wellbeing in the workplace. (Comparable to the Workplace Health Promotion and Practice in the SA qualification)
  • Worker Engagement and Wellbeing; strategies for improving worker engagement and wellbeing and critically evaluating their influence on organisational outcomes. (Comparable to the Workplace Health Promotion and Practice in the SA qualification)
  • Research Project: ability to design, plan, and undertake research in a relevant study area, and present the findings.
    (Comparable to the Research Project in the SA qualification)

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Edith Cowan University
    Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma of Occupational, Health and Safety (OHS)
    NQF Level: AQF Level 8
    Credits: 120
    Duration: One- year full-time

    Entry Requirements:
  • An undergraduate degree in any discipline.
    Or
  • Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, with equivalents considered.
    Or
  • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years of relevant professional experience.

    Purpose:
    To develop professionals in the field of occupational health and safety (OHS) and to develop the skills of identification and management of workplace hazards that may adversely impact the health and safety of workers.
    It is expected that learners should be able to:
    Implement and assess an occupational health and safety management system that reflects the OHS needs and issues of an organisation, considering the size and complexity of the organisation.
    The qualification is accredited by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board (AOHSEAB). Graduates would be suited to roles in the mining, oil and gas, construction, government, and non-government sectors. The qualification will assist learners to progress further in the Master of Occupational Health and Safety and/or related field.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Workplace Health and Safety Law, 20 Credits.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management, 20 Credits.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, 20 Credits.
  • Occupational Hygiene Science, 20 Credits.
  • Workplace Hazards, 20 Credits.
  • Health and Safety Principles in Practice, 20 Credits.

    Similarities:
  • The Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one year full-time.
  • Both qualifications carry a weighting of 120 credits and are registered at NQF/AQF Level 8.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in the cognate field.
  • Both qualifications will progress into a master's degree in the cognate field.

    Differences:
    The ECU qualification focuses on Occupational Safety and Health whereas the SA qualification focuses on occupational health nursing and the OHS is only a module.

    Country: Hong Kong
    Institution: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma Occupational Health Practice (Formerly: Occupational Nursing
    Credits: 240
    Duration: Nine months Full-time and one-year part-time

    Entry requirements:
    Applicants are required to hold a bachelor's degree in nursing or health science awarded by a local university, or an overseas university of acceptable standing and where English is the medium of instruction. In the case of candidates from non-English universities, the Graduate School's English language requirement for admission will apply.

    Purpose:
    The qualification is open to degree holders in nursing and related health sciences who are interested in the health care of workers and occupational diseases. The importance of Occupational Health to the community in Hong Kong is being increasingly recognized. Nurses and other healthcare professionals need to protect and promote the health and welfare of Hong Kong's greatest asset - its workforce. This qualification is designed for nurses and other healthcare professionals whose work brings them into contact with the health problems of workers and with specific occupational diseases and work-related diseases in hospitals, and industrial or general medical and nursing clinics. The part-time offering is suitable for people who are actively employed in these areas.

    Modules, 240 Credits:
  • Fundamentals of Occupational Health, 40 Credits.
  • Principles of Occupational Health and Occupational Health Practice, 80 Credits.
  • Practical and Project Work in Occupational Health Practice, 120 Credits.
    The qualification consists of both formative and summative assessment, which includes written examinations, presentations and written reports and practical and project assignments.

    Similarities:
  • The Hong Kong and South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in nursing or health science.
  • Both the Hong Kong and SA qualifications consist of compulsory modules.
  • Both qualifications utilise both formative and assessment types.

    Differences:
  • The Hong Kong qualification takes nine months of full-time study whereas the SA qualification is completed over a period of twelve months of full-time study.
  • The Hong Kong qualification has 240 credits while the SA qualification has 120 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Occupational Hygiene, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Occupational Therapy, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Health Sciences in Nursing, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science: Community Health, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science in Occupational Health, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Health Sciences in Occupational Hygiene, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science in Occupational Primary Health Care, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Johannesburg 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.