Undergraduate Programmes

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BACHELOR OF HEALTH SCIENCES IN PODIATRY (B9P01Q)

  • Programme Duration
  • Full-time: Minimum 4 years and Maximum 6 years
  • NQF Level 8, 480 Credits

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to produce professional podiatry graduates competent in the knowledge and skills required for managing and providing an integrated, holistic scientifically based podiatric health care service to all sectors of society. The qualification develops reflective, caring practitioners capable of integrating principles, theory, proven techniques, and relevant clinical skills in the delivery of a service focusing on promotion of foot health, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of foot and lower limb related problems. Skills developed in scientific enquiry, critical thinking and problem-solving enable graduates to conduct research, undertake further study and become life-long learners. Graduates register with the HPCSA entitling them to practice independently and within a multidisciplinary team in the private or public health sector or in education, research, occupational health, and corporate sector.

Outcomes

  • ELO 1 Demonstrate competency in the performance of routine and specialised podiatric skills and techniques to clinically assess, diagnose, treat and manage conditions and/or pathologies affecting the foot and lower limb.
  • ELO 2 Apply the principles, proven techniques and specialised skills required for the delivery and promotion of foot health and the prevention and rehabilitation of the foot and lower limb problems.
  • ELO 3 Recognise and appraise the signs and symptoms of systemic conditions that impact on the foot and lower limb for the purpose of treatment, referral and subsequent management.
  • ELO 4 Manage a clinical practice and deliver evidence based podiatric services within the public or private healthcare environment effectively, demonstrating professionalism and an entrepreneurial ability.
  • ELO 5 Demonstrate the application of pertinent knowledge of the psycho-social, biological and basic sciences to podiatric practice.
  • ELO 6 Apply knowledge of Health and Safety regulations; Code/s of Practice; Ethics; Human Rights and Medical Law in the optimal performance of podiatric practice.
  • ELO 7 Develop research skills and conduct research within a podiatric context in order to contribute to the development of the profession, continue with lifelong learning and become a reflective practitioner.

Rules of Access and Admission Requirements

A Senior Certificate with Matriculation exemption, or an equivalent qualification at an equivalent standard as determined by a Status Committee, with the following:

1. English with at least a Higher Grade D or Standard Grade C symbol and,
2. Two of the following compulsory subjects:
2.1 Biology with at least a Higher Grade D or Standard Grade C symbol.
2.2 Physical Science with at least a Higher Grade D or Standard Grade C symbol.
2.3 Mathematics with at least a Higher Grade D or Standard Grade C symbol.

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) – APS Score with minimum requirements as shown below: (Exclude Life Orientation when calculating APS)
Minimum APS: 28

  • Language of teaching and Learning (English): 5
  • Mathematics: 4
  • Mathematical Literacy: Not accepted
  • Physical Sciences: 4
  • Life Sciences: 4

Specific Rules and Regulations for Podiatry Students

1. Students must familiarize themselves with the internal rules and regulations of the Department. These rules and regulations, are set out in the Department’s Clinical Conduct Guidelines, are binding.
2. The programme is not offered as a part time or distance- learning programme. Students who are in full time employment will be unable to continue with their studies.
3. All students (even if not registered for Clinical Practice within that academic year) are required to see a minimum number of patients each year as determined by the department whilst they are registered. This is a requirement to ensure that clinical competencies are retained.
4. Final (4th) year students who fail any module or fail to complete their research project are required to register for Clinical Practice Practical module the following year even if they have passed this module to ensure that clinical competencies are retained as per HPCSA requirements.
5. All registered students are required to attend clinics as rostered and must provide reasons in writing for non-attendance of clinics. If a student fails to attend a rostered clinic, he/she must plan with the year coordinator for make-up clinic shift.
6. Students are required to adhere to the requirements of the department relating to personal appearance and dress code during clinics.

Clinical Practice (Work Integrated Learning)

1. Students must, by the end of each year, complete the clinical hour requirements which are detailed in the Clinical Practice Practical 1, 2, 3 and 4 Learner Guides.
2. Clinical practice practical/placement is integrated into the academic programme and developed in conjunction with the mutual assistance of clinical training partners, for this reason, clinical rosters cannot be personalized.
3. Attendance of all rostered clinics, clinical workshops and practicals is compulsory and failure to comply will lead to disciplinary action.
4. During the four-year of study, students must perform clinical work in the University of Johannesburg Podiatry clinic and at other clinical training sites around Gauteng.

Pass Requirements

1. Students are promoted:
1.1 To full second-year status if they have passed all the first-year modules.
1.2 To full third-year status if they have passed all the second-year modules.
1.3 To the fourth year of study if they have passed all third-year modules.
2. Clinical Practice modules credits are retained provided that both the theory and practical modules are passed during the same academic year. Students who fail either the theory or the practical component of Clinical Practice cannot retain credits for the passed component and will be required to re-register for both the theory and practical modules the following year. Students retain credits for all other modules passed.
3. Due to the integrated nature of the theory and practical modules, 80% attendances of all theoretical classes are mandatory. Students will have to provide reasons in writing for non-attendance of classes.
4. Students may register for a module in the following year, provided that:
4.1 The prerequisite modules were passed.
4.2 The module selection does not lead to timetable clashes.
4.3 The module is not a clinical/practical module.
5. In order to gain re-admission to the programme first year students must pass a minimum of 60% (i.e., 5 of the 7) of first year modules.
6. Students may not register for the same module for a third time without permission from the Head of Department and Executive Dean.
7. 100% attendance of and participation in, the practical and experiential components are compulsory. If students fail to comply with this requirement, they will fail the practical.
8. Students have a maximum of 6 years to complete the four-year degree.