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HPO

Health Promotion Officer

The Health Promotion Officer (HPO) is a growing profession in South Africa’s healthcare sector, dedicated to disease prevention and promoting healthier lifestyle choices. This role integrates theoretical understanding with hands-on training and is officially recognized as a QCTO-accredited occupational qualification. The program structure includes 25% theoretical instruction, 38% practical skills development, and 37% workplace-based experiential learning.

SAQA ID 94597

NQF Level 3

Credits; 163

SAQA ID 94597; 07-QCTO/SDP070125114353

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Download Accreditation Letter;

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DURATION OF THE COURSE:1 Year (12 Months). Classes are conducted throughout the week, with full-time attendance required, while part-time options are offered on Saturdays.

 

 

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS 

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National Certificate: N3 or, -National Senior Certificate with at least 33.3% in Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy & English or, Grade 10, 11 or 12 OR Abet Level 4 plus, An equivalent qualification.

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International Students Requirements


1. International student who reside in South Africa must
i. have student permit, workers permit or valid asylum
2. International student applying from their countries of origin must have
i. 2 (two) certified copies of the valid passport
ii. Pay stated full registration and deposit
3. All international student must have
i. High school certificate valuated SAQA (South African Qualification Authority) www.saqa. org.za, Tel:
+2712431500
ii. High school certificate equivalent to Matric with 33.3% in Maths and English or grade 10, 11 or 12.

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ADMISSION PERIODS


We conduct three intakes annually, in January, June, and September.

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ENHANCED EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES


A Mid Level course is currently under development to facilitate progression towards a Degree in Health Promotion.
Additionally, a Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work is offered at NQF Level 5.

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LEARNING PROCESS


Learners will undergo formative assessments in theoretical studies through assignments, individual and group projects, as well as short tests. Assignments, case studies, and problem-solving techniques will contribute to the formative assessment process. Additionally, learners will be assessed in a real work environment based on observations in a natural setting, whether unobtrusive or planned. Their behavior and performance will be evaluated.

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MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION
English

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MODE OF LEARNING


1) Physical learning (face to face)
2) Blended learning (Online and physical learning)
3) Online leaning

 

COURSE CONTENT


This course is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules: Knowledge (theory) Subjects:
I) Public and Community health support, NQF Level 3, 22 Credits (220hours).
ii) Family and Community Services, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits (100 hours).
iii) Basics of Community Health, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits (80 hours).


Total Credits for Knowledge Subjects: 40.

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Practical (simulations) Skills Modules:
i. Mobilise community to address community health issues, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits (40hours).
ii. Identify the service needs and ease of access to health and social services, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits (40 hours).
iii. Promote healthy life styles and mental wellbeing, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits (60 hours).
iv. Promote HIV prevention including HIV testing, condom use, partner reduction, circumcision, STI treatment, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits (40 hours).
v. Provide information on prevention of accidents and incidents in homes, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits
(40 hours).
vi. Record and report on information provided to individuals, households and communities, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits (40 hours).
vii. Promote child health, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits (40 hours).
viii. Support community members with psychosocial problems, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits (30 hours).
ix. Provide an integrated approach to support treatment adherence, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits (40 hours).
x. Identify and treat a select number of minor ailments, NQF Level 2, 8 Credits (80 hours).
xi. Provide basic support to people who are unable to care for themselves, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits (40 hours).
xii. Promote and provide support for maternal and women’s health, NQF Level 2, 14 Credits (140 hours).


Total Credits for Practical Skills Modules: 63.

 

Work Experience Modules:
i. Operation and dynamics of communities, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits (60 hours).
ii. Household registration and assessment processes, NQF Level 3, 14 Credits (140 hours).
iii. Health promotion processes, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits (60 hours).
iv. Formal health provision processes, NQF Level 2, 12 Credits (120 hours).
v. Emotional and social wellness support processes, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits (60 hours).
vi. Household treatment processes of minor ailments, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits (160 hours).


Total Credits for Work Experience Modules: 60


EXAMINATION


Upon completing the training, learners will receive a statement of results from the college, enabling them to sit for the national examination.
NB: National examinations are conducted in March and October/November each year.


CERTIFICATION


Learners who successfully pass the National Examination will be awarded the Occupational Qualification: Health Promotion Officer by the Quality Council (QCTO).

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Enrolling in this course could be a beneficial choice if you aim to:


➢ Conduct fundamental evaluations of communities, household units, and individuals;
➢ Deliver essential health education and facilitate referrals to various services; and
➢ Aid in navigating the health and social services framework

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Duties of Health Promotion Officer:


1. Treat simple diseases, injuries, wounds and refer to the clinic
2. Provide basic nursing care
3. Provide palliative care
4. Make referrals for various health problems to appropriate levels of health services.
5. Check outbreak of transmitted diseases, teach and refer for treatment
6. Promote TB Infection control
7. Take temperature, BP, Pulse and respiration
8. Check Sexual Transmitted Infections, teach and refer for treatment
9. Check children and refer for immunization
10. Identify pregnant mothers, mothers who have given birth and their babies and refer for treatment
11. HIV and AIDS testing and counselling
12. Identify drug and substance abusers and refer them to rehabilitation centres
13. Teach people about dangers of drug and substance abuse
14. Teach people about cleanliness of in-house, environment and water
15. Teach about women and men’s and children’s health
16. Teach about healthy lifestyle.

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A career as a Health Promotion Officer can open doors to multiple positions, such as Community Health Worker, Health Educator, Wellness Coordinator, among others. These professionals may find employment in a variety of environments, including clinics, non-governmental organizations, hospitals, educational institutions, and rehabilitation facilities. Their primary focus is on linking individuals to healthcare resources, delivering educational programs, and providing fundamental medical services. The need for such professionals is on the rise, rendering this a promising career field.

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Comprehensive overview of the possible career trajectories:


• Community-Centric Positions:
• Community Health Worker:
• Concentrating on primary healthcare and health promotion within communities, linking individuals to resources and offering education.
• Health Promotion Officer in Clinics or NGOs:
• Engaging in healthcare environments to advocate for health and well-being, frequently in community-oriented settings.
• Health Educator:
• Delivering health education to individuals and communities, encouraging healthy behaviors and lifestyles.
• Home-Based Caregiver:
• Offering care and assistance to individuals in their residences, which includes health education and fundamental medical services.
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Tshwane Technical Institution is registered with the  Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as a Private college in terms of section 31(3) of the Continuing Education and Training Act, 2006 (Act No. 16 of 2006 ) and Regulation 12(4)(b) of the Regulations for the Registration of Private Further Education and Training Colleges ,2007.. DHET Examination Centre No. 0899994808.

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Tshwane Technical Institution is Accredited by Quality Council for Trade & Occupations (QCTO) Accreditation No. 7-QCTO/SDP180222, QCTO/SDP230523050051.

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