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Seeking feedback – proposal for a new qualification – New Zealand Diploma in Health Science (Level 6)

Seeking feedback – proposal for a new qualification – New Zealand Diploma in Health Science (Level 6)

Toitū te Waiora is seeking feedback on the proposed development of a new Level 6 qualification to complement the New Zealand Diploma in Health Science (Level 5) [Ref:3510].

Toitū te Waiora was approached by a Tertiary Education Organisation (‘TEO’) in May 2023 regarding development of a new Level 6 qualification to complement the New Zealand Diploma in Health Science (Level 5) [Ref:3510]. The TEO’s intention is to deliver a 120-credit programme leading to the proposed qualification.

The proposed new qualification is entirely unrelated to the ongoing Toitū te Waiora qualification reviews of the New Zealand Diploma in Health Science (Level 5) [Ref:3510] and the New Zealand Diploma in Holistic Nutrition (Level 6) [Ref:3511].

The proposed New Zealand Diploma in Health Science (Level 6) can be viewed here: Draft Qualification Document

Invitation

We are now seeking views from interested parties prior to deciding on whether to support the development of this new qualification, provisionally named as the New Zealand Diploma in Health Science (Level 6). If you would like to provide feedback relevant to this qualification, please email Toitū te Waiora at [email protected] before the close of business Friday 14 July 2023.

We would like submissions from any interested parties regarding:

  • The need for a new qualification at this level.
  • The target audience, including who is likely to take a programme leading to this qualification, and to what end.
  • A ballpark figure for the number of learners likely to study for this qualification in Aotearoa New Zealand per annum.
  • Any expressions of interest from TEOs about delivering a programme leading to this qualification.
  • The likelihood of TEOs attracting Tertiary Education Commission funding for a programme leading to this qualification.
  • Any other comments or observations you might have.

If Toitū te Waiora decides to help develop this new qualification, it will follow the procedures outlined by NZQA: www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/quals-development/

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Proposed qualification overview

  1. Level 6 qualification
  2. Six GPOs
  3. 120 NZQCF credits
  4. One-year programme
  5. No inclusion of practicum hours
Comparison of the proposed qualification against 3510 and 3511
Current L5 NZ Diploma in Health Science [Ref:3510] Proposed L6 NZ Diploma in Health Science Current L6 NZ Diploma in Holistic Nutrition [Ref:3511]
This qualification is designed to provide the community with advocates who have the knowledge of the human body to support healthy lifestyle choices including healthy eating to help maintain wellness. This qualification is designed to provide the community with advocates who want to specialise in applying knowledge of the human body to support health and wellbeing. The purpose of this qualification is to provide the complementary health sector with advisors who can apply holistic knowledge of nutrition to assist people in the prevention of health issues.
This qualification is intended for learners who wish to attain a recognised level of competence and scientific knowledge of New Zealand health trends and risks to health. Graduates will be capable of working under supervision in the wellness context. This qualification is intended for learners with knowledge of health and wellbeing skills to design and evaluate solutions and outcomes for individuals, groups and communities.
Graduates will use holistic approaches to promote and support the health aspirations of Māori, Pasifika, Tangata Whaikaha and other groups, through ethical interaction with the community within their scope of practice. Graduates of this qualification will have the advanced skills and knowledge of holistic approaches and wellbeing to support the health aspirations of Māori, Pasifika, Tangata Whaikaha and other groups, through ethical interaction with the community within their scope of practice. Graduates will be able to work independently to design and deliver holistic nutrition health care programmes that contribute to people’s wellbeing by addressing nutritional and lifestyle health.
Graduate Profile Outcome Comparison
Current L5 NZ Diploma in Health Science Proposed L6 NZ Diploma in Health Science Current L6 NZ Diploma in Holistic Nutrition
1. Apply knowledge of healthy lifestyle choices at different life stages to address preventable health problems. (35 credits)Evaluate the social, biological, cultural, and environmental factors that influence health and lifestyle to determine an individual’s health and wellbeing. (20 credits)1. Apply holistic knowledge of human nutrition when giving advice to contribute to a client’s health and wellbeing. (80 credits)
2. Apply scientific knowledge of the human body to help prevent lifestyle-based health problems. (55 credits)Evaluate the philosophies and principles of evidence based, traditional, cultural, and sustainable approaches for healthy eating to establish well-being outcomes. (20 credits)2. Apply scientific knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, and pathophysiology to inform nutrition and holistic care programmes to contribute to health and wellbeing of clients. (85 credits)
3. Apply current scientific knowledge of New Zealand health trends and risks to health, to advocate for healthy lifestyle choices including healthy eating and good nutrition. (20 credits)Apply the principles of nutrition and dietary modification to prevent and manage health imbalances. (20 credits)3. Assess, implement, monitor, and evaluate nutrition and holistic care programmes to maintain client’s health. (50 credits)
4. Provide ethical and culturally safe health, education, and advocacy to help people maintain wellness and help prevent lifestyle-related disease. (10 credits)Analyse pathophysiological responses of the human body which may lead to homeostatic imbalance to inform health promotion. (20 credits)4. Work collaboratively with clients and other health care teams to contribute to health and wellbeing of clients. (15 credits)
Evaluate and advocate evidence based dietary plans for promoting enhanced health and healthy lifestyles. (20 credits)5. Educate clients on holistic nutritional programmes to prevent nutrition and lifestyle health issues. (10 credits)
Apply the principles and practices of coaching to healthy lifestyle pathways and planning to improve lifestyle outcomes. (20 credits)