Assistant Radiographic Practice (Clinical Imaging)

Program Overview

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This one-year, full-time program prepares students to become Clinical Imaging Assistant Practitioners, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to produce essential diagnostic images. Combining academic learning with supervised clinical placements, the program emphasizes the integration of theory and practice in clinical settings. Graduates are qualified for employment in clinical imaging areas of radiographic practice, primarily in General X-ray rooms.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Objectives:

• Prepare students to become clinical imaging assistant practitioners, a vital member of the radiography team.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to produce images essential for injury and disease diagnosis.
• Develop students' professional and clinical expertise in assistant radiographic practice within the clinical imaging environment.
• Foster a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of contemporary imaging technologies.
• Cultivate students' caregiving skills through a human-centered approach to individual care.
• Promote shared learning and inter-professional education through collaboration with other healthcare students.
• Prepare students for a challenging and transformative career in clinical imaging.

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Program Description:

• One-year full-time program, accredited by the Society of Radiographers.
• Designed for NHS support workers seeking to expand their role and become Assistant Practitioners.
• Delivered via a block release format, allowing students to continue their paid employment while studying.
• Combines academic learning with supervised clinical placements in the employing organization.
• Emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical application in clinical settings.

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Other:

• Program is only available for individuals employed as student assistant practitioners or support workers in a Radiology department.
• Students are required to have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade A-C (or 8-4) including English, Maths, and one science subject.
• Successful applicants will need to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Focuses on the integrated relationship between theoretical knowledge and its practical application in clinical imaging.
• 40% of program time is dedicated to clinical practice, facilitating the seamless integration of theory into real-world settings.
• Diverse learning and teaching methods are employed, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, and practical skills sessions.
• A student-centered approach encourages independent study and critical thinking.

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Course Structure:

• 25% of program time dedicated to academic-based learning and 75% to work-based learning.
• Consists of two academic blocks (16 weeks total) and two formal clinical blocks (14 weeks total).
• Attendance is mandatory for all sessions in both academic and clinical blocks.

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Modules:

• Professional Practice and Patient Care in Radiography (HC1223): Explores professional conduct, ethical principles, legal aspects, and communication skills essential for effective patient care in radiography.
• Imaging Technology (HC1224): Provides comprehensive knowledge of various imaging technologies, their physical principles, and applications in diagnostic imaging.
• Practice of Imaging (HC1225): Focuses on practical skills and procedures related to patient positioning, radiographic technique selection, image acquisition, and quality control.
• Clinical 1 (HC1226): Offers supervised clinical practice opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in a real-world setting.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Written assignments
• Unseen examinations
• Objective structured practical assessment (OSPE)
• Clinical skills assessment
• Professional behavior assessment

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Assessment Criteria:

• Ensure students acquire fundamental knowledge and understanding of assistant radiographic practice in clinical imaging.
• Clinical education is evaluated through a clinical competency portfolio and observed assessment of practical clinical skills.
• Summative clinical assessments are conducted by experienced clinical lecturers or a combination of a lecturer and a practice educator.

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Feedback:

• Various feedback formats are used, including oral, written, and electronic feedback.
• Students receive individual feedback on examinations and personalized discussions with their tutors.
• Clinical mentors/teachers provide regular verbal and written feedback on students' performance during placements.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Practical skills sessions
• Directed self-study
• Use of multimedia resources
• Access to dedicated diagnostic imaging simulation software

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Faculty:

• Experienced academic staff with expertise in radiography and related fields.

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Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on the integration of theory and practice through clinical placements and simulation software.
• Focus on developing students' communication and interpersonal skills through inter-professional education opportunities.
• Provision of individual access to dedicated diagnostic imaging simulation software for self-directed learning.

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Careers:

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Career Prospects:

• Graduates can seek employment in clinical imaging areas of radiographic practice, primarily in General X-ray rooms, performing basic radiographic examinations on adult patients.
• Potential for further specialization in other radiographic imaging areas, depending on the employing organization's protocols.

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Other:

• The program offers elements of provision in the medium of Welsh for Welsh-speaking students, including Welsh-speaking tutors, meetings, and coursework submission.
• Students can request Welsh-speaking clinical placements and receive feedback and submit assignments in Welsh.

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Tuition fees are funded by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW). Students in NHS employment will continue to receive their salaries from their employer. Applicants domiciled in Wales with NHS employment as a support worker are eligible for funding. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase. Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. NHS employment is a required part of this course. Additional costs