Introduction

This pathway prepares health care workers who are working in a support role to Diagnostic Radiographers. This is to increase their knowledge and skills in supporting patients/service users in clinical imaging settings. The pathway includes 50% core modules which are shared with other health professionals. The other 50% of modules are designed specifically for this group of workers. All modules carry a 20 credit tariff and have work place tasks to introduce new skills and improve competence in practice.

Content and Structure

LEVEL 1 - CORE MODULES

• Skills for Learning This module is an introduction to the use of the computer, assignment writing, using an academic library and keeping a reflective log on personal development.
• The Social Context of Health and Illness This module explores the relationship between the individual and disease but encouraging students to analyse health and illness from a social perspective.
• Health and Disease This module introduces the student to the study of some of the diseases and risk behaviours which have a major impact upon health in the UK population.

LEVEL 1 - CLINICAL IMAGING MODULES

• Introduction to core sciences This module includes the underpinning scientific and biological principles necessary for effective radiographic practice.
• Introduction to chest, abdomen and appendicular imaging This module includes the knowledge and skills to successfully image selected parts of the human body.
• Self in the workplace This module explores the individual’s role in the work place and forecast for the future by the identification and audit of occupational and key transferable skills.

LEVEL 2 - CORE MODULES

• Law and Ethics This module aims to enable health and social care workers to enhance their understanding of ethics and he law as it is applied to practice and to develop ethical decision making capabilities based on reflections arising from practice.
• Methods of Enquiry This module aims to develop understanding of the ’evidence’ related to work based practices and to gain a better understanding of the research process.
• Project This module allows the student to apply knowledge and skills developed during the programme of study to undertake a critical review and analysis of a work based issue.

LEVEL 2 - CLINICAL IMAGING MODULES

• Imaging of the gastrointestinal tract This module includes the knowledge and skills to actively assist in a range of imaging procedures of the gastrointestinal system.
• Imaging of the spine and urinary tract This module includes the knowledge and skills to actively assist in a range of imaging processes of the urinary system and plain films of the spine.
• The world of work The focus of this module is the accreditation of a piece of learning and development, conducted independently outside of the University in the workplace. It includes a systematic, reflective enquiry into an aspect of service/role development in addition to those included in other modules.

Entry Requirements

• 80 UCAS tariff points e.g. AS/A2 levels
• NVQ3, merit in BTEC Health and Social Care, AVCE/GNVQ
• An International Baccalaureate.
• Candidates without the qualifications itemised above may be eligible if they can demonstrate an ability to study at an appropriate level.

Students must also demonstrate :

• Regular work experience, either paid or voluntarily in an imaging department for at least 2 days a week
• Employer’s agreement and support to undertake the programme

Applications will be considered on an individual basis.