Master of Radiographic Practice

Course code: 3859 + Course abbreviation: MRP + Total credit points required: 72 + 6 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

Off-campus (Clayton – P/T only)

Course description

This course, offered by the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, is designed for radiographers wishing to engage in a structured academic pathway leading to the recognition of the level of advanced practitioner status. The course will facilitate high levels of supervisory, problem-solving, leadership and research skills in relation to either computed tomography (CT) or general radiography, in respect to the management of digital images, patient management and advocacy and image interpretation, for example in the rural and remote or accident and emergency setting.

Course objectives

Upon successful completion of the course of study graduates will be able to: 1. explain the fundamental principles underpinning digital imaging in diagnostic medicine: its representation, acquisition and transformation in computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR); 2. explain the physical principles underpinning single slice helical and multislice computed tomography (CT); 3. justify dose reduction strategies applicable to single slice helical and multislice CT; 4. apply dose reduction strategies applicable to multislice and single slice computed tomography; 5. critically appraise imaging protocols established for specialist CT imaging procedures in terms of the clinical problem; 6. communicate an understanding of the scientific principles underpinning hybrid imaging; 7. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and pathology from a clinically oriented and body systems perspective; 8. describe and identify key anatomical structures on images and relationships in three dimensions as portrayed in radiographic images and sectional CT images; 9. demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge and understanding of pathophysiological principles to the identification of a range of clinically significant pathology depicted on either radiographic or CT images; 10. apply an understanding of mechanisms of trauma including a range of subsequent treatment strategies to the creation of effective and relevant radiographic and or CT images; 11. acknowledge workplace management issues and challenges associated with digitally generated medical images; 12. identify patient practitioner situations and appreciate how the application of ethical theories can facilitate a high standard of patient care; 13. discuss how medico-legal principles apply to the delivery of medical imaging services; 14. explain the risks and benefits related to the use of contrast media in medical imaging; 15. apply an analytical approach to the exercise of clinical judgement and decision-making in the context of the delivery of radiographic services that is evidence-based; 16. implement and monitor quality assurance programs in the area of radiographic practice of relevance to them; 17. identify a role for the radiographer in terms of patient’s clinical history documentation within the practice of diagnostics radiography; 18. perform and document a systematic health assessment using health assessment tools and techniques; 19. incorporate within the practice of radiography age related differences, cultural and ethnic variations relevant to the patient’s health history; 20. implement the documentation of a radiographic opinion in relation to either plain film or CT imaging of the musculo-skeletal system in the context of acute clinical situations; 21. communicate effectively, efficiently and professionally with a range of health care colleagues to enhance the quality of human interaction and health outcomes for patients; 22. demonstrate the characteristics of critical and reflective practitioners operating within a dynamic socio-political and economically driven health care environment; 23. critique themselves as clinical decision makers with a professional obligation to engage in lifelong learning; 24. demonstrate the capacity to apply logical and critical thought to the analysis and resolution of workplace challenges and issues; 25. communicate new knowledge and understanding in a coherent manner to a wider professional audience; 26. comfortably use web-based information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to further their professional development; 27. consider how Australian radiography standards may differ from those in other countries; 28. demonstrate the capacity to apply research findings to practice whilst valuing the role of clinical research; 29. critically review the professional literature and appraise the veracity of new knowledge as it applies to clinical practice; 30. identify clinical issues and problems in radiographic and computed tomography practice amenable to research; 31. appreciate the practical, technical and management issues associated with the design and conduct a research project; 32. identify ethical aspects of a research project and the subsequent process of gaining ethics approval; 33. demonstrate technological and information literacy in the application of a selected research method to the resolution of a research question; and 34. demonstrate the capacity to communicate research findings to peers.

Course structure

This program is structured to enable radiographers to combine study with full-time or part-time clinical practice. Students must complete 72 points comprised of the following units:

Computed tomography (CT) stream

Year one

Semester 1

MRP4002 Computed tomography: science and technology

Semester 2

MRP4010 Contemporary professional practice
MRP4011 CT clinical methods

Year two

Semester 1

MRP4012 Advanced pathology for radiographic practice

Semester 2

MRP4014 Multislice CT and clinical decision-making 1

Year three

Semester 1

MFM2006R Introduction to research methods

Semester 2

Select one from:

MRP5010 Clinical research project
MRP5012 Multislice CT and clinical decision-making 2

General radiography stream

Year one

Semester 1

MRP4001 Digital imaging in radiographic practice

Semester 2

MRP4010 Contemporary professional practice

Elective units

Students in this stream may select one elective from the following list of Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences postgraduate units:

CPE4603 Contemporary issues in health informatics
CRH1000 Rural health issues and practice
MEU0001 Teaching and learning in health professional education*
MRP4011 CT clinical methods

* Offered on-campus only.

Year two

Semester 1

MRP4012 Advanced pathology for radiographic practice

Semester 2

MRP4013 Radiographic image interpretation and clinical decision-making 1

Year three

Semester 1

MFM2006R Introduction to research methods

Semester 2

Select one from:

MRP5010 Clinical research project
MRP5011 Radiographic image interpretation and clinical decision-making 2

Assessment

Assessment includes written examinations, theoretical essays, oral examinations, clinical case studies and clinical workbook.

Contact details

School of Biomedical Sciences Office: telephone: +61 3 9905 8365; mail: radiation.sciences@med.monash.edu.auor visit www.med.monash.edu.au/radiography/postgrad/

Course coordinator

Associate Professor Marilyn Baird

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