Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Course

This course, offered by the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, aims to prepare suitably qualified graduates to assume practice as accredited/registered medical radiation practitioners who are able to work in the public and private health care environments. Specialist streams of study are offered in radiation therapy and medical ultrasound. Students undertake comprehensive professional clinical experience as part of the course.

On completion of the course, a graduate should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge andunderstanding of medical ethics, medico-legal principles, professional guidelines and standards, health, safety and radiation safety principles, health psychology, professional communication, and patient management in medical radiations
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the biological consequences of ionising and non-ionising medical radiations
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific concepts and principles underpinning medical radiations instrumentation including optimisation of equipment and quality assurance
• appreciate the principles of digital image processing and its application to modern medical imaging including, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound
• apply knowledge and understanding of digital image processing principles to medical radiations practice
• apply knowledge and understanding of gross anatomy, cross-sectional anatomy and pathophysiology to medical radiations practice
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the medical basis for the diagnosis of injury and disease
• implement and perform appropriate medical radiations procedures and techniques to treat/diagnose illness and injury
• communicate to the professional and lay community understanding of the wider applications of medical radiations in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the application of information technology to the field of medical radiation sciences
• assume the role of a qualified/accredited medical radiations practitioner, capable of independent and collaborative clinical decision making.

Assessment

Assessment includes written assignments, case reports, examinations, clinical skills, examinations, student portfolios and presentations.

Special requirements

Health requirements

For the protection of other students and themselves, students in the Master of Medical Radiations course should comply with certain precautionary procedures. These consist of confidential tests for immune status (including blood tests and skin tests), receiving vaccines and having x-rays where the evidence indicates these are appropriate and there are not specific contraindications in individual cases.

Upon enrolment, students are provided with detailed written information and, as appropriate, counselling about the effect that HIV or hepatitis B infection may have on the ability of health care workers to practise their profession. It is recommended that students discuss any concerns with their doctor or the University Health Service.

Vaccinations

This policy is in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council advice that educational institutions training students in health sciences should ensure that such students are protected as far as possible by vaccination against risks of infection. The faculty recommends that all students accept responsibility for having up-to-date immunisations before commencing the Master of Medical Radiations course.

Police checks and Working with Children checks

Organisations that host clinical and community placements require students to have current Police and Working with Children checks regarding their suitability to undertake such placements. All enrolled and prospective students are advised that they will be required to obtain these checks prior to undertaking the clinical components of their course. Working with Children checks are valid for five years and are available free. Police checks must be applied for and paid for annually, however in some community partnered programs, there may be a requirement to have a police check renewed every six months.

The professional component of this course consists of up to five clinical attachments for a total of 62 weeks over the two years.

The radiation therapy stream of study is approved by the Australian Institute of Radiography, and upon successful completion of the course, graduates meet the requirements for the 'Statement of Accreditation' issued by the AIR and professional registration in Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland.

The medical ultrasound stream of study is approved by the Australasian Sonographers Accreditation Registry.

This course comprises 10 units of study, encompassing academic and professional components.

Year one

Semester two

• MMR4001 Medical radiations science 1
• MMR4002 Medical radiations science 2
• MMR4003 Medical radiations science 3

Summer semester

• MMR4011 Medical radiations science and practice 1

Semester one

• MMR4004 Medical radiations science 4
• MMR4005 Medical radiations science 5
• MMR4006 Medical radiations rcience 6

Year two

Semester two

• MMR5001 Medical radiations science 7
• MMR5002 Medical radiations science 8
• MMR5011 Medical radiations science and practice 2

Summer semester

• MMR5011 Medical radiations science and practice 2

Semester one

• MMR5011 Medical radiations science and practice 2

Master of Medical Radiations (Radiation Therapy)

Master of Medical Radiations (Medical Ultrasound)

Where more than one award is listed the actual award conferred may depend on units/majors/streams/specialisations studied, the level of academic merit achieved, or other factors relevant to the individual student's program of study.