Undergraduate - Course1963 - Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging

This course provides a professional education in general radiography, digital vascular imaging, computed tomography, general ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging to facilitate entry into the radiography profession. There is a strong emphasis on the development of clinical competency in general radiography and computed tomography. Throughout the course, the biological sciences are closely integrated with radiologic science, and students develop a range of professional skills in relation to the assessment and management of patients. In the final year, students must complete either a research project in an aspect of medical imaging and radiation sciences of interest to them or extended study in either CT, ultrasound, paediatrics or education and leadership, and an in depth literature review of a selected medical imaging topic.

The course is designed to ensure that all imaging and methods, radiologic biology and professional skills units are closely related and integrated with the clinical studies. To broaden career opportunities, a range of selective research studies is available in year four of the course.

Clinical placements commence in first semester of first year and continue throughout all four years of the course.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes. For more information refer to http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the scientific concepts underpinning modern radiologic physics including nuclear magnetic resonance and ultrasound
• discuss relevant aspects of the theories informing the psychosocial basis of illness and disease and identify their application to radiographic practice situations
• critically apply ethical concepts, and knowledge of the Australian medico- legal framework to the practice of radiography while adhering to the Code of Conduct for Registered Health Practitioners promulgated by the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia
• implement knowledge of professional communication theories and evidence informed radiographic patient care being cognisant of cultural diversity and including the responsible use of radiographic contrast media in various medical imaging contexts
• communicate to non-specialist audiences knowledge of the biological consequences of ionising and non-ionising radiation, scientific principles informing radiation dosimetry and implement best practice in relation to radiation protection
• synthesise knowledge and understanding of radiographic instrumentation including digital imaging systems with the competent application of radiographic positioning methodology in the clinical setting
• identify and critically evaluate anatomical features and gross patho-physiological processes as demonstrated on radiographic images including sectional medical images
• evaluate existing and future applications of information technology to the field of medical imaging
• apply knowledge of digital image processing to the use of computed tomographic, sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging instrumentation and undertake appropriate quality assurances measures relevant to each modality
• design and implement strategies to minimise the radiation dose to culturally diverse patients undergoing general radiography and computed tomography and demonstrate initiative, judgement and problem solving
• critically reflect upon their practice in general radiography and computed tomography and identify their ongoing professional development needs especially in relation to emerging technologies
• possess an understanding of the practical applications of digital vascular imaging and magnetic resonance imaging whilst mindful of the need to continue to strengthen their practical knowledge and skills in relation to these modalities
• apply research principles, methods and findings to professional practice, demonstrate an understanding of interprofessional collaboration while conforming to the expectations of a radiographer as defined by the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia

Special requirements

Students must refer to the information available on the special requirements outlined below. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they have the correct documentation.

Police checks

Students must have a current Police check regarding their suitability to undertake placements. Information available at http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/police-checks.html.

Working with Children checks

Students must have a current Working with Children check regarding their suitability to undertake placements. Information available at http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/wwc-check.html.

Health requirements

For the protection of other students, patients and themselves, students in Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging course should comply with certain precautionary procedures.

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.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging are required to meet the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Immunisation and Infection Risk Policy (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/immunisation/). Students should accept the responsibility for having a satisfactory immunisation status prior to the commencement of the clinical components.

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. Immunisations include diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B.

Registration and English Language

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as radiographers with the Medical Radiation Practitioners Board of Australia (MRPB).

NB: It is the responsibility of graduates to meet the English Language Policy promulgated by the MRPB. Please refer to http://www.ahpra.gov.edu for further information.

Clinical practice

This course requires students to undertake off-campus clinical placements. In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit.

Where a student's skill or knowledge is found to be inadequate, access to the clinical component of the unit will be denied. A student may be withdrawn from a clinical practicum if required skills and knowledge are deemed inadequate, or on other grounds deemed appropriate by the Head of Department. This may impact on a student's course progression, however, students will be given the opportunity to repeat any relevant unit/s.

Clinical expenses

Students are responsible for all travel and accommodation expenses during clinical placement. Uniforms and accessories are required for clinical placements and students will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement.

The Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging has been accredited by the Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR). Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as radiographers with the Medical Radiation Practitioners Board of Victoria.

This course consists of 16 compulsory units.

First year

• RAD1021 Radiologic physics
• RAD1031 Radiologic biology 1
• RAD1061 Radiographic science and practice 1
• RAD1012 Radiographic science and practice 2
• RAD1082 Radiologic biology 2

Second year

• RAD2051 Radiographic science and practice 3
• RAD2061 Radiologic biology 3
• RAD2012 Radiographic science and practice 4
• RAD2092 Radiologic biology 4 and sectional anatomy

Third year

• RAD3051 Medical imaging science and practice 1
• RAD3061 Medical imaging science (ultrasound)
• RAD3042 Medical imaging science and practice 2
• RAD3092 Magnetic resonance imaging (physics and technology)

Fourth year

• RAD4000 Radiography and medical imaging work experience
• RAD4070 Research in medical imaging (24 points), or RAD4080 Selected topics in medical imaging (24 points),
• RAD4160 Advanced medical imaging and clinical skills (24 points)

Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging
Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (with Honours)

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.