Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours)

Radiographers facilitate patient diagnosis and management by using X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging modalities to create diagnostic images for analysis and interpretation. They play a pivotal role in selecting and implementing the most appropriate examination protocols to answer clinical questions. In the Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours) course you will develop the knowledge and skills to enter the radiography profession.

Throughout the course all imaging and methods, radiologic biology and professional skills units are closely related and integrated with the clinical studies. The study of the biological sciences are closely integrated with radiologic science so you study sectional anatomy when learning about generating sectional images. You will learn how to assess and manage patients, while studying general radiography, digital vascular imaging, computed tomography, general ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, and developing clinical competency in general radiography and computed tomography.

The program prides itself on the strong links it creates between the classroom and the clinical work place: periods of related clinical studies commence in first semester of first year and continue throughout all four years of the course. State of the art on-campus facilities include general radiography laboratories and an ultrasound skills lab enable you to gain practical experience before entering clinical centres and undertake experiments around radiation sciences. You will gain practical experience at a wide variety of clinical institutions ranging from Victorian Rural and Regional Hospitals to major metropolitan Melbourne Hospitals and private radiology practices and there are also opportunities for interstate placements.

In the final year, you will complete either a research project in an aspect of medical imaging and radiation sciences of interest to you or extended study in either CT, ultrasound, paediatric imaging, MRI or Hybrid Imaging, and an in-depth literature review of a selected medical imaging topic.

The course incorporates novel teaching approaches including a case-based learning program to assist in clinical decision making (iSAP Integrating Science and Practice), a personal learning and assessment system which includes a clinical e-portfolio (PebblePad), a clinical relevant scenario-based program focusing on cultural, ethical and moral issues (Values Exchange) and the Health Workforce Australia Simulated Learning Environment (SLE) where students engage with 'Avatars' to support clinical training.

Completion of the course will enable you to apply for registration as a radiographer with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia. This registration is national and recognised in all states and territories of Australia. Graduates from the BRadMedImag (Honours) are eligible to apply for a Statement of Accreditation from the Australian Institute of Radiography.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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

1. demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the scientific concepts and instrumentation underpinning modern radiologic physics and biomedical sciences relevant to radiographic practice
2. critically apply ethical concepts, relevant aspects of the theories informing the psychosocial basis of illness and disease together with 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
3. implement knowledge of professional communication theories and evidence informed radiographic patient care including the responsible use of radiographic contrast media in various medical imaging contexts maintaining cognisance of cultural diversity
4. communicate to non-specialist audiences the biological consequences of ionising and non-ionising radiation and scientific principles informing radiation dosimetry
5. synthesise knowledge and understanding of radiologic instrumentation and radiation protection with the independent and competent application and adaptation of radiographic positioning and image evaluation methodology across diverse clinical settings
6. identify and critically evaluate anatomical features and gross patho-physiological processes as demonstrated on medical images with reference to the clinical presentation and exercise professional judgement in respect to providing an informed comment concerning these images
7. demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical concepts underpinning digital image processing and associated workstation applications in angiography, computed tomography, sonography and magnetic resonance imaging and perform quality assurance measures relevant to each modality
8. use advanced knowledge of radiographic and multi-slice computed tomographic imaging methods and protocols including dose reduction strategies in a problem-solving capacity across a diverse range of clinical settings and patients including paediatrics
9. describe angiographic, mammographic and magnetic resonance imaging protocols and possess the capacity to engage in inter-professional clinical practice within these modalities
10. demonstrate knowledge of the scientific research paradigm, distinguish between fact and assertion and critically evaluate the ethical and legal implications of research within medical radiation science
11. demonstrate initiative and responsibility in the application of research methodologies to project work or discrete evidence based research within medical radiation science, an ability to communicate new knowledge to specialist audiences and identify ongoing professional development needs especially in relation to emerging technologies.

The course develops professional expertise through studies in human biology, the digital technology underpinning radiography and medical imaging, radiographic and medical imaging science with extended periods of evidence based professional practice and research.

Part A. Human biology

This theme integrates the principles of human biology, the structure and the function of the body in health and disease together with their radiographic appearances in planar and sectional radiographic and medical radiation images.

Part B. Radiation physics and safety

This theme develops the principles of medical radiation physics and instrumentation underpinning general radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), medical ultrasound and digital vascular imaging integrated with principles of radiation protection and MRI safety and statutory requirements. It will also introduce you to radiation dosimetry, radiation therapy and hybrid imaging.

Part C. Radiographic science and practice

These studies will develop your clinical competency in general radiography. They integrate radiographic positioning techniques appropriate to different body regions and provide extended clinical practice including fluoroscopy, theatre and mobile radiography, paediatrics, digital image processing, radiographic image interpretation and advanced clinical decision making. You will develop the knowledge and skills to implement CT imaging protocols, general ultrasound of the abdomen, vascular imaging and basic MRI methods.

Part D. Professional practice and research

This theme addresses evidence-based practice in medical imaging. It will develop your skills to exercise professional judgement, reflect upon advanced radiographic practice, identify on-going professional development needs and provide advanced radiographic patient management. You will learn to differentiate between different research methods, evaluate the veracity of research claims, understand current trends in medical imaging research and draw implications for evidence based health care.

This course comprises 192 points, of which 168 points are prescribed and 24 points are selected from either a research project or extended study.

The course develops through theme studies in: A. Human biology, B. Radiation physics and safety, C. Radiographic science and practice, and D. Professional practice and research.

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/maps/map-m3006.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are six credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Human biology (30 points)

Students complete:

• RAD1031 Radiologic biology 1
• RAD1082 Radiologic biology 2
• RAD2061 Radiologic biology 3 (12 points)
• RAD2092 Radiologic biology 4 and sectional anatomy

Part B. Radiation physics and safety (18 points)

Students complete:

• RAD1021 Radiologic physics and radiation protection
• RAD3061 Medical imaging science (ultrasound)
• RAD3092 Magnetic resonance imaging (physics and technology)

Part C. Radiographic science and practice (96 points)

Students complete:

• RAD1061 Radiographic science and practice 1 (12 points)
• RAD1012 Radiographic science and practice 2 (18 points)
• RAD2051 Radiographic science and practice 3 (12 points)
• RAD2012 Radiographic science and practice 4 (18 points)
• RAD3051 Medical imaging science and practice 1 (18 points)
• RAD3042 Medical imaging science and practice 2 (18 points)

Part D. Professional practice and research (48 points)

Students complete:

• 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)
• RAD4000 Radiography and medical imaging work experience (0 points)

Students completing this qualification are eligible for admission to a Master of Advanced Health Care Practice or a Master of Medical Ultrasound. Postgraduate opportunities exist to apply for entry to a higher degree by research at either MPhil or PhD level.