Graduate Certificate of Magnetic Resonance Imaging - 2019

This postgraduate course is designed for practising medical radiation practitioners and other suitably qualified health practitioners to advance their technological expertise and academic understanding of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) whilst continuing clinical work in these areas.

This course expands students' previous knowledge and professional experience and will appeal to:

• medical radiation science professionals - radiographers, radiation therapists and nuclear medicine scientists
• professionals in related disciplines (such as psychology and neuropsychology) who use MRI as a research tool
• professionals in related disciplines (such as such as medicine, veterinary science, physiotherapy and rehabilitation science and forensic medicine) who use MRI as a clinical tool

Other professionals who would benefit from this course would include:

• orthopaedic surgeons and cardiologists who rely on MRI to provide rapid answers to difficult clinical questions
• biomedical engineers wishing to undertake research and development in the field of MRI (eg. Advanced RF coil, RF and gradient amplifier design)

Internationally, professional bodies representing medical imaging scientists recognise the value of postgraduate study as a means of keeping pace with rapidly changing technology in this fields, as well as of enhancing capacity of graduates to engage in MRI research.

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

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

1. Communicate an informed understanding of the physical principles and safety requirements for magnetic resonance imaging
2. Critically apply knowledge of the advantages and limitations of magnetic resonance imaging including risk factors of the use of contrast media in clinical MR practice
3. Implement evidence-based magnetic resonance imaging protocols for the neurological and musculoskeletal systems
4. Implement advanced imaging techniques, protocols and post-processing approaches for clinical and research applications
5. Produce and evaluate high-quality diagnostic multi-planar and 3D images from head, spine, abdomen, pelvis and extremities magnetic resonance imaging examinations
6. Communicate the magnetic resonance imaging appearances of a range of normal appearances and common disorders of the head, spine, abdomen, pelvis and extremities
7. Demonstrate professional judgment and expertise in providing imaging support in a multi-disciplinary environment.

The course comprises 24 points structured into 2 parts: Part A. Instrumentation, safety, and Part B. Clinical application.

Part A: Instrumentation and safety

This study will teach you the basic physics of magnetic dipoles and magnetic spin resonance along with an account of the instrumentation common to all clinical MRI machines. Patient and staff safety issues posed by magnetic and radio frequency fields together with a consideration of factors determining the contrast and spatial resolution achievable in current clinical MR practice, will also be addressed.

Part B: Clinical application

In this part you will be able to expand your knowledge of the physical principles underpinning MRI into areas of interest to you. These areas include safety, imaging protocols and processing methods used to image the brain, spine, upper abdomen and pelvis and the musculoskeletal system. Advanced techniques associated with cardiac and cardiovascular imaging, diffusion, perfusion and susceptibility weighted imaging will be presented. There is also the opportunity to extend your knowledge of the basic physical principles of molecular imaging and the methodologies that underpin the advancements in hybrid imaging.

This course comprises 24 points structured into two parts: Part A: Instrumentation and safety (6 points) and Part B: Clinical application (18 points).

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/maps/map-m4019.pdf) provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A: Instrumentation and safety (6 points)

You must complete:

• RAD4503 MRI Physics, instrumentation and safety

Part B: Clinical Application (18 points)

You must complete three units (18 points) from the following:

• RAD5504 Magnetic resonance imaging: Musculoskeletal system
• RAD5505 Magnetic resonance imaging: Head, spine abdomen and pelvis
• RAD5506 Magnetic resonance imaging: Advanced imaging techniques
• RAD5107 Hybrid and molecular imaging

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to the Master of Advanced Health Care Practice.