Graduate Certificate of X-ray Image Interpretation - 2019

This course offered by the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences is designed for practising health professionals who seek to broaden their clinical knowledge and develop skills in the analysis of x-ray images. It will facilitate skill development through a focus upon the application of a methodical approach to image analysis and the interpretation of x-ray images generated within the context of emergency and trauma. The specialist units will provide practitioners with the skills to distinguish between the appearances of normal anatomy, normal variants, the growing bone and the mature skeleton on x-ray images and those associated with pathological change. At the same time practitioners will develop the skills to apply the systematic methodology taught in the foundation unit to interpret a range of x-ray images following trauma including sport injuries and other disease processes affecting the musculoskeletal system, chest and abdomen. The course also offers the opportunity for practitioners to complete an elective unit of particular relevance to their clinical practice.

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. Apply a systematic and logical approach to the evaluation of x-ray images demonstrating the bones, soft tissues and joints of the musculoskeletal system including the spine, chest and abdomen
2. Recognise normal anatomical structures and normal variants on x-ray images and apply this knowledge to x-ray projections of the musculoskeletal system including the spine, chest and abdomen
3. Relate mechanisms of injury and the clinical signs or symptoms of injury and arthritic diseases with their x-ray appearances
4. Identify and describe signs of injury and arthritic disease specific to the region concerned on a range of x-ray images
5. Communicate using appropriate terminology the presence or otherwise of abnormal x-ray appearances of the region concerned to other members of the health care team in acute situations
6. Contextualise x-ray image interpretation to the broader health care system.

The course comprises 24 points structured into 2 parts: Part A. Foundations of x-ray interpretation and Part B. Clinical application.

Part A. Foundations of x-ray interpretation

This study will teach you how to distinguish between the appearances of normal anatomy, normal variants, the growing bone and the mature skeleton on x-ray images. You will learn how to apply a systematic method to the evaluation of a variety of x-ray images and how to reduce interpretation error. The unit will also address clinical decision-making processes, examine the role of x-ray imaging referrals in x-ray interpretation and methods used to communicate observations to the broader health care team.

Part B. Clinical application

In this part you will be able to expand your knowledge of the normal appearances of the musculoskeletal system, spine, chest and abdomen and apply a systematic evaluation method to x-rays covering a range of adult and paediatric acute conditions. Depending upon your interest, you can choose to undertake specific study of the musculoskeletal system including specific areas of the spine, the chest and abdomen. You can broaden your perspective and undertake an elective in either applied pathology for imaging, or magnetic imaging of the musculoskeletal system or computed tomography with a focus upon the brain, abdomen, chest and the vascular system.

The course comprises 24 points structured into 2 parts: Part A. Foundations of x-ray interpretation (6 points) and Part B. Clinical application (18 points).

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundations of x-ray interpretation (6 points)

You must complete:

• RAD4502 Foundations of x-ray image interpretation

Part B. Clinical application (18 points)

You must complete three units (18 points) from:

• RAD5108 Musculoskeletal x-ray interpretation 1
• RAD5109 Musculoskeletal x-ray interpretation 2
• RAD5114Not offered in 2019 Chest and abdomen x-ray interpretation

or 2 units (12 points) from above (RAD5108, RAD5109, RAD5114Not offered in 2019) and one unit (6 points) from the following:

• RAD5105 Pathology for imaging
• RAD5500 Multislice CT and clinical decision making
• RAD5504 Musculoskeletal MRI

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to the Masters by Coursework degree such as Master of Advanced Health Care Practice or Master of Advanced Nursing.