Diploma in Radiography in Nuclear Medicine

Purpose

This qualification caters for Nuclear Medicine Radiographers/Technologists in a Nuclear Medicine facility. The qualifying learner will integrate theoretical, practical and clinical skills to competently perform Nuclear Medicine investigations to facilitate the management of the patient with regards to diagnosis and treatment.

Rationale

Radiography is classified as a scarce skills profession in South Africa and is part of the Department of Labours 2007 National Scarce Skills List.

Nuclear Medicine Radiographers are generally minimal allied health care professional. Therefore there is a need to train more to address this shortage. Nuclear Medicine Radiographers are involved in the routine and non-routine Nuclear Medicine imaging. The learning required for the practice of Nuclear Medicine has grown accordingly from informal, hospital-based training to formal qualifications offered by higher education institutions in partnership with academic hospitals. The growth has been real in South Africa as well as across the globe.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) takes into account a Portfolio of Evidence of previous learning and experiences. Learners have to apply for RPL via the Department of Graduation and Assessment. The university's policies regarding RPL processes applications.

The utilisation of the following procedure when applications for RPL are received

• Learners complete prescribed RPL form obtained from Assessment and Graduation services (AGS) of the CUT, FS.
• The AGS receives the completed form.
• The appropriate HOD with expert/experts in the field assess the application.
• They make a recommendation regarding the application.
• The relevant HOD meets with the chairperson of the faculty RPL Committee to evaluate the document and check for completeness of the documentation. The EXCO then approves the final discussion.
• EXCO's decision is then sent to AGS for implementation and to communicate the outcome to the applicant.
• A successful applicant can now apply for a specific qualification.

RPL will also be awarded to learners who provide sufficient evidence that the stated competencies and outcomes of the qualification have been achieved through relevant experience. Subject recognition is applied to Diagnostic Qualified Radiographers to advance the graduates into the second year of National Diploma: Radiography: Nuclear Medicine.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography, NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5 and 6 totalling 402 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 270 Credits

• Radiographic Practice I, 24 Credits.
• Clinical Radiographic Practice I (WIL), 24 Credits.
• Radiographic Pathology I, 12 Credits.
• Physics and Chemistry, 12 Credits.
• Image Recording, 12 Credits.
• Anatomy, 24 Credits.
• Physiology, 12 Credits.
• Academic Literacy and Communication Studies, 6 Credits.
• Basic Digital Literacy, 6 Credits.
• Advanced Digital Literacy, 6 Credits.
• Radiographic Practice II (NM), 36 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning" Clinical Radiographic Practice II (NM), 24 Credits.
• Radiation Science II, 0 Credits.
• Image Recording II, 24 Credits.
• Radiation Physics II, 24 Credits.
• Radiographic Pathology II, 24 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 12 Credits

• Psychodynamics of Patient Management, 12 Credits.
• Personal Information Management, 0 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits

• Radiographic Practice III (NM), 48 Credits.
• Clinical Radiographic Practice III (NM), 24 Credits.
• Nuclear Medicine Instrumentation III (NM), 24 Credits.
• Radiopharmacy III (NM), 24 Credits.

1. Perform the various clinical nuclear medicine investigations using optimal techniques to benefit the diagnosis or management of the patient.
2. Administer and manage the nuclear medicine environment in terms of Quality Assurance, Radiation Protection and management to provide a safe environment for the patient and an optimal diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedure.
3. Operate and assure the quality function of all nuclear medicine instrumentation to provide the best diagnostic capability of the instruments.
4. Function fully in a radiopharmacy laboratory (type "B" laboratory).
5. Function effectively in a type "C" laboratory to perform various in vitro nuclear medicine examinations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Perform both routine and non-routine Nuclear Medicine.
• Apply knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology states in the imaging context.
• Utilise the correct instrumentation and accessories in a range of routine and non-routine investigations.
• Produce regular and non-routine images of optimum quality.
• Evaluate the technical quality of the routine and non-routine image.
• Evaluate the results of routine and non-routine models accurately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Develop and implement quality assurance programmes.
• Manage all procedures, techniques and patient care (total service).
• Develop self and others within the medical team.
• Management skills applied in organisation and administration.
• Implement and maintain existing radiation protection laws to ensure the patients, personnel, public and self are protected from unnecessary radiation before, during and after examinations.
• Follows appropriate radiation protection procedures.
• Perform surveys to monitor equipment and areas.
• Perform decontamination procedures.
• Disposes of radioactive waste.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Evaluate the performance of gamma cameras.
• Evaluate the performance of SPECT cameras.
• Evaluate the performance of Nal (T1) scintillation probes and well counters.
• Operate survey meters.
• Evaluate the operation of a Dose Calibrator.
• Operate and maintains film processor.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Assembles operates and maintains radionuclide generators.
• Applies knowledge of radiopharmaceuticals and their properties to enable accurate preparation of various radiopharmaceuticals.
• Administer the laboratory correctly.
• Design or organise laboratory layout to ensure function.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Effective management and administration of the laboratory.
• Prepares the patient correctly.
• Use laboratory equipment accurately.
• Collect and handle the correct specimen.
• Manage and administers therapeutic procedures.
• Prepare the patient correctly.
• Administer therapeutic doses.

Integrated Assessment

• Continuous evaluation of theoretical, practical and clinical aspects.
• Tests/assignments/projects/practicals.
• Presentations and case studies.
• Clinical assessments.