Postgraduate Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography was developed not only for the need of radiographers to develop professionally but to equip diplomats with new technological advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The latter made it essential for radiographers to be informed of the latest international developments. The Postgraduate Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography thus aims to enhance specialised knowledge and competencies through participative learning, enabling learners to make informed autonomous ethical decisions in addressing MRI challenges and account for scientific and social dimensions in the field of MRI.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography will deliver diplomats that will demonstrate a systematic understanding of in-depth knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems in MRI and new insights at the forefront of MRI and its related area of professional practice. It further intends to develop radiographers to be skilled, competent and confident in MRI.

This is reflected by a comprehensive understanding and mastering of advanced skills and techniques applicable to the field of MRI; originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established imaging techniques are used in the field.

Rationale

The Postgraduate Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography provides Postgraduate education in a specialised field of Diagnostic Radiology namely MRI that is characterised by high quality, excellence, relevance to community needs and the development of scarce skills and highly specialised capacity needed in the African continent in general and in South Africa specifically.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography is designed to fill the continuing education needs of qualified diagnostic radiographers and to provide a career pathway for those who wish to obtain additional skills in the specialised and growing area of MRI. Technological advances in MRI have led to a greater range of clinical applications, such that MRI is now a core imaging modality in contemporary healthcare.

This qualification intends to foster the personal and professional development of the postgraduate radiographer by encouraging learners to build on appropriate undergraduate study and existing clinical skills in MRI to further their knowledge and practical expertise in this area recognised by training institutions worldwide.

The qualification is proficiently developed by experts, within the framework of international comparability, occupational demands and requirements, and community needs. It is also aligned with the national priorities in the Health Sector and complies with the criteria, norms and standards set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access is not to be considered for the course.

RPL for exemption

Based on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy of the Institution, learners may be granted exemption from required components of the qualification, fully or partially, on the basis of comparable training and clinical experience in MRI imaging, gained at another institution. The maximum admissible period of exemption is 2 months. The said periods of training must have extending over a period of at least twelve months and for at least six months continuously in an accredited institution, division or department and have occurred within the last two years before registering for Postgraduate study for the qualification. The rules and regulation of the HPCSA will be adhered to.

Entry Requirements

Before a learner may enrol for the Advanced Diploma Radiography (Diagnostic) he/she must

• Bachelor of Radiology, NQF Level 6.
• Registered as Diagnostic Radiographer with the HPCSA.

The qualification exist of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling a 160 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8: 160 Credits

• Applied Physics, 40 Credits.
• Radiographic Anatomy/Physiology/Pathology, 40 Credits.
• Radiographic Practice, 40 Credits.
• Clinical Radiographic Practice, 40 Credits.

1. Portray expertise and critical knowledge in the field of MRI.
2. Perform MRI imaging techniques safely, effectively and to a high standard.
3. Appreciate the importance of MRI safety and how to work effectively and safely within an MRI environment.
4. Work effectively with MRI equipment.
5. Confidently advise the radiologist on the appropriate MRI protocol for a clinical case.
6. Select and safely use imaging parameters for a range of core MRI examinations, including alternatives.
7. Use a wide range of specialised skills and competency in identifying, conceptualising and critiquing MR hardware and software selections for MR protocols appropriate for applicable clinical cases.
8. Demonstrate sensitivity and knowledge of the physical and emotional aspects of patient care in MRI.
9. Work within multidisciplinary teams.
10. Organise and manage a MRI unit schedule; this includes to establish policies and procedures for the safe execution of MRI examinations.
11. Manage their own continuous professional development in order to stay abreast of developments in the field of MRI.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

Expertise and critical knowledge in the field of MRI is portrayed proficiently.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

MRI procedures are performed responsibly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

MRI safety guidelines are competently adhered to.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

MRI equipment is used confidently.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5

The imaging protocol applied is appropriate for the clinical case.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6

Imaging parameters is appropriate and suitable for an applicable clinical case.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7

The hardware and software selection applied is appropriate for an applicable clinical case.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8

Sensitivity and knowledge of physical and emotional aspects of patient care in MRI are portrayed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9

Multidisciplinary teams are worked within effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 10

Effective and safe workflow of an MRI unit is portrayed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 11

Own continuous professional development in the field of MRI, in order to stay abreast of developments, is effectively managed.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous assessment

The training will be work based. Regular appraisal with constructive feedback by the Radiologist responsible for training is not only pivotal to demonstrate up-to-date competence but is also important for a continuous learning process.

Workplace based assessment

This assesses daily practice. The following tools are utilised

• Case based discussions.
• Direct observation of practise and procedures.
• Objectively Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE).
• Peer assessment tools.

The assessment purpose and the competences to be assessed are clearly articulated in terms of relevant learning outcomes and assessment criteria and appropriate to the mode of delivery of the qualification. Assessment in the qualification intends to improve the curriculum, inform teaching, guide learning (formative), monitor learner progress, and for grading purposes (summative). The assessment strategy and activities selected, designed and implemented are constructively aligned with the assessment purpose, competences, context, knowledge, skills, attitudes, learning outcomes, assessment criteria, the nature and level of the learners, the level, context and content of the relevant qualification/module and the learning facilitation/mode of delivery being offered. The assessment criteria are suitable for an Advanced Diploma qualification and align with the NQF Level 8 and Bloom's revised taxonomy.

For summative assessment, internal and external moderation for exit-level modules for both examination sessions in both semesters are undertaken to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures. Suitably qualified external moderators/examiners are appointed in terms of clear criteria and administrative procedures and conduct their responsibilities in terms of clear guidelines. These criteria and procedures are consistent with the institution's policy and guidelines for the implementation of Internal and External Moderation. Procedures and policies are also in place to receive, process and record assessment results securely and reliably and to ensure integrity of certification processes for the qualification.

Summative Assessment is done by the University of the Free State (UFS) and learners have to complete a minimum number of clinical hours (700 hours) in the MRI department.

Evaluation of Competence

Evaluation of overall competence of the trainee will be based on

• A written appraisal submitted by the Educational Supervisor.
• Different kinds of evidence of learning are collected to monitor learner progress. These are assessed in accordance with the stipulated assessment criteria, and the contemporary principles of good assessment.
• Learner progress is monitored through continuous formal and informal assessment drawing on a range of methods and contexts relevant to the outcomes, assessment criteria and mode of delivery of the qualification.
• Constructive feedback on the learning process and/or learning progress is provided to individual learners in oral and/or written format and clearly explained and justified.

Workplace based assessment includes the following tools to assess daily practice

• Case based discussions.
• Direct observation of practice and procedures.
• Objectively Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE).
• Peer assessment tools.

Formative assessment is a final exam for specified modules and a completion of a research project on a topic (of relevance to MRI) selected by the learner.