Advanced Medical Imaging

MSc/PgDip/PgCert

School - School of Health and Society

Subject area - Radiography and Occupational Therapy

Start Date(s): September

Duration:

MSc (three years part-time)
PgDip (18 months to two years part-time)
PgCert (one year to 18 months part-time)

Fees:

Part-time - 15 credit modules: £630
30 credit modules: £1,260;
PgCert: £2,520;
PgCert (Mammography): £3,180;
PgDip: £5,040;
MSc: £7,560;
Dissertation only:£2,520

View all fees...

In Brief:

A fusion of work based clinical learning and academic education delivered by a motivated and dedicated team of research active professionals.
A diverse programme of study, accredited by the Society of Radiographers, offering flexibility in study options to meet your own training whilst supporting your services requirements.
Benefit from our close links with NHS Clinical Providers.
A part-time only course

Course Summary

The novelty of this Advanced Medical Imaging programme is that there is no single standard pathway. Module choices will depend on your own practice area and more complex requirements can be discussed with the course team prior to commencement.

This programme will allow you to meet the challenge of specialist, advanced and consultant practitioner status in the field of advanced medical imaging within a rapidly evolving health service.

Modules will equip you with problem solving skills and enable you to be critically aware of yourself and your practice. You will be enabled to develop, evaluate and implement evidence based practice and able to apply that comprehensive knowledge in the context of your specialist Advanced Medical Imaging field.

Some of these modules are available as standalone modules for continuing professional development.

Awards and Accreditation

Course Details

Postgraduate Certificate: 60 graduate credits in your chosen pathway of study

Postgraduate Diploma: 120 graduate credits in your chosen pathway of study

MSc: 180 graduate credits in your chosen pathway of study to include the Dissertation module

Course Structure

Module Choices:

Your module choice will depend on your practice area and the profile of your award which should be discussed with the course team prior to commencement to establish a Negotiated Learning Agreement. This means your course is tailor-made to meet your exact learning requirements.

Year 1 and 2 Options

Fundamentals of Mammography Practice FMP (30 credits)

This is the first module leading to the AMI Postgraduate Certificate. It will enable you to develop the skills necessary to perform and critically evaluate routine mammographic examinations for the NHS Breast Screening Service and Symptomatic examinations. This module runs in conjunction with the Advanced Technique Mammogrography Practice module which students must also undertake.

The mammography course is delivered in conjunction with the Nightingale Centre and East Lancashire Breast Unit where students will undertake placements as part of their course (3 days initially followed by 1 day formative assessment and 0.5day summative assessment). Costs for the placements are included within the course fees though students will be expected to provide their own transportation and costs for travel to these placements. The PgCert is approved by the College of Radiographers and leads to your CoR Postgraduate Award in Mammography Practice.

Methods of Assessment:
Reflective Audit
Record of Clinical Experience

Advanced Techniques in Mammography Practice ATMP (30 credits)

This is the second module leading to the Postgraduate Certificate for mammography practitioners; starting in February it runs alongside the FMP module and allows you to develop your knowledge and skills to perform and critically evaluate advanced mammographic techniques. You will develop an approach to practice that is critically reflective and evidence-based. Successful completion of this module along with the Fundamentals of Mammography Practice leads to the College of Radiographers’ Postgraduate Award in Mammography.

Methods of Assessment:
Case Study
Viva with Case Presentation

Principles of Advanced Practice (15 credits)

This is a core theoretical module if you are new to post-graduate level study and/or intend to go on to develop your scope of clinical practice. It will help maximise your potential for success in your post-graduate AMI study pathway and support you in developing your scope of practice by introducing you to the skills of critical reflection, evidence based practice and clinical leadership.The module does not include a clinical component therefore is suitable for students without a placement. Method of Assessment:
Reflective critical analysis and/or creation of protocol to support Advanced Practice within own specialism.

Core Skills for Radiological Reporting CSRR (15 credits)

This module will introduce you to the concepts that influence image appraisal, decision making and communication and will support you to develop your practice by applying your knowledge of these concepts within your chosen field of reporting.
This module is to be undertaken with the Radiological Image Interpretation module.

Method of Assessment:
Assignment

Radiology Image Interpretation RII (30 credits)

Completed alongside the Core Skills for Radiological Reporting module, RII allows you to develop your skills to become competent in pattern recognition and image interpretation specific to your own area of practice. The module is competency based and will allow you to be able to effectively formulate diagnoses and communicate your reports both verbally and in writing.

Specialisms can include MSK, CT Head and Mammography.

Method of Assessment:
OSCE
Viva with case log presentation

Advanced Procedures AP (15 credits)

The Advanced Procedures module is a broad, flexible module which allows students to study one, of a variety of specialised techniques, including Cardiac Stress, Gastrointestinal and Fluoroscopic Practice for example Barium Swallow, Protograms, together with Arthrograms, CTC, Micturating Cystograms,Breast Intervention, HSG and Line Placements. It offers students a structured pathway to develop their Scope of Practice developing their skills of critical reflection for personal and professional development.

Training is led by multi-disciplinary educations in the field and this module can be adapted to suit a variety of clinical requirements and is not limited to the subjects listed above. Contact Claire Mercer for further information.

Method of Assessment:
Reflective portfolio (to include log of cases)

Advanced Procedures Reporting APR (15 credits)

This module is aimed at experienced healthcare professionals who would like to further extend their role within a specialism of radiological reporting. Completed following Principles of Advanced Practice and in conjunction with Core Skills for Radiological Reporting module, APR allows you to develop your skills further in image interpretation within you negotiated radiological specialism and become competent in pattern recognition and image interpretation specific to your own area of practice. The module will equip students with the skills to be able to deal with a complex caseload and be effective in formulating diagnoses and communicating their reports both verbally and in writing. Specialisms can include for example; Barium Swallow Reporting, HSG Reporting, CTC Reporting.

This module will enable you to contribute to a double reporting system.

Method of Assessment:
Viva with case log presentation

Extending Advanced Practice EAP (30 credits)

For students who already hold a post-graduade level qualification and have extended their scope of practice. This module is designed to enable you to develop within another area of practice taking a more independent and bespoke route to your learning. For example, if you already perform barium swallow examinations you may use the module to develop skills in another fluoroscopy examination such as proctograms. Examples of areas of practice which may be studied on this module include: all fluoroscopic procedures, CTC, niche ultrasound areas such as Breast or Vascular Ultrasound, Extended MSK reporting (GP referrals for example). Other areas may be considered. Contact Claire Mercer further information.

Method of Assessment:

Viva Portfolio

Research Methods OT (30 credits)

This module allows you to study following a fully distance learning model. This module allows you to critically evaluate a range of research techniques and prepares you for the dissertation module. It includes an overview of the research theories, guidance on critically reviewing research, developing a research proposal and the fundamentals of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.

Leading Education in Practice (30 credits)

You will take 30 credits from the Leading Education in Practice and this module will allow you to critically examine the theory, research base and impact of the drivers for health and social care reform on leading practice education. You will identify a clear theory and/or research base in the design of practice learning, teaching and assessment. This is an ideal module for those practitioners who are working in an education role within their service.

Professional and Business management (30 credits)

This module will enable you to develop professional business awareness and acumen and implement this in current or future healthcare practice. This is an ideal module for those practitioners who wish to develop in a managerial role or have an interest in business management in healthcare.

Scientific Principles of Hybrid Imaging (15 credits)

This module looks closely at SPECT-CT and PET-CT imaging in the diagnosis of pathology. In the same way as the preceding modules, there is an integrated approach that looks at the science, clinical applications and clinical practice. You will also be introduced to the evolving PET-MR modaltiy and its current and potential future roles.

Principles of Ultrasound Imaging (30 credits)

Critically evaluate current advances in ultrasound imaging. This module is mandatory if you are undertaking Breast Ultrasound and will run in conjunction with the Extending Advanced Procedures Module.

Preliminary Image Evaluation (15 credits)

This 15 credit module aims to enable you to effectively evaluate musculoskeletal images for the presence of trauma and relevant pathology and to communicate your findings.We will introduce you to concepts that influence your decision making including the principles of image acquisition and potential errors in evaluation. You will learn a systematic approach to reviewing x-ray images to develop your pattern recognition of normal anatomy, trauma and relevant pathology.

Radiography in Suspected Physical Abuse (15 credits)

This module is designed to support radiographers to develop their understanding of the management and imaging of children in suspected physical abuse cases. It is approved by the College of Radiographers. Key note lectures will introduce relevant anatomy and image evaluation, radiographic technique principles, legal frameworks and clinical governance. You will identify personal learning objectives and will document achievement through completion of a portfolio of evidence to include a reflective log of cases and a critical review of local policy.

Year 3

Dissertation (60 credits)

Completed following successful completion of 120 credits this module is designed to enable you to develop further an independent and bespoke route to your learning, allowing you to enhance your skills using systematic processes of enquiry to investigate an aspect of professional, clinical or organisational practice. This module is specifically designed to instil an approach to practice that is critically reflective and evidence-based.Students will be expected to negotiate their option with the module leader, taking account of their professional/practice interests and learning needs, and the expertise available within the research and scholarly community in the Diagnostic Imaging Research Programme. These choices will be underpinned by thorough consideration of research, clinical governance and ethical issues within the student practice context and in accordance with University frameworks.

Method of Assessment:

Systematic review or original project

Find out more

Entry Requirements

Graduate healthcare professionals with a minimum degree classification of 2:1 may apply directly. Entrants must be appropriately qualified practitioners.

We welcome applications from those with alternative qualifications and/or significant relevant clinical experience, subject to approval through a process of Accreditation of Prior [Experiential] Learning (AP[E]L).

For the clinically related modules, you must have access to a relevant imaging caseload and the support of an appropriately qualified mentor. The University of Salford cannot undertake to find a clinical placement for you.

Please complete this verification form electronically and ensure to upload this with your application form.

Verification of clinical requirements form

Please note, this course is not suitable for international applicants.

Application Guidance

You will hold a degree in BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography or other health care professional qualification, 2:1 or above. For the clinically related modules, you will also have access to a relevant imaging caseload and support of a clinical mentor. Regrettably the University of Salford cannot undertake to find a clinical placement for you.

When you register with the University please ensure to add a word document within My Documents, Miscellaneous documents, entitled Module Selection/Supporting Statement. Within this document clearly state the module/s that you wish to apply for and the area of specialism. For example: I wish to apply for modules Principles of Advanced Practice, Advanced Procedures, Core Skills for Radiological reporting and Advanced Procedures Reporting my specialism is Barium Swallows and I work in the NHS 3 days a week.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

English Language Requirements

Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English – IELTS – a minimum overall score of 6.5 in any component is required with no element below 6.

Suitable For

The clinically-related modules have a clinical placement as a pre-requisite, as students need access to a relevant clinical caseload and the support of a suitably trained clinical mentor.
Regrettably the University of Salford cannot undertake to find a clinical placement for you.

Students must have the agreement of the service manager and clinical mentor to facilitate access to this caseload.

This course will appeal to a variety of health care professionals engaged in current practice including radiographers, radiologists, vascular technologists, midwives, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and medical and nursing staff.

Fees 2018-19

Type of Study	Fee
Part-time	15 credit modules: £630 30 credit modules: £1,260; PgCert: £2,520; PgCert (Mammography): £3,180; PgDip: £5,040; MSc: £7,560; Dissertation only:£2,520

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits to other associated Hospitals during your course.

In Mammography Practice there are additional Professional/regulatory body costs; students are to follow the additional procedures for registering and to be issued a certificates to be awarded the Society of Radiographers Postgraduate Award in Mammography Practice. Find out more here - http://www.sor.org/learning/post-registration-courses/postgraduate-award-mammography-in-practice

Scholarships and Bursaries

For more information please see our funding section.

Teaching

The programme employs a diverse range of teaching and learning strategies in order to meet the outcomes of the programme and the modules studied. Equality and diversity issues are addressed within the range of learning options available, and also in terms of the module content, which aims to address the needs of a range of service users.

Learning methods include:
Lectures
Tutorials
Practical image viewing / examination
Hands-on workshops utilising our skills labs
Seminars
Blackboard online learning
Self-directed study
Clinical experience
Clinical tutorials

Students on clinically related modules are expected to complete required clinical experience to meet the learning outcomes and prepare them for assessment of competence. The nature of this experience has been determined wherever possible through an evidence base, and by the guidance of professional and accrediting bodies, and external benchmarks.

In order to meet the pressure of service demands, part-time students may study up to 60 credits in one semester of an award. Students are counselled carefully and offered support both in the University and at the workplace, as the employing trusts agree to allow students the extra time needed for study in that semester. This has proved successful in previous cohorts of students.

Assessment

The assessment strategy encompasses both formative and summative approaches to enable students to meet the aims of the modules studied.

Formative assessment supports students in developing new skills or applying transferable skills to new areas. Formative clinical assessments in clinically related modules are performed by mentors, who are offered training in their role and are supported by the programme team.

The assessment strategies for all modules have been designed to reflect current best practice, and aim to provide an integrated approach across all the pathways of study within this award. The use of portfolios where appropriate allows students with diverse needs and differing learning styles to evidence their knowledge and skills in a way that is best suited to their individual needs.

Assessment methods are designed to suit a variety of learning styles and include, for example;

Assignments
Viva Voce
Exams
Portfolio
Objective structured assessment
Poster presentation

The percentage and mode of assessment depends on the individual modules.

Postgraduate Staff Profile

Programme Leader - Dr Claire Mercer

“This programme offers innovative teaching within a multidisciplinary team of educators and clinical specialists who are at the cutting edge of their field. Students are offered a unique pathway tailored to their individual training requirements. They develop their professional, evidence based and patient centered skills enabling them to enhance their career within the dynamic field of Advanced Medical Imaging”.

Seek profile:

https://www.seek.salford.ac.uk/profiles/CMercer1.jsp

Specialist lecturers and support

Teaching is delivered by clinical and academic experts, many of whom are Advanced and Consultation practitioners themselves, and are considered national experts in their field. All students have access to a personal tutor who will help them derive their own learning outcomes to ensure they are relevant and appropriate for developing clinical competence.

Employability

Career Prospects

Most students have been seconded from and return to their work in the National Health Service with advanced practitioner status, and a number have gone on to become Consultant Practitioners. Students will also be supported to apply for Advanced Practitioner Accreditation with the College of Radiographers.

THE SUCCESS

Emma

Radiographer, Royal Bolton Hospital

I am finding the FRR module useful as I continue to build on my knowledge which may not have been as great if I had only done the one module. The time spent with other HSG advanced practitioners has been particularly useful as this has given insight into both reporting and HSG technique once having some experience myself.

The audit that we have completed has been the most useful tool and as I am currently writing my reflective on this I can safely say that this has taught me a lot about my reporting practice and where I need to gain more knowledge and experience.

Alumni Profile

“The support network from the tutors was fantastic. Being so far from University I used email as a point of contact and I could always guarantee that my email would be responded to quickly. I also found the resources were really good, and if I could not get access to any journals etc. the online support from the library was fantastic.”

Claire Johnson, MSc Advanced Medical Imaging, 2015 graduate

Links with Industry

The radiography directorate has a very successful history of developing advanced practice, and this course has strong links with imaging departments, mostly within the UK National Health Service. It is also supported by the North West Medical Physics Department. This means that all your learning will be relevant to current practice and will ultimately benefit your patients through development of your clinical skills and enhanced knowledge.

Further Study

Our research (find out more here) is conducted in multi-disciplinary teams with notable collaboration and professional input from computer science, medical physics, medicine, radiology, psychology, and engineering. This input emanates from within the University of Salford and a range of other universities and hospitals throughout the world.

We have a thriving and friendly PhD community, comprising full time and part time students. The majority of our PhD research focuses on one of our research themes:

X-ray (Digital and Computed Radiography)
X-ray (Mammography)
X-ray (Computed Tomography)
Ultrasound

Facilities

The Advanced Medical Imaging programme has access to the Directorate’s imaging suites. This includes the Susan Hall Imaging Facility, which comprises a Toshiba Aquilion 16 slice CT scanner with full supporting software, and two ceiling suspended x-ray tubes with digital image capture and display. We also have an Ultrasound skills lab suite of 4 diagnostic ultrasound machines, and have purchased clinical-quality high resolution digital viewing systems. These combined facilities are probably the best in the UK, and may be among the best in Europe, in terms of an academic environment.

Our extensive imaging facilities are used in skills labs and self-directed study by both undergraduate and post graduate students, and there are also several research projects under way which use this equipment and feed into the programmes. Some of the post graduate assessments are linked to projects using the ultrasound equipment. Use of equipment is compliant with the appropriate UK legislation and guidance.

The Diagnostic Imaging Research Programme (DIRP) was established in April 2009 and has since become world-leading in much of its work. The DIRP team, led by Professor Peter Hogg comprises clinical and academic staff and students working together in teams. Many professional groups are represented within DIRP; these include radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, physicists, computer scientists, occupational therapists, psychologists, mechanical engineers, biomedical scientists and others.

The DIRP focuses primarily on the optimisation of x-ray dose and image quality. This work includes quantitative and qualitative methods. This makes it an ideal learning environment for AMI students undertaking dissertation projects.

Students registering for the Dissertation Module are therefore encouraged to develop a research proposal within one of the DIRP foci (find out more here) so that they can benefit from working alongside this community of researchers taking with their wide range of research skills and expertise. The large number of PhD and MSc students already working within the DIRP means the AMI students also have access to a strong peer-support network. Such networks can be sustained to support the graduate in their future career as research-oriented practitioners.

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