Course description
Programme description
- Flexible: This modular course in clinical ultrasound is offered to give maximum flexibility to allow students to enter the programme at a point that is relevant to their experience and leave at a point which meets their needs. The range of clinical options available enables students to tailor the course to meet their specific needs.
- Service focused: Students are required to develop and apply ultrasound imaging to the wide range of conditions encountered in clinical practice, with the emphasis being on the delivery of an appropriate, accessible, effective and efficient service which is patient focussed.
- Integration of academic and practical skills: Students are expected to apply theory to practice in their clinical placements, where close attention is paid to acquisition of clinical skills. Throughout the course clinical practice is assessed; this does not simply cover technique, but also knowledge, comprehension, analysis and management - in terms of the patient, the technology and the personal qualities of the practitioner.
The course programme provides health professionals with an understanding of the principles and practice of ultrasound science, the practical applications of ultrasound, an appreciation of the principles of scientific investigation, and facilitates the acquisition of the skills necessary to apply them in clinical practice. The development of clinical competency is therefore an integral part of the course.
Through an introduction to the physics, equipment and practical applications of ultrasound, you will examine current techniques in the obstetric and gynaecological fields, as well as those of general medicine and for vascular ultrasound. The significance of new knowledge acquired by ultrasound practice in the diagnosis of medical conditions, its effect on professional development, patient's care and the medico-legal implications are also considered.
In addition, via research methodologies, the ways in which scientific investigations have been carried out in ultrasound and the NHS provide a baseline for a research study to be undertaken in the ultrasound field.
Programme format and assessment
The programme is offered on a day release basis in conjunction with compulsory clinical placements. Differing combinations and proportions of coursework, practical file/assessment and written examinations assess the modules. Clinical competence is assessed by ongoing formative and summative assessments.
Programme modules for PG Cert, PG Dip, MSc Medical Ultrasound
Fundamentals of Ultrasound Practice (Core Module)
This module aims to equip students with the scientific and technical knowledge required for ultrasound scanning and to increase their awareness of professional issues related to ultrasound scanning
Advanced Vascular Ultrasound
The aim of this 30 credit module is to explore specialist areas of vascular ultrasound practice; critically examine health issues especially in relation to vascular ultrasound in an innovative way; facilitate development of a critical reflective approach to vascular ultrasound practice; apply knowledge of data collection, analysis and synthesis to researchable issues in practice; promote an independent approach to learning, whilst demonstrating team participation, in order to improve medical ultrasound practice; develop the student personally and professionally and to actively challenge, and critically evaluate current practice and evidence of best practice. Assessment is by coursework and assessed presentation.
First Trimester Screening
This course has the following aims: 1. To enable the students to develop an in-depth knowledge and critical awareness of first trimester screening 2. To develop the skills required to deliver a clinically effective and high quality first trimester screening service with special reference to the use of ultrasound, phlebotomy and the communication of results. 3. To provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas among participants with the intention of broadening their experience and enhancing their ability to work within the healthcare team. 4. To generate the confidence necessary for active and informed participation in changes and developments in the clinical service. The course can be taken as a double module as part of the Diploma/MSc Medical Ultrasound or, taken on its own, as the Certificate in First Trimester Screening
Focused Ultrasound
This module has the following primary aims: 1. Provide learners with the range of skills required for the effective practice of medical ultrasound within their chosen field(s) of expertise 2. Extend the students' critical evaluation, communication and self-management skills 3. Offers a forum for the exchange of information and ideas among participants with the intention of broadening their experience 4. Encourage the students to become autonomous reflective learners, taking responsibility for their own academic progress and evaluating information from a variety of sources. This courses can be taken as a double module as part of the Diploma/MSc Medical Ultrasound or, taken on its own, forms the Certificate in Focused Ultrasound
General Medical Ultrasound
This modules aims to provide: 1. An understanding of normal ultrasound anatomy and physiology, and common pathologies of the abdominal and pelvic organs, and other viscera; 2. To produce, recognise and interpret normal and abnormal ultrasound tissue patterns; 3. To ensure the student works safely with due regard to the patient's psychological and physiological needs; 4. To provide the student with necessary skills to obtain maximum diagnostic information of the vascular system; 5. To appreciate the merits and limitations influencing the choice of ultrasonic techniques and equipment.
Negotiated Learning in Medical Ultrasound
This module aims to encourage an independent approach to ultrasound learning; examine health issues in an innovative way and foster a reflective approach to ultrasound learning. Specific learning outcomes will be negotiated with the tutor and will be recorded in a learning contract. On successful completion of this module the student will be able to select with justification, an aspect of their professional work or academic study for investigation, development and reflection; select and negotiate an appropriate learning contract with their tutor (and workplace supervisor if appropriate); critically evaluate research and professional literature relevant to the selected topic area; critically self-assess in relation to learning needs; present evidence to support the ultrasound learning undertaken through the module; present evidence to support the personal and professional development achieved; extract, evaluate, synthesise and present information gained from primary and secondary sources (critical thinking) and exercise autonomy in the management of their learning and Continuing Professional Development. Assessment is by coursework and assessed presentation.
Obstetrics & Gynaecology Ultrasound
This module aims to: 1. To provide the practitioner with an understanding of the pathologies and abnormalities relating to obstetric and gynaecological practice. 2. To produce, recognise and interpret normal and abnormal ultrasound image patterns 3. To discuss and evaluate the choice of ultrasound techniques, equipment and methods of recording the image 4. To provide the student with the necessary information to produce high quality diagnostic images of a wide range of obstetric and gynaecological conditions; 5. To enable the student to work safely and responsibly with due regard to the patient's psychological and physiological needs.
Research project (Medical Ultrasound)
This is a double module. To allow the student to investigate and develop an area of particular interest and, using initiative and resources available: to formulate hypotheses, analyse and manage the data obtained, and draw conclusions.
Ultrasound in Fetal & Maternal Medicine
The primary aims of the course are to: 1. Develop the necessary skills to describe findings of the ultrasound examination, whilst working witihin an ethical, legal and professional framework; 2. Critically evaluate the contribution of ultrasound to the overall management of the patient; 3. Actively challenge and critically evaluate current practice - evidence of best practice; 4. Further develop the students' critical evaluation, communication and self-management skills to a level appropriate for post-graduate students; 5. Provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas among participants with the intention of broadening their experience and enhancing their ability to work within the multidisciplinary healyhcare team. 6. Generate the confidence necessary for active and informed participation in changes and developments in the clinical service. 7. Encourage the students to become autonomous reflective learners, taking responsibility for their own academic progress and evaluating infomration from a variety of sources.
Vascular Ultrasound
The aim of this module is to: 1. To provide the student with an understanding of the use of ultrasound in vascular diagnosis. 2. To provide the student with an understanding of blood flow and pathology in vascular disorders. 3. To provide the student with an understanding of other non-invasive and invasive techniques for vascular diagnosis and an understanding of the relative merits and limitations of these techniques. 4. To produce, recognize and interpret normal and abnormal ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound images for vascular diagnosis
Duration
Certificate: Nine months PT, two 10-week terms, January to September. Students may progress on to the MSc (taken PT over two years) from the PG Cert.
