Course description
Programme description
- A unique programme centred on developing clinical
ultrasound skills for clinicians.
- Offered over three block weeks which can be achieved via study leave.
- Based on the Royal College of Radiologists guidelines.
Diagnostic ultrasound is a rapidly developing imaging technology used to image anatomy, measure blood flow and evaluate physiology in almost every aspects of medicine. As ultrasound equipment has become smaller, less expensive, and easier to use, ultrasound has developed into a modality widely used by a growing number of clinicians and health professionals. In addition, ultrasound has long been recognised as a powerful tool for use in the diagnosis and evaluation of many clinical conditions.
This programme offers a comprehensive overview of focused ultrasound enabling the student to become a safe practitioner in the field of ultrasound. It is part of the process of improving patient care through greater point of care information. A solid base of physical principles and instrumentation underpins the clinical applications with the issues of safety and image formation creating a core to the programme.
The scope of the curriculum is realistic and appropriate for the type of focused ultrasound examinations that are currently performed by clinicians in clinical practice. This postgraduate certificate is offered in parallel with the MSc in Medical Ultrasound. Should a student wish to proceed to an MSc then it is possible using the current modules from within the MSc programme.
Pathways
Part of the MSc in Medical Ultrasound.
Programme format and assessment
This postgraduate certificate is offered on a block week basis in conjunction with compulsory clinical placements. There are two unseen written examination with one hour for Physics and two hours for Practical Applications; two pieces of coursework and a seminar presentation. Clinical competence is assessed by formative and summative assessments.
Programme modules for PG Cert Focused Ultrasound
Focused Ultrasound (Core Module)
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
Duration
PT. Commences in September and runs for nine months to May. Clinical experience will extend over the nine months with the students scanning on average ten patients per week (Total required = 200 cases). Students may progress on to the MSc (taken PT over two years) from the PG Cert.
