PG Certificate in Medical Imaging (Reporting)

The University of Bradford has a long tradition in image interpretation education and this experience is utilised in the delivery of this pathway. The Radiographic Image Reporting (RIR) Certificate pathway was first validated in 1996 subsequently adding the successful Postgraduate Diploma pathway which ran from 2003. Since then it has proved to be a popular choice of study demonstrating its continued clinical relevance and benefit to healthcare professionals. The pathway is delivered in partnership with key clinical specialists to ensure that it is clinically relevant and delivered using appropriate expertise drawn from the higher education and hospital sectors.

A feature of this pathway is its clinical focus and its flexibility to support students who are reporting or planning to report in a range of imaging modalities and anatomical systems. By the end of the pathway, students will be able to apply their radiographic image reporting skills, of their chosen area of practice, within the clinical environment, ensuring that technically correct imaging reports are generated. Typical areas of practice include reporting of the musculoskeletal system, chest, abdomen, cranial CT, and gastrointestinal system. Students should be practicing in the area for which they intend to study, for example cranial CT students must have access to clinical CT facilities.

The course sits within the MSc in Medical Imaging programme and the School of Health’s CPD framework, and upon successful completion of this MRI course students can continue their studies by registering for additional modules from the Medical Imaging or School module portfolio, to obtain a postgraduate Diploma or Masters Degree.  This part-time pathway is designed to be studied over a one year period and consists of two 30 credit modules, commencing in early September with the Principles of Reporting module, followed in February with the Medical Image Reporting module.

A `block' attendance format is utilised as well as significant “directed” clinical study, with support from your host department and distance support from the academic team in the delivery of the clinical and academic learning. This is consistent with the other named pathways within the MSc in Medical Imaging programme and is popular with students who benefit academically from the concentrated period of time that can be devoted to their studies. There are two blocks of academic learning for the Principles of Reporting module and two blocks for the Medical Image Reporting module.

The module content and learning outcomes have informed the methods of delivery. Students will have opportunity to engage with learning through a range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, group work, directed study, and, in the case of the clinical module, guided clinical learning. This wide range of teaching approaches ensures that students can consolidate learning through a range of activities. In particular, small group learning and discussion of clinical cases promotes problem solving skills and peer education, skills necessary for clinical practitioners aspiring to work at an advanced level of practice. While away from the University, students can access course materials and engage in online discussions and learning activities through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

A range of assessments are incorporated into the programme, but there is a requirement to complete a clinical audit of reports which must achieve 95% concurrence during audit, measured against the standard report of the host department.