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1. The Course 
This is a one year course leading to a Certificate in Higher
Education in MRI Practice. It is intended primarily for radiographic assistants and non-radiographic personnel to become assistant practitioners in MRI. Because of its web-based delivery and clinical placement component (a requirement before application) this course requires NO ATTENDANCE at the university. This ground breaking course is designed
to enable Assistant Practitioners to perform routine MRI scans
of the brain, knee, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines under
supervision. Specifically, the aims of this programme are:
- to provide a programme of study which reflects the knowledge
and skills requirement appropriate to an Assistant Practitioner
working within the specialist field of MRI;
- to ensure that the Assistant Practitioner, qualified in MRI,
is capable of undertaking certain routine MRI examinations,
under supervision and within agreed limits of responsibility;
- to ensure that the qualified Assistant Practitioner in MRI works
within relevant national and local protocols and guidelines;
- to encourage life-long learning, and the maintenance of clinical
competencies.
- to prepare students for practice as an Assistant Practitioner
in MRI
2. Course Overview
The training will be work based. Trainees will not be required
to physically attend Anglia Ruskin University (Anglia Ruskin) for
lectures. The theoretical component of the course will be presented
in a distance-learning format, utilising paper-based and computer-based
learning media. The trainees will follow a very structured learning
experience. Academic support will be provided by academic staff
based at Anglia Ruskin. Trainees will be able to discuss their work with
Anglia Ruskin staff using a variety of communication media, ranging from
fax and telephone, through email and the internet, to video conferencing.
The technology is accessible and relatively inexpensive. Participating
departments will be expected to provide access for their trainees
to a networked PC with email facilities. A Memorandum of Co-operation
will be agreed between each participating department and Anglia Ruskin.
Study days will be arranged, to allow trainees from different
departments to meet up and interact. Proposed numbers of students
are expected to be small so trainees will also be encouraged
to discuss issues and exchange experiences via an internet discussion
site.
The trainees will be supported by locally appointed supervisors,
who will supervise the clinical training, and co-ordinate the
assessment of clinical competence. The National Vocational Qualification
(NVQ) assessor role will be used as a model and is well established
within many departments. Ideally, there will be one trained supervisor
for each trainee, and a minimum of two local supervisors in each
clinical department. Supervisors will not be required to teach
the underpinning theory, although they may help support the students’ academic
studies.
An outline of the individual modules is provided in section
7. The modules will follow an integrated approach where possible,
with the clinical modules including related theoretical aspects
such as physics, imaging technology, anatomy, physiology and
pathology.
The trainees will complete a total of 120 Anglia Ruskin credits,
normally over a one-year period, which will entitle them to a
Certificate
of Higher Education.
The Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) and Department
of Health were fully consulted with the development of the Anglia Ruskin
diagnostic radiography and radiotherapy foundation degree courses
for Assistant Practitioners. This development will follow those
guidelines already established withn those programmes. We will
be seeking retrospective SCoR accreditation of the programme
once national standards have been established. We recommend that
trainees register as associate members of SCoR during their training.
3. Assessment
Confirmation of clinical competence will form a large and essential
component of the overall assessment strategy of this programme.
The local supervisors will be largely responsible for monitoring
the attainment of carefully specified competencies. A variety
of methods will be used to ensure that competencies are achieved.
Much of the ‘academic’ assessment will also relate
directly to the achievement of clinical competencies. The trainees
will complete reflective and enquiry-based coursework, such as
diaries, portfolios of evidence, case studies and essays, as
well as worksheets. The assessed coursework will require the
trainees to demonstrate that they can effectively apply what
they have learnt to the actual practice of clinical MRI.
Successful candidates will be provided with a detailed transcript,
listing the precise competencies that have been achieved. This
transcript can then be made available to prospective employers.
4. Recruitment and Admissions
The basic entry requirements will be the equivalent of a minimum
five GCSE passes at grade ‘C’ or above, to include
English and Maths, together with the equivalent of one science ‘A’ level
pass. However, considerable emphasis will be placed on ‘non-standard’ flexible
entry routes, particularly for mature students. Anglia Ruskin,
and the Department of Radiography at Anglia Ruskin in particular,
has considerable
experience with both APL (accreditation of prior learning) and
APEL (accreditation of prior experiential learning). The non-standard
route will require the applicant to provide an admission portfolio
that proves academic capability (including skills needed for
academic writing)
Trainees will be recruited directly to clinical departments
according to local need. It is envisaged that most trainees will
take up employment with the training department upon qualification,
thus repaying the department’s investment.
Anglia Ruskin will collaborate with the clinical departments
in the recruitment and admissions process for the initial cohorts,
although
it is
hoped that responsibility for recruitment will be devolved
completely to the clinical departments in due course. Trainees
will normally
be recruited from the local community, should reflect the demographics
of the local community, and are expected to remain within the
locality upon qualification.
Many departments have indicated that they currently employ staff who would
be suitable for, and capable of, Assistant Practitioner training in MRI.
5. Programme Structure
This model indicates the trimester in which the learning outcomes of each module
will be assessed. We require trainees to have achieved the relevant competencies
by the end of the trimester in which the module runs. However, we expect
trainees to be exposed to a wide variety of examinations and procedures throughout
their training. The trainees will be actively working and learning in the
clinical departments from the start of the course.
6. Course Content
Professional Practice of Magnetic
Resonance Imaging
This practice-based distance learning module will provide an introduction to
the factors that must be considered in order to operate as an effective healthcare
worker within a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit. You will be introduced to the
rules and protocols that are essential to effective healthcare. You will be encouraged
to examine the clinical setting from the patient or client’s perspective,
and will develop an appreciation of the rights and feelings of patients’ relatives,
and friends. You will come to appreciate the importance of Magnetic Resonance
Imaging safety and how to work effectively and safely within a Magnetic Resonance
Imaging environment.
Outline Content
- Patient/clients’ rights, equality and diversity.
- Effective communication.
- Professionalism and responsibility, to include Codes of Conduct and ethics.
- Introduction to health and disease.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety.
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the structure and hierarchy of the organisation and its Mission
Statements.
- Define and comply with the relevant Codes of conduct and departmental protocol.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding and appreciation of the safety issues
associated with Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
- Demonstrate sensitivity and knowledge of the physical and emotional aspects
of patient care in MRI practice.
- Communicate effectively with patients/clients, their relatives/friends,
and colleagues.
- Maintain a professional attitude with regard to appearance, personal hygiene,
and attitude and interaction with patients/clients, visitors and colleagues.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Practice
(1) Routine Practice
This theory and practice based distance learning module is designed for Assistant
Practitioners working within a Magnetic Resonance Imaging department and requires
an appropriate practice placement and levels of supervision. You will become
proficient in undertaking routine examinations of the brain, cervical, thoracic
and lumbar spine and knee. Relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, imaging
and equipment principles are integrated into the module outcomes. The module
will also focus on issues relating to care of the patient, health and safety
and safe use of equipment.
Outline Content
- Anatomy of the brain, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and knee and
common pathology with correlation to MR images
- Indications for MRI referral in the brain, cervical, thoracic and lumbar
spine and knee and contraindications
- Basic protocols in routine examinations of the brain, cervical, thoracic
and lumbar spine and knee; theory and practice
- Safe use of coils and other equipment use in examinations of the brain,
cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and knee
- Patient preparation and screening, care of patient before during and
after MRI examinations of the brain, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and
knee
- Documentation, images hard and electronic copy; storage retrieval and
archiving
- Health, safety and security in the MRI department
Learning Outcomes
- Display a good understanding of three
dimensional anatomy and common pathology
of the brain, cervical, thoracic and lumbar
spine and knee as seen on Magnetic Resonance
images
- Recognise appropriate indications for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the
brain, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and knee
- Discuss health, safety and security in the workplace
- Competently undertake routine MRI examinations of the brain, cervical, thoracic
and lumbar spine and knee
- Provide appropriate care to patients before, during and after their examination
- Complete accurate documentation and management and archive of images
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Scientific Principles of Magnetic
Resonance Imaging
This distance learning module will introduce the student to the scientific principles
underpinning the practice of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The content will be
built upon in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Routine Practice module. You will
study the fundamental issues behind signal generation, image contrast and quality
and image production. You will be introduced to aspects of general anatomy, physiology
and pathology. Specific aspects will be studied in more depth in the Magnetic
Resonance Imaging Routine Practice module. The production, processing and manipulation,
and storage of images will be discussed. You will be encouraged to relate the
knowledge you acquire to the clinical setting.
Outline Content
Scientific principles of MRI:
- Basic principles of magnetism, electromagnetic induction and atomic structure
- Alignment, precession and resonance
- Image weighting and contrast
- Basic spin and gradient echo sequences
- Spatial Encoding and image production
- Parameters and trade-offs
- Instrumentation and equipment
- Basic artefacts and their compensation
- Mechanisms of contrast agents.
- Basic anatomy, physiology and pathology;
- Cell structure
- Tissue types
- Overview of major organs and body systems
- Overview of pathological processes
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the fundamental principles behind magnetism, electromagnetic induction
and signal generation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
- Appreciate how image contrast is manipulated within common pulse sequences.
- Recognise common artefacts and image quality problems seen in Magnetic Resonance
Images and respond appropriately.
- Describe basic anatomy.
- Outline the functions of the major organs and systems of the body.
- Apply the scientific principles underpinning the practice of MRI in the
clinical setting.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Practice
(2) Extended Practice
This theory and practice -based distance learning module will further develop
the underpinning knowledge and appreciation gained in Professional Practice and
Routine Practice modules. You will be introduced to topics relating to general
health, safety and security in the workplace, together with essential patient
care topics. You will gain experience by working with elderly and paediatric
patients and those with special needs You will also learn to develop a team approach
to your practice. Trainees will undertake, under supervision, non-routine protocols
in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine
and knee. In addition, trainees will be required to investigate and develop understanding
of the broader aspects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging including other examination
areas. You will also appreciate where Magnetic Resonance Imaging fits into the
diagnostic pathway. In the process, trainees will acquire the skills for life-long
learning to enable future academic development and continued professional development.
Outline Content
- Revision of routine protocols and awareness of supplementary protocols
including MRA, dynamic imaging and use of contrast agents in the brain, cervical,
thoracic and lumbar spine and knee.
- Awareness and appreciation of routine examinations in other areas including
pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, ankle, hip and MRA.
- Appropriate care to patients with special needs and incapacities in including
elderly and paediatric patients.
- Recognise acute deterioration in patients’ condition and initiate
appropriate emergency procedures.
- Awareness of the holistic approach to patient care and ethics.
- Awareness of other imaging modalities and where MRI fits into the diagnostic
pathway.
- Outline the function and operation of units that commonly refer MRI examinations
including surgical, medical and paediatric wards.
Learning Outcomes:
- Display a contemporary awareness of non-routine examinations in the brain,
cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and knee and other body areas;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the physical and emotional needs of elderly
and paediatric patients and patients with special needs.
- Discuss effectively the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging with the context
of the diagnostic pathway
- Demonstrate awareness and appreciation of routine examinations in other
examination areas including pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, ankle, hip and MRA
- Recognise acute deterioration in patient condition, and initiate appropriate
emergency procedures
- Be capable of having a holistic approach to patient care.
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7. How to Apply for a Place On This Course
If you need more information about any aspect of this course, or any other
MRI course we offer, please contact the pathway leader who will be happy
to talk to you.
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John Talbot:
Pathway Leader
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0845 394 8480 |
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If
you want information about how to apply, administrative issues
etc, please contact:
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Wendy
Roberts: Course Administrator
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0845 196 2028 |
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Radiography Office
Faculty of Allied Health
Institute of Health & Social Care
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
U.K
CB1 1PT
Closing date for September applicants is July 31st
Closing date for January applicants is November 30th |
