Decisions and guidelines

Description of the major Radiography

The academic basis for the Radiography major is interdisciplinary and gathers knowledge from medicine, physics, technology and nursing. The major has a clear clinical orientation, and its main goal is to provide knowledge on various methods to produce documentation materials as a basis for diagnosis and treatment, as well as knowledge of the treatment methods that exist within the field.

A central part of radiography is the meeting between the radiographer and the patient. The meeting is brief, and based on respect, trust and maintained integrity. Radiography is linked to the knowledge area Imaging and Functional Medicine, and includes examination and treatment relating to the patient's specific nursing needs.

Through studies within the Radiography major, the student will develop knowledge of:

* radiographic examination methods

* treatment methods within radiology

* method development and optimisation of examination methods

* radiation protection measures for patients and staff

* patient experiences and nursing needs

Knowledge within the major will be applied within the field of radiology, and aims to offer the patient the optimal, most cost-effective and considerate examination or treatment alternative.

General objectives of higher education

(Swedish Higher Education Act, published 17/12/1992, SFS 2006:173, Chapter 1, Section 9)

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop the students' ability to make independent and critical assessments, to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and to deal with changes in working life. In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to gather and interpret information at a scholarly level, stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

Higher education institutions shall furthermore promote sustainable development to ensure present and future generations a sound and healthy environment, economic and social welfare, as well as justice, gender equality and an understanding of other countries and of international circumstances.

Outcomes for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiology Nursing, in accordance with the Qualifications Ordinance of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Annex 2.

For a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiology Nursing the student shall demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for registration as a diagnostic radiology nurse.

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiology Nursing the student shall

* demonstrate knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field and awareness of current research and development work as well as the links between research and proven experience and the significance of these links for professional practice

* demonstrate knowledge of physiological, biological and technological aspects of image and functional diagnosis

* demonstrate knowledge of planning, directing and coordinating care procedures, and

* demonstrate knowledge of the relevant statutory provisions.

Competence and skills

For a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiology Nursing the student shall

* demonstrate the ability to plan and undertake examinations and treatment autonomously and in collaboration with patients and those close to them on the basis of patients' needs and circumstances

* demonstrate the ability to participate in ensuring the optimal radiation of patients with regard to radiation dosage and compliance with the regulations on radiation protection as laid down in the relevant statutory provisions

* demonstrate the ability to manage pharmaceuticals appropriately and to inform patients of their effects and side-effects

* demonstrate the ability to initiate methodological improvements and quality assurance

* demonstrate the ability to apply his or her knowledge to deal with different situations, phenomena and issues on the basis of the needs of individuals and groups

* demonstrate the ability to inform and instruct different audiences and also to undertake supervisory duties

* demonstrate the ability to present and discuss in speech and writing interventions and treatment outcomes with those concerned and to document them in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions

* demonstrate the capacity for teamwork and cooperation with other professional categories, and

* demonstrate the ability to review, assess and use relevant information critically and to discuss new data, phenomena and issues with various audiences and so contribute to the development of the profession and professional practice.

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiology Nursing the student shall

* demonstrate self-awareness and the capacity for empathy

* demonstrate the ability to assess interventions using a holistic approach to individuals informed by the relevant disciplinary, social and ethical aspects and taking particular account of human rights

* demonstrate the ability to adopt a professional approach to patients and those close to them, and

* demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and undertake ongoing development of his or her skills.

Independent project (degree project)

A requirement for the award of a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiology Nursing is completion by the student of an independent project (degree project) for at least 15 credits.

Local objectives for the Radiography Programme at Uppsala University.

The local objectives highlight:

* interaction between the theoretical and practical elements of the programme, in order to give the student an education with a clear role and skills within their professional practice.

* knowledge and skills to prepare the student for development work and research to develop radiography as an academic discipline with ties to medicine, physics, technology and nursing.

* theoretical knowledge and clinical skills being up-to-date with the rapid developments within imaging and functional medicine throughout the programme.

Subject content

The programme is a specialist programme that leads to a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiology Nursing. The programme includes 112.5 credits in Radiography (of which 48 credits constitute clinical placement), 30 credits in Medical Science, 30 credits in Caring Sciences (of which 6 credits constitute clinical placement), and 7.5 credits in pedagogy.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements and Mathematics 2a or 2b or 2c, Science Studies 2, Social Studies 1b or 1a1+1a2

Layout of the programme

Scope

The programme is taught over 3 years, and is awarded 180 credits made up of 112.5 credits in Radiography, 30 credits in Medical Science, 30 credits in Caring Sciences and 7.5 credits in Social Sciences.

Main content

Overview with course progression

Each term contains a course  within the Radiography major, which includes a clinical placement (VFU) within professional imaging and functional medicine. The progression in radiography starts from the most common examination methods and then develops into the more advanced ones. In-depth studies of radiography, imaging and functional medicine as well as pathology are gradually added. The student broadens their knowledge and skills within Caring Science subjects, both through theory and through VFU clinical placements at nursing wards.

First year

In the first year, the students mainly study basic radiography, imaging and functional medicine, anatomy and pathology. The teaching furthermore covers theory of science, research methodology and basic understanding of how to formulate a report. This provides the basis for an academic approach throughout the entire programme. The student is given an insight into coming professional aspects and areas of responsibility through studies of examination methodology at conventional X-ray examinations, as well as mammography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, radiologic technology, radiation and principles of radiation protection. The nursing process, laws and regulations, ethics, hygiene, ergonomics and basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as well as diagnostics within imaging and functional medicine are studied. Commonly occurring illnesses are studied, and exercises in medical technology nursing measures are conducted. The theoretical knowledge prepares students for the practical elements of the programme.

Second year

During the second year, there is a more in-depth study of radiography, with technology, physics, examination methodology and care in conventional X-ray investigations, intervention, CT and MRI. The students broaden their knowledge of pathology. They also study the application of the nursing process, documentation, observation, monitoring and assessment of a patient in critical condition. The students are taught drug dosage calculation and management, ethical and cultural aspects of care, regulations, aseptic principles and safety procedures. The students gain knowledge of terms within the theory of science, research design, formulation of problems and research methods. They furthermore study quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and ethical principles in research. The practical element is in the form of clinical placements at emergency, surgical and medical wards. Clinical exam in radiographic skeletal examination is taken in the fourth term.

Third year

In the third year, studies focus on in-depth knowledge of radiography and imaging and functional medicine. At this level, the students also gain knowledge of pedagogy and leadership. The second part of the year is devoted to radiography, where the student is expected to independently analyse, make their own evaluations, and draw their own conclusions based on the referral and the patient's condition in connection to an independent examination for which they are responsible. Clinical exam in emergency examinations is taken during the last six months. The student, alone or in a group of two under supervision, plans and carries out a degree project of 15 credits in Radiography in the last term.

Courser:

Semester 1

Radiography I 15.0 credits

Anatomy and Physiology 15.0 credits

Semester 2

Radiology I 7.5 credits

Medical and Geriatric Care 7.5 credits

Radiography II 15.0 credits

Semester 3

Surgical and Medical Care 15.0 credits

Radiography III 15.0 credits

Semester 4

Scientific Methodology 7.5 credits

Radiography IV 15.0 credits

Emergency Care 7.5 credits

Semester 5

Radiology II 7.5 credits

Radiography V 12.0 credits

Degree Project in Radiography 15.0 credits

Education Oriented towards Medicine, Nursing and Caring A1: Communication, Supervision and Pedagogical Leadership 7.5 credits

Semester 6

Degree Project in Radiography 15.0 credits

Radiography VI 18.0 credits

Instruction

Learning takes place through knowledge-seeking activities and problem-solving. Taking responsibility for their own learning provides the student with opportunities for reflection and insight, which results in the integration of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

The theoretical instruction is in the form of lectures, image reviews, seminars, group projects, laboratory lessons and patient case studies. During the clinical placement, the student practices under supervision at imaging and functional medicine and nursing wards at the different county hospitals and units as well as private healthcare institutions.

Collaboration

The Radiography Programme at Uppsala University gives the student vocational training with a clear role and skills within their profession. The connection between the student's theoretical education and the clinical placement is viewed as essential. In order to achieve it, the theoretical and practical elements of the education are taught in parallel from the first term and throughout the programme in collaboration with the county councils. All county councils collaborating with the programme have imaging and functional medicine activities, where the student is assigned a clinical placement to establish their theoretical knowledge through current examination methods, and where they have an opportunity to meet patients with different examination needs, and become familiar with the profession of a diagnostic radiology nurse.

Degree

A two-point grading scale is applied: G (pass) and U (fail) (see course syllabi).

Degree and course certificates

A student who completes the programme with a pass result obtains a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiology Nursing, after making an application to the Graduation Office of Uppsala University. The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare issues a nursing license on the basis of the Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiology Nursing. The programme corresponds to 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits.

Other directives

International exchange

Opportunities to complete part of the training in another country are available in the latter part of the programme. The aim of this internationalisation is to facilitate meetings with teachers and students from different countries, to promote understanding and create conditions for collaboration with other cultures, and to make the student aware of the radiographer's responsibility for the development of their profession in a global perspective.

Credit transfer

In accordance with Chapter 6, Sections 12-14 of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100), any student who has completed first-cycle higher education is entitled to transfer the credits.