Professional/Short course Computed Tomography Technology

Entry year
2023/24
Course code
UZYRMW15M
Application
University
Level
Professional/Short Course
Department
School of Health and Social Wellbeing
Duration
Ten weeks
Delivery
Distance learning
Course Director
Reshma Noranho

15 credit level 7 module

Page last updated 2 February 2023

Introduction

Accreditations and partnerships:

On successful completion of this 15 credit Computed Tomography Technology level 7 (Masters level) distance learning module, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the physics and technology of computed tomography.
  • Critically evaluate the technical quality of CT images to determine errors and determine remedial action.
  • Critically evaluate current CT principles, safety, legislation, dosimetry and guidelines and apply these appropriately in a clinical setting.
  • Critically analyse a range of image reformatting and post processing technologies.
  • Demonstrate an in depth understanding of digital archiving systems, system networking and data transfer within Diagnostic Imaging/Radiotherapy practice.

Entry requirements

You must have a radiography professional qualification or relevant clinical Computed Tomography (CT) experience.

Structure

Content

The module syllabus typically includes:

Equipment

  • Scientific principles of CT equipment, technology development and terminology, including the different generations of CT scanners.
  • Fundamental specifics of CT equipment within a radiotherapy / hybrid imaging environment.
  • Equipment development from a detector perspective and subsequent impact upon current/future working practice.
  • Dual source systems, detector panel developments, cone beam.
  • Equipment procurement suitability for service for current and future use.
  • Equipment positioning aids in diagnostic and radiotherapy practice.
  • 4D CT; cardiac and respiratory gating.

Safe working practice 

  • CT examination dosimetry and including verification/planning dose.
  • Radiation protection (patient and staff), current regulations and other relevant legislation, and guidelines, isodose curves.
  • Fundamentals of image formation in CT (including filtered back projection /reconstruction factors/ iterative reconstruction).
  • Dose modulation principles and application to clinical practice.
  • Scientific principles of modern contrast injector systems and application to clinical practice.

Image quality and quality assurance 

  • Image quality factors affecting this.
  • Fundamentals of image re-formatting (3D, maximum intensity projections (MIPs),  multiplanar reconstruction (MPR)) and image fusion (software & hardware based).
  • Reformatting data for radiotherapy planning (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) RT) and data archiving /Picture archiving and communication system(PACS) networks.
  • Quality Assurance and control tests in CT, reasoning behind tests, protocols and current legal and recommended requirements of such.
  • Detecting image artefacts in CT, equipment faults and problem solving.

Learning and Teaching

The teaching and learning strategy will embrace a series of vodcasts and self-directed activities presented via the VLE. You will also engage in knowledge construction peer learning and social constructivism through work on the wiki.

Study time

This module is completed over 10 weeks with you being expected to fully contribute each week. Whilst this can be done in your own time, it is highly recommended that you look to negotiate regular study time, recommended at half day a week equivalent, with your manager.

Assessment

The individual contribution to a wiki.

Features

Study facilities

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Get a feel for the Health Professions facilities we have on offer here from wherever you are.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Please visit full fee information to see the price brackets for our modules.

Funding may be available to support your learning. Please contact your Trust Education Lead. If you work in the Private, Independent and Voluntary Sector, please contact your employer who will advise you.

Dates

Please click on the Apply Now button to view dates.

How to apply

How to apply

Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information