Professional/Short course Negotiated Specialist Ultrasound Practice (1)

Entry year
2025/26
Course code
UZYSPK30M
Application
University
Level
Professional/Short Course
School
School of Health and Social Wellbeing
Campus
Glenside
Duration
Two semesters
Delivery
To be negotiated
Course Director
Antonio Sassano

30 credit level 7 module

Introduction

You may choose to study this module as distance learning. Access to an electronic Blackboard will be available, where you will be able to view lectures and interact with on-line discussion boards.

The aim of this 30 credit Negotiated Specialist Ultrasound Practice (1) module is to develop a safe and competent practitioner equipped with knowledge, critical understanding and professional skills for participation in an effective Ultrasound Imaging service.

The nature of the module enables you to negotiate and learn with significant and relevant others as they see fit. Clinical assessment areas will also be defined as a result of discussions, and subject specific competencies must be demonstrated in all areas.

Potential areas for this module must be negotiated with the Module Leader, and could include subspecialty in areas such as:

  • Small Parts Thyroid and Testes
  • MSK Upper Limb and Lower Limb
  • Vascular - Carotid and DVT
  • Vascular - Aorta, Lower Limb Arterial
  • Vascular - Lower Limb Venous (CVI)
  • Vascular - Haemodialysis Access

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

  • apply theoretical knowledge to the practice of medical ultrasound within the area of chosen specialty.
  • utilise relevant knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to solve complex problems.
  • demonstrate a critical knowledge of the legal, ethical and organisational aspects of current ultrasound practice in the chosen area of ultrasound specialty.
  • critically evaluate contemporary research concerning the aetiology and management of a range of pathologies in order to inform practice, and implement new approaches where appropriate.
  • critically evaluate the contribution that ultrasound makes, compared to other diagnostic tests/procedures, in order to derive a differential diagnosis.
  • perform a comprehensive range of medical ultrasound procedures within the chosen area of ultrasound specialty, both skilfully and safely, demonstrating the skills required of a competent practitioner, and an ability to adapt effectively to new or unusual situations.
  • justify the contribution of the role of medical ultrasound to the overall management of the patient.
  • make evaluative judgements on the outcomes of ultrasound examination and report the findings accordingly.
  • make an active contribution within a multidisciplinary professional community by reflecting upon one's own practice and the practice of others.
  • engage in effective communication with clients, their families and healthcare professionals, and make appropriate referrals as required.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be working in a relevant area of ultrasound practice, and have either completed or be enrolled on a relevant physics or the Fundamentals of Ultrasound Technology module, by agreement with the Module Leader.

Careers / Further study

This level 7 module can contribute towards the MSc Medical Ultrasound.

Structure

Content

The content of this level 7 (Masters level) module will be defined following discussions between the module leader, the student and the work-based manager, and will result in a Learning Contract being drawn up. This contract will specify exactly how the module learning outcomes will be achieved.

Clinical assessment areas will also be defined as a result of discussions, and subject specific competencies must be demonstrated in all areas.

Subject specific topics
Normal anatomy normal variants; normal ultrasound appearances; pathological processes; abnormal ultrasound appearances; scanning techniques; use in health screening; subject specific variations.

Legal and Ethical issues
General legal and ethical principles relating to the ultrasound practice of the area of subject specialty.

Professional and employment issues relating to the area of Negotiated Specialist Ultrasound practice
These subjects will be covered as joint learning sessions with students studying other specialty areas, and will include professionalism and professionalisation, codes of conduct, occupational standards, departmental protocols, continuing professional development, clinical governance, Work related upper limb disorders. Ergonomics.

Communication Skills
Importance of effective communication, listening skills, verbal/non verbal communication and self-awareness.

Reporting of Ultrasound Images
Principles of verbal and written reporting, approaches to decision making, record keeping Influences of information technology on database development and use of information.

Group Working
Group building and team dynamics (theories of collaboration), interprofessional working, power and decision-making, role boundaries, ground rules.

Project Management Skills
Contract learning, negotiation, time management and management of change, problem solving.

Enquiry Based Learning
Enquiry Based Learning involves working in small groups with a facilitator and uses triggers to provide the starting point for discussion and the acquisition of knowledge.

Learning and Teaching

Scheduled learning constitutes a maximum of 112 hours but will vary according to the subject specialty chosen to study. It will include lectures, seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, practical classes and workshops; external visits; work based learning; supervised practise time in scanning room.

Independent learning includes a minimum of 188 hours but will vary according to the subject specialty chosen to study. It will include activities such as essential reading, case study preparation, assignment preparation and completion, computer assisted learning; simulator scanning, reflection on learning.

Placement learning: clinical practice placements are negotiated and organised by the student, but should include a minimum of 15 hours a week of supervised scanning for the duration of the module.

A variety of approaches will be used which may include work-based; action and problem centred learning; enquiry based learning; supervised clinical practice; negotiated learning contracts; facilitated learning in the work place; on-line learning; key lectures; debates; seminars; student presentations.

You will be able to negotiate the sub-speciality to be studied, via a learning contract, with the module leader and the work-based manager. A learning contract will be negotiated between you, a member of academic staff and the work based manager from which a programme of study will be agreed.

This programme may include use of one or more of the following: self-directed learning; tutorials; seminars; study days; open or distance learning. The nature of the module enables the student to negotiate and learn with significant and relevant others as they see fit.

Distance Learning
You may choose to study the module as distance learning. Access to an electronic Blackboard will be available, where students will be able to view lectures and interact with online discussion boards. There is no specific timetable as this will be negotiated with the module leader, and any other partner in learning that the student selects who is prepared to contribute to the learning.

Study time

Contact time may include any of the following activities:
Lectures; class discussions; synchronous on-line discussion boards; seminars; clinical placement visits; medical museum visit; laboratory hands-on clinical practice using a simulator and real-life models; VLE using e-Blackboard.

Lectures will be provided by the Course Team and by external visiting clinical specialists. Classroom sessions will also include hands-on scanning supervised sessions and review of cases. Discussion groups will be organised covering a range of relevant topics.

Assessment

  • Completion of a Clinical Portfolio to include summative clinical assessments.
  • Structured Oral and Practical Examination (SOPE).

Features

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Health Professions facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

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

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.

Important:

You will need to download and complete the form below. Once this is completed, please upload it onto your CPD Portal. This form will be used to inform the Module Leader of your suitability for the module. Your application will not be processed until this form has been received.

Clinical Placement Form (DOCX)

 

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

Apply now Apply