PgC Medical Imaging (Ultrasound)

Accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE)

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Key course details

Location
Duration Part-time, 1 Year, Part-time, 2 Years
Start date September, January, May yearly
Entry Requirements Programme specification (PDF)
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Programme delivery update

We have adopted an online ‘blended’ learning approach to teaching on the ultrasound programme and our modules are taught in block release. Our suggestion is therefore that you are given this time by your placement to access the learning materials and tutorials on the scheduled module dates/times in a location that is best suited for you to learn, e.g. in a suitable quiet location at your placement site, or at home.

Most modules will have an element of live virtual tutorial type sessions using Blackboard Collaborate or Microsoft Teams, which you will be expected to engage with. You will need a suitable laptop or PC with speakers and a webcam and adequate internet access/broadband speed to work remotely on-line. Some modules may also have a campus based clinical skills element to the teaching.

The delivery of your modules may vary from tutor to tutor, module to module, so please always follow the guidance of your module leader and module Blackboard site. Please understand this approach to module delivery is new to us as well, so please try to be patient and understanding, we are doing our very best to ensure you remain supported throughout your learning.

For IT issues, further details on our IT services can be found here: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/student-life/facilities/it-facilities/

There is also some further information related to on-line study here on our website which you may find helpful:

https://my.cumbria.ac.uk/Student-Life/Learning/Resources/Studying-from-home/Online-Learning/

If you are a health care professional or vascular scientist wanting to enhance your professional career, then our course - accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) - will enable you to pursue a career in ultrasound.

Our Pg Cert will build on your experience in radiography, nursing, midwifery or other related professions or clinical specialisms and teach you the academic knowledge and safe clinical practice to meet national standards to work as a sonographer.

Your learning will be enhanced with plenty of work-based practical learning in our skills lab, which is equipped with the latest imaging workstations and houses one of the largest MedaPhor ultrasound simulation labs in the world.

Why Choose University of Cumbria

We have designed our course to meet the standards of CASE, regional and national stakeholders – including local ultrasound managers.

We provide a wide range of modules, including: obstetrics, gynaecology, general medical (abdominal and small parts), vascular, breast and musculoskeletal ultrasound training, but also negotiated areas of practice.

  • Eligible to apply for registration with SCoR Public Voluntary Register of Sonographers after graduation
  • Use top-of-the-range ultrasound equipment and test phantoms in our purpose-built labs, as well as simulated practice facilities (MedaPhor Scan Trainer), to support your clinical placement
  • Placement to enhance your academic knowledge and provide essential work-based experience*
  • Taught by a team of experienced ultrasound practitioners both in the university and in your clinical setting
  • Teaching is also supported by specialist external guest speakers who provide current, relevant course material directly related to clinical practice
  • Flexible course to fit around your work commitments, start dates in May, October or January
  • We have earned a reputation in specialist international research, so your studies will be up-to-date with current best practices
  • Select from a vast range of modules and negotiated clinical practice modules
  • Study in a friendly, professional environment

You can achieve competency to practice if you successfully complete both academic and clinical components of the programme to PgCert level or above.

You can also progress into the full MSc, to develop your academic qualifications even further.

So, if you have experience in radiography, nursing, midwifery or other related professions or clinical specialisms and have the support for a sponsored placement, then our MSc Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) ensures you have the clinical competencies and safe practice to meet national standards and further your career.

*You must have a suitable clinical placement secured through an employer or sponsor before you apply for the course.

CASE logo 1.jpg, Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education Logo

Course study options

This course is also available as a PgD and MSc.

Graduate destinations

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to provide evidence of preparation for practice to the standards required for a first post-qualification sonographer role. We have consulted with local ultrasound service partners who have confirmed that this would allow employment of graduates in most regional NHS contexts. However, applicants from a non-health care background should note that, at present, employment in some NHS Trusts would not be possible due to the requirement for professional registration. These potential restrictions on employment will be discussed with you during the application process and you will be asked to sign a memorandum of agreement confirming your understanding and acceptance.

UK CASE accredited ultrasound awards are recognised both nationally and internationally. Whilst developing the course we have worked closely with regional and national stakeholders to ensure that when you graduate you will be well prepared to work as an autonomous ultrasound practitioner within their your specialty.

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