Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Diagnostic Radiography Theory & Practice 1
Credit Points: 12.00
Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Andrew Kilgour
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925
Course Coordinator Email: andrew.kilgour2@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 201.08.30
Course Coordinator Availability: by appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Enforced Pre-Requisite Courses
Successful completion of
- RADI1222 Medical Radiation 2 (Course ID 056410)
- RADI1224 Medical Radiation Physics (Course ID 056414)
- RADI1225 Imaging Anatomy (Course ID 056416)
Enforced Co-Requisite Courses
You should undertake the following courses at the same time as this course as it contains areas of knowledge and skills which are implemented together in practice.
- RADI1223 Medical Radiation 3 (Course ID 056412)
Note: it is a condition of enrolment at RMIT that you accept responsibility for ensuring that you have completed the prerequisite/s and agree to concurrently enrol in co-requisite courses before enrolling in a course.
For information go to RMIT Course Requisites webpage or contact your Course Coordinator.
Course Description
Diagnostic radiography requires a detailed knowledge of anatomy, patient positioning, the equipment used, radiation safety and quality assurance, technique, and patient care. This course is the first in a series of Diagnostic radiography courses and builds on the fundamental theories of Medical Radiation 1 and 2 to concentrate on application of knowledge to practice. You will need to gain practical skills in order to become a competent radiographer and this course provides you with the underpinning theory and practice. This course is designed to develop and apply the principles of patient positioning, exposure factors, and image critique for various anatomical sites. At this level you are expected to engage with the literature base in order to support your work.
This course involves clinical placement and there may be associated travel requirements. This Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience will develop your knowledge and skills in the clinical setting.
During this WIL experience you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills for assessment in a clinical environment. You will receive feedback from industry and/or the professional community, which is integral to your experience and professional development.
You must meet several pre-clinical placement requirements during your studies in the Medical Radiations program and before attempting this WIL course, including a Working With Children Check, a Criminal Record Check, first aid, manual handling training, and other requirements. All arrangements for, and costs associated with, these requirements are your responsibility. Please visit the WIL Canvas site for further information
If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability you should contact the Program Coordinator or the Equitable Learning Services for further advice. Students need to be able to meet the inherent requirements of the program. At any time prior to or during your placement if there are concerns raised related to your fitness to practice the clinical coordinator can request that you gain full medical clearance to continue your placement.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Program Learning Outcomes
This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s):
BP321MIP25 Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Medical Imaging)
PLO1 Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge across the breadth and depth of Radiation Therapy practice, through the application of knowledge and concepts, in a variety of real-world settings.
PLO2 Apply evidence-based knowledge to innovate and deliver safe and effective Radiation Therapy practice in a variety of contexts, using advances in both technology and determinants of health.
PLO3 Investigate and propose solutions through sound clinical reasoning for all aspects of interprofessional Radiation Therapy practice while, complying with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.
PLO4 Evaluate and critically reflect on the concepts of reconciliation and cultural intelligence considering the experience and perspectives of First Nations people and other societal groups, to enable equitable health outcomes.
PLO5 Critically reflect on practitioner responsibility and accountability for professional decision making when resolving clinical challenges in Radiation Therapy, whilst seeking opportunities for ongoing professional learning.
PLO6 Communicate clearly and sensitively with a diverse audience, utilising contemporary and traditional approaches that employ integrity, inclusivity, and culturally safe practices to advocate for the patient whilst delivering patient-centred care.
PLO7 Collaborate with health care practitioners to evaluate, develop, and deliver innovative clinical solutions to provide holistic patient-care, as part of a multidisciplinary and interprofessional team.
For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate emerging professional communication skills with patients, establishing rapport, and communicating in a culturally appropriate manner, within all multidisciplinary teams
- Practice the principles of safe and effective operation of X-ray equipment, including patient preparation and positioning in line with radiation safety legislation
- Apply the principles of image critique and evidence-based clinical imaging protocols in both simulated and clinical settings.
- Reflect on a range of key learning experiences, identifying areas for further personal and professional growth.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, individual and group activities. These will be supplemented by self-directed online learning activities. Attendance at practicals is essential for the demonstration of professional communication and collaboration.
You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.
This is a WIL course, so the following applies:
- Students must comply with all the requirements of the WIL Passport. These requirements can be found at WIL Passport Information - Medical Radiations (sharepoint.com) Failure to meet the WIL Passport requirements by the specified deadlines will result in you being unable to attend placement and may delay your progress in the program.
- Your placement location will be determined by the RMT academic team in consultation with the relevant clinical departments. You will be provided with the opportunity to put forward placement requests but granting these requests is not guaranteed
- Adjustments to placement location and hours may be available for students with an ELP, or to accommodate the health, safety, and/or cultural well-being of students. However, all students must meet the WIL placement requirements in line with relevant Department of Health requirements.
- All WIL placements will be in Australia, under the supervision of an AHPRA registered Medical Radiation practitioner. Students may be required to attend placement locations in regional or rural Australia, and/or interstate.
- Students must pass all pre-WIL requirements in order to be eligible to attend the allocated WIL placement.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. Relevant textbooks and journal articles are available in the RMIT library, and library and will be referred to in teaching materials. Pre- and post-class activities will be provided in electronic format on the Canvas site, including case-based scenarios for interpretation and investigation.
RMIT has state of the art medical imaging simulated learning facilities for student learning and practice, in both virtual and physical environments. You will participate in simulated practice using current imaging technology in preparation for placement across all medical imaging practice. Recordings will be maintained in accordance with our assessment, document retention and privacy policies.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
This course contains hurdle requirements. All hurdle requirements for this course are indicated clearly in the assessment regime that follows, against the relevant assessment task(s) and all have been approved by the College Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching).
Note: students who fail the hurdle assessment fail the whole course regardless of the overall course mark they achieve
Assessment Task 1: Skills Assessment (Hurdle)
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Assessment Task 2: Clinical Placement (Hurdle)
Weighting 35%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4
Assessment Task 3: Protocol and critique based case study
Weighting 35%
This assessment task supports CLO3 & 4
If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.