Study Guide

Description

Students of Degree Programme in Radiography and Radiotherapy graduate as Bachelors of Health care. The degree is comparable with the equivalent degrees in other EU countries (EQF 6). After graduation the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health grants the professional licenses to work as a radiographer.

Radiographers are experts of using ionizing radiation in the field of medicine. The core competences of radiographers are radiographic examinations (x-ray, nuclear medicine, and ultrasound and magnetic resonance examinations), related procedures, radiotherapy and patient care as well as guidance and safe medical use of ionizing radiation. Radiographers are responsible, both as individuals and as members of the medical staff, for the diagnostic radiography, related procedures and radiotherapy scheduled for the patient. In their work, radiographers face clients/patients of different ages and with different cultural backgrounds and different medical conditions, which requires them to make decisions rapidly, ethically and economically.

The digitalization and the technology used in diagnostic radiography and radiotherapy requires radiographers to have applied knowledge of mathematics and natural sciences as well as applications of medical technology and information technology. The clinical treatments call for knowhow in medicine and nursing science. Development of the quality of radiography and radiotherapy requires mastering the scientific research process, which enables radiographers to write reports and carry out development tasks and utilize them in their work both on the national and international level. Prerequisites for radiographers are good Finnish language and communication skills. The oral and written language skills in Swedish are required of state officials functioning in a position requiring a higher education in a bilingual office (Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate; the competence level B1 = satisfactory, B2 = good, CEF*)

Professional status
Radiographers work in both public and private health care sectors in Finland and abroad. In addition to the field of health care, they can work in private companies and veterinary services, as well as supervising industrial radiation use.

Basic values of education
Basic values of Degree Programme in Radiography and Radiotherapy are respect for human dignity and individuals, confidentiality, responsibility and high-level professional activity and safe use of medical radiation in radiography and radiotherapy.

Execution of teaching
The teaching methods include lectures, group work, exercises, independent study and clinical training to enhance professional skills. The studies are implemented according to an investigative work approach and the software of the health technology is utilized widely. The students develop skills for independent work and mastery of information systems and information search. Students take part in working life projects.

Learning outcomes of programme/academic year

The first academic year
After the first academic year the students can act in the learning and operating environment of the University of Applied Sciences. Students can use their knowledge and skills in mathematics, natural sciences, anatomy and physiology in the professional studies. Students know how to work as team members in plain x-ray examinations and can act in patient care, emergency care and examination situations.

The second academic year
During the second academic year students expand their skills in radiography (including nuclear medicine) and radiotherapy. After the second year students can optimize the radiation exposure of patients and know quality management issues concerning radiography and radiotherapy work. After orientation students are able to work as team members or independently in radiography during the clinical practice. Students respect clients, their close relatives and co-workers and work accordingly. Students act in accordance with legislation in situations of medical radiation use. Students know how to use radiological equipment safely. Students are familiarized with the basics of scientific research and they can use foreign language in interaction situations.

The third academic year
During the third academic year students get to know legislation and administration of radiotherapy and radiography units. In the clinical practice students are able to act with a client-oriented manner and as responsible team members in radiography (including nuclear medicine) and radiotherapy. Students write their Bachelor’s thesis under supervision. A part of the studies may also be completed in international student exchange. Radiography and radiotherapy students can act temporarily in certified radiographer duties after they have completed 2/3 of their studies. During the Bachelor’s thesis process the students’ investigative and critical approach to work has developed and they can defend their Bachelor’s thesis and participate in peer review.

The fourth academic year
During the fourth academic year students are deepening their professional skills and knowledge. Students can act as team members utilizing the national and international research data on their own field. Students complete Radiation Safety Officer studies and act experts of using ionizing radiation in the field of medicine. Students are independently and as team members in charge of radiological examinations, related procedures and radiotherapy ordered to the patient. In their work, students can face clients/patients of different ages and with different cultural backgrounds and different medical conditions, which requires them to make decisions rapidly, ethically and economically.

Curriculum development and working life cooperation

The curriculum development has been carried out in collaboration with working life. Student feedback has been taken into account in the curriculum.

The objectives and contents of the curriculum have been specified according to both the Finnish and the European core competences in radiography.

In the curriculum attention has been paid to the new legislation that has come into force 15.12.2018; Radiation act 859/2018, Government decree of ionizing radiation 1034/2018 and decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of ionizing radiation 1044/2018.

Further information

Clinical practice related to curriculum is fulfilled under radiographer supervision in radiological, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy departments.