Università degli Studi di Parma

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First cycle degree

Imaging and Radiotherapy techniques

COD. 3048
WEBSITE
A.Y. 2013/2014
CLASS:
L/SNT3 - Classe delle lauree in Professioni sanitarie tecniche
Years of study: 3
Credits (CFU): 180
Mode of study: full-time
COURSE WITH ADMISSION TEST AT NATIONAL SCALE (with local ranking)

COURSE STRUCTURE DIAGRAM WITH CREDITS

CORSO GENERICO (curriculum)

Year of study: 1

Year of study: 2

Year of study: 3

Profile of the programme

The Course in Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques is designed to train healthcare workers to carry out all procedures which require the use of both artificial and natural ionizing radiation, thermal energy and ultrasonic magnetic resonance, and to ensure protection in physical and dosimetry-related terms. Students will be able to work upon request of a consultant in complete autonomy or with other professionals. The Course also provides the competences needed to manage radiological equipment by using appropriate checking and quality control programmes. The course lasts three years and involves the gradual acquisition of theory-based knowledge and professional skills. It is organised as follows:
1st year: basic knowledge needed for professional training, with particular reference to general and applied physics, anatomy, and a preliminary approach to first-level radiography techniques and data collection, management and communication systems.
2nd year: interventional radiology techniques and computerized tomography, the physical principles of Nuclear Medicine, Magnetic Resonance and Radiotherapy; learning how to deal with health and professional issues, legal and medical aspects and legislation related to the profession.
3rd year: completion of specialist studies in the fields of Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy and Magnetic Resonance; analysis of the legislative and ethical aspects of the profession.

Admission requirements

In order to gain access to the Degree course in Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques, applicants must have a secondary school leaving diploma or other qualification obtained abroad recognized as equivalent. Students wishing to enrol in the course must have a good capacity for human contact, the ability to work well as part of a team, and good problem-solving skills. Access to the Degree course is restricted to a number set by Law 264/99, and requires an entry examination which consists of a multiple choice test. In order to gain admission to the Degree course in Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques, applicants must possess sufficient knowledge in the fields of physics and mathematics. Students awarded a place on the Course whose grade is below the minimum grade established must pursue supplementary training in the subjects of physics and mathematics, as stipulated in the Degree Course Regulations.

Key learning outcomes

Graduates from the Degree course in Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques must have acquired knowledge, skills and aptitudes that enable them to gain employment as Imaging and Radiotherapy Technicians. In order to achieve this objective, graduates in Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques must be able to prove they are able to:
- manage the technical and diagnostic procedures for acquiring and processing the image in line with scientific evidence and guidelines;
- assess the quality of the imaging produced, and its correspondence with the needs of the examination request;
- manage the technical and diagnostic procedures for transmission and archiving ;
- organise and manage procedures involved in providing radiotherapy treatments;
- apply suitable protocols for controlling, assessing and reviewing quality;
- implement provisions regarding radioprotection and safety, and use individual protection devices;
- establish professional communications with users and colleagues;
- guarantee the comfort, safety and privacy of users during diagnostic examinations and radiotherapy treatment;
- adopt professional conduct which conforms with the ethical principles of the users and the Service;
- receive and prepare patients for diagnostic examinations or radiotherapy treatments, acquiring informed consent in as far as it is of his or her competence;
- help to resolve organisational problems in order to guarantee optimal operation of the service by working alongside doctors, colleagues and staff in general.
- use computerised systems for gathering, analysing data and managing information;
- improve their own professional practice by means of updates in line with the latest scientific advances;
- possess working knowledge of English for exchanging instructions and information in the specific field of competence.

THE COURSE
The approach adopted by the course aims to combine three aspects deemed essential for the Imaging and Radiotherapy Technician:
- motivation and aptitude;
- professional skills;
- scientific knowledge.
1st year: Geared towards providing thorough knowledge of the essential theory areas of the basic sciences, with the aim to apply them to the specific professional fields. In addition, the basics of key subjects in the profession of Imaging and Radiotherapy Technician are covered, along with concepts governing radioprotection and safety required to handle the first work experience internship. An internship, which involves learning the main techniques of conventional radiology for the skeleton and respiratory system, must be completed.
2nd year: Geared towards acquiring specific knowledge of subjects, procedures and techniques involved in Imaging Diagnostics, including the fields of senology, computerised tomography, vascular and interventional angiography and Nuclear Medicine. Students will also acquire knowledge regarding the use of pharmaceutical products and radiopharmaceutical drugs, the prevention of biological and environmental risks, along with the concepts of Medical Organisations and Medical-Legal Legislation. Work experience is arranged in contexts in which the student is able to put the knowledge and methods learned into practice.
3rd year: Specialisation with particular reference to Interventional Radiology, Magnetic Resonance, Nuclear Medicine and Oncological Radiotherapy. The second semester focuses on acquiring bioethical and ethical principles as well as familiarity with Labour Law and Medical Management. The course gives particular importance to the work experience through which the student can gradually acquire greater autonomy and responsibility with the supervision of experts.

Final examination, if any

In accordance with Article 7 of the Interministerial Decree dated 19 February 2009, the final examination includes:
a) a practical examination during which the student must show that he or she has acquired the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills required by his or her own specific professional profile. The practical examination is graded by the Board out of a maximum of thirty. In the event that the grade achieved is less than 18/30, the exam is not considered as passed, and must be repeated in full on another date.
b) Drafting of a thesis and a dissertation assessed by the Board with a grade out of 30.
The grade of the final exam for attaining the academic qualification is expressed out of 110 marks. The exam is deemed to have been passed if the grade is at least 66/110. Honours can only be awarded if the board gives its unanimous approval. The final grade is composed of the average of the marks awarded in the academic exams and the Internship and is out of 110. Further marks can be awarded by the examining Board at the end of the degree thesis dissertation and may therefore contribute towards determining the final mark. The final examination is organised in two sessions which are set at national level with a decree of the Ministry for Education, Universities and Research, in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Policies. Students can choose to write the thesis in English.