This course aims to provide students with specialised theoretical knowledge and an understanding of the fundamental physical principles of Nuclear Medicine technology and radiopharmacy. The student will develop the ability to apply this knowledge in the safe use of radiopharmaceuticals and Nuclear Medicine equipment for clinical and/or research purposes in adults and paediatric patients. In particular, this course will investigate common pathologies and the use of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT imaging techniques and protocols in relation to the skeletal system. Learning activities and assessments are designed to support the development of not only clinical competency, but also growth holistically as a reflective practitioner.
The course is delivered fully online by distance via the University of Auckland’s learning management system ‘Canvas’. It incorporates a range of learning approaches including videos, webpages, links to the library databases and resources, and utilising online technologies to promote shared learning opportunities. Academic learning is expected to inform clinical practice and enhance levels of clinical competency.
While this course has no pre-requisites or restricted course requirements, non-Medical Imaging Technologists (MITs) will be required to submit an enrolment concession request to have their eligibility for enrolment assessed. It will be expected that students have completed courses in anatomy, physiology and pathology to be eligible. This course is compulsory for the PGDipHSc(Nuclear Medicine) and PGCertHSc(PET-CT) programmes, and is a pre-requisite for all other nuclear medicine-specific postgraduate courses. The course is suitable to be undertaken as a one-off course (Certificate of Proficiency) for registered MITs for their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Access to a clinical nuclear medicine department is highly recommended.