Degree Programme in Radiography and Radiotherapy: Oletussuunnitelma

Descriptions

Aim of the programme
Radiography and radiotherapy require an ability for multidisciplinary decision-making, the purpose of which is the customer's health and wellbeing and optimal use of medical imaging and radiotherapy methods. The purpose of the training is to teach the student the necessary skills to become competent in radiography, radiotherapy, using radiation for medical purposes, and in quality management. The student will be able to follow developments in the field and to see his/her professional expertise in relation to changes in society, the social and welfare field and radiography and radiotherapy. The studies focus on practical working life needs, international issues and future challenges, and a reflective, critical and research-oriented approach, which requires practical skills in research and development and an ability to function in a continuously changing environment. Students develop their professional expertise by means of individual study plans (ISPs).

The wider social role of the radiographer is to provide overall care for their customers and the customers' families. The work requires an ability to use cutting-edge technology and to work in close contact with people. New discoveries are made all the time, which means that radiographers must update their professional skills and have an ability to live amid constant change.
In multidisciplinary work groups, the radiographer acts as an expert as the patient undergoes medical imaging examinations and interventions or receives radiotherapy. In radiology and radiotherapy units, the radiographer assumes joint responsibility for patient care. The radiographer is expected to have good problem-solving skills and an ability to carry out clinical procedures. In order to use high-technology equipment, a radiographer must have good IT, communication and automation technology skills and be able to apply mathematics, physics and medical technology. In companies that serve the health care sector, the radiographer's duties focus on product development, marketing and training. Radiographers may work in supervisory duties in radiation use, for example in nuclear power plants, and act as experts in ecological issues concerning radiation use.

Structure of the programme
The training consists of different themes, running throughout the studies, which focus on the type of core skills that ensure that the graduated student will possess the necessary professional once they enter work. This learning is supported by different types of teaching methods and assignments. A number of courses have been integrated to form entities that correspond to the needs of working life, and some studies have been incorporated into working life projects. Some courses are carried out as online education. Elective studies (15 CPs) and final project (15 CPs) expand and strengthen the student's professional expertise. The training programme includes 75 CPs of supervised training. Part of this will take place at the polytechnic and at least 57 CPs in working life in various health care units. The curriculum has been constructed so that the objectives of training in each theme have been included in entities built of different courses, meaning that the course objectives support also the training.