Medicine - Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)

Course Features
With an ageing population, the use of DXA examinations to detect signs of osteoporotic changes will play a pivotal role in diagnosis of this condition and support recommendations on its management. DXA examinations are extremely operator dependent and very sensitive to discrepancies in technique. Accurate and consistent DXA images that are reproducibile are the cornerstone of a reliable DXA service.

Targeted towards health care professionals currently involved in the everyday practice and interpretation of DXA scanning.

Material is delivered via online lectures, providing a flexible approach to accommodate busy health care professionals and clinical site planning.

This course will lead participants from basic to advanced practice in DXA, delivered by experts in the field.

Who should apply?
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Vision & Values
With an ageing population, the use of DXA examinations to detect signs of osteoporotic change plays an increasingly pivotal role in the diagnosis of this condition, including recommendations on its management. As DXA examinations are extremely operator dependent and very sensitive to discrepancies in technique, this academic qualification has been designed to enhance patient outcomes and DXA service provision by targeting health care professionals currently involved in the everyday practice and interpretation of DXA scanning in order to standardise their practice.

A flexible online approach has been taken in the development of material in order to accommodate busy health care professionals and clinical site planning. This course leads participants from basic to advanced practice in DXA, delivered by experts in the field. The course structure has been specifically designed to accommodate both students and employers through use of e-learning and reduced contact hours, thus allowing flexibility and autonomous learning to maximise student engagement. The assessment strategy includes a online multiple choice exam as well as a case study from clinical practice and an open book scenario based assignment based on best clinical practice.

Programme Outcomes
Analyse and critically evaluate their examination techniques and compare against standard practice to ensure optimal standards of operation.

Analyse and critically evaluate their understanding of international best practice guidelines and the influence of best practice on local protocol.

Apply their knowledge and understanding of the treatment and care pathways involved for patients diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Apply their knowledge in order to optimise preliminary report provision prior to radiologist approval.

Apply their knowledge into the physical principles, equipment and different types of scanning technology involved in this modality area.

Apply their knowledge into the relevant legislation which governs clinical practice within this modality.

Apply their knowledge of operational, technical and positioning skills required to produce optimal scan results.

Subjects taught

Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Imaging RDGY41050

Entry requirements

This course is directed towards healthcare professionals currently involved in the acquisition of DXA scans, or those who wish to gain theoretical knowledge in scanner technology and scan acquisition. It may also be suitable for referring clinicians and those who report on DXA scans to gain a better understanding of the modality and how results are generated.

Applicants must:
Hold a primary degree in healthcare e.g. medicine, radiography, physiotherapy, nursing or equivalent.
Have access to computing facilities and reliable internet access as all learning content is made available through an online learning platform.

Application dates

The following entry routes are available:
Prof Cert Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Jan PT (X579)
Duration 4 Months
Attend Part Time
Deadline Closed

Duration

4 months part-time.

More details
  • Qualification letters

    ProfCert

  • Qualifications

    Special Purpose Certificate (Level 9 NFQ)

  • Attendance type

    Part time,Flexible

  • Apply to

    Course provider