Professional Courses in Radiographic Image Interpretation and Chest X-ray Analysis

Image interpretation is a skill that is required by a range of healthcare professionals to enhance the service they provide, and the aim of this course is to enable practitioners to develop and/or improve their skills in interpretation of radiographic images of the chest. These activities help primary care providers develop skills in the interpretation of chest and abdominal X-rays by identifying normal and abnormal findings.

Fundamentals of Radiographic Image Interpretation: Chest

The course will be delivered online via a series of pre-recorded tutorials and live image viewing sessions. This module is delivered through supported online learning, via the University's Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle. Teaching utilises a range of structured learning materials and activities and directed study, facilitated by regular online tutor contact, allowing students to contextualise their learning to their own workplace where appropriate.

Curriculum and Learning Methods

The training involves a detailed evaluation of radiographic images to assess the presence of abnormal, normal, or variant appearances. Key components of the study include:

• Review of clinical information, including patient presentation, to guide image interpretation.
• Assessment of the technical factors that may influence the radiographic appearances.
• Synthesis of the findings in a holistic manner to formulate an opinion, within the student’s scope of practice.
• Review of heart borders, cardiothoracic ratio, and quality of inspiration.

Independent study requires approximately 6 hours per week to undertake additional reading in preparation for the image viewing sessions. This course is assessed through a Computer-based objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

Chest and Abdominal X-Ray Interpretation Program

In this detailed and interactive lecture, instruction is provided in a stepwise approach to all the most common pathology of the chest and abdomen. Learners will develop the ability to describe the important components of the interpretation of chest and abdomen radiographs and list findings to accurately identify common pathology.

Clinical Recognition Skills

The course provides instruction in recognizing specific medical conditions and radiographic patterns:

• Recognizing consolidation: Lung lobes, pleural effusion, and estimate of size.
• Recognizing congestive heart failure: Kerley lines, interstitial markings, and other indicators.
• Pathology of the chest: Recognizing pneumothorax and identifying foreign bodies.
• Abdominal interpretation: Plain films of the abdomen, including normal gas patterns and fluid levels.
• Obstructive series: Interpreting suprine, prone, and lateral views to recognize small and large bowel obstruction.

Accreditation and Course Comparison

Different educational pathways offer varying levels of academic credit and contact hours for healthcare professionals. The following table summarizes the available options based on the provided material:

Entry Requirements

These courses are suitable for registered professionals from a relevant healthcare background. Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.