Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

• Patients physical and psychological needs are recognised, assessed and responded to with due regard for human dignity.
• Patient rights as a member of society are acknowledged and adhered to according to the Bill of Rights and Patient Charter.
• Communication is effective and appropriate with both the patient and other members of the health care team in a multicultural context with due regard for human dignity and patient confidentiality.
• Appropriate caring skills and the ability to act in an emergency and apply first aid are demonstrated during patient intervention.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

• Knowledge and skills related to the theoretical, clinical and technical practices and principles of nuclear medicine radiography are applied in order to perform, assist in developing protocols and apply research methods for nuclear medicine procedures.
• Comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy, cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, biological processes at a molecular level and related pathophysiology is applied in order to acquire nuclear medicine scintigrams of optimal diagnostic quality and to recognise normal and abnormal nuclear medicine image patterns.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the physical characteristics and biodistribution of up-to-date radiopharmaceuticals is applied in order to select, administer and evaluate radiopharmaceuticals appropriate to the nuclear medicine investigation.
• Comprehensive theoretical and clinical knowledge of physics, radiation physics, and radiobiology is applied to ensure safety of the patient and the health care team.
• Principles of digital image processing are applied to display qualitative and/or quantitative data in order to facilitate the diagnostic capability of the nuclear medicine investigation.
• Normal and abnormal radiopharmaceutical biodistribution patterns are recognised and verbally communicated or documented in order to manage the investigation or inform other members of the health care team.
• Comprehensive up-to-date knowledge of specialised nuclear medicine imaging procedures is applied in order to perform investigations such as Positron Emission Technology (PET).
• Specialised knowledge and the sensitive handling of the child as a patient is applied in order to perform paediatric nuclear medicine procedures.
• Specialised procedures using hand held gamma probes in a surgical environment are performed, as part of a surgical team.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

• All nuclear medicine imaging devices and accessory equipment are competently operated in order to provide the best diagnostic capability of the equipment.
• The performance of conventional and specialised gamma cameras is evaluated by performing regular quality-control tests and taking corrective action where necessary.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Nuclear Medicine (NM) Computerised Tomography Imaging devices is integrated into the operation of the instruments and their performance regularly monitored.
• Quality control tests are performed on all counting devices and data meticulously recorded to ensure quality function.
• Operation of all hard copy recording devices and processing units is appropriately applied.
• Underpinning theoretical and technical knowledge is applied during the operation and quality performance of PET cameras.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

• Radionuclide generators are operated and maintained in order to ensure quality safe, sterile eluate for use in radiopharmaceuticals.
• Detailed knowledge of radiochemistry and physiochemical aspects of radiolabelling compounds and blood components is applied for use in preparation of radiopharmaceuticals.
• Quality control tests are regularly performed in order to ensure the product identity, biological safety and efficacy of the radiopharmaceutical.
• Appropriate dispensing techniques are used in the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals to ensure safety during patient administration whilst minimising radiation hazard to self and other personnel.
• Comprehensive knowledge of factors which will affect the integrity of radiopharmaceuticals is applied and adverse reactions are noted and the event is reported.
• Up-to-date knowledge of radiopharmacy legislation and appropriate work practices is applied for efficient functioning and administration of a type 'B' laboratory.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

• Knowledge of current, relevant radiopharmacy legislation and work practices is applied for efficient functioning and administration of a type 'C' laboratory.
• Comprehensive knowledge of radionuclide tracer principles, physiology and biochemical processes is applied in order to perform in vitro and in vivo non-imaging nuclear medicine procedures safely, and accurately.
• Counting systems, statistics and results are evaluated in order to insure quality results which are reliable and valid.
• Normal and abnormal results are correctly interpreted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

• A comprehensive Quality Assurance programme is developed, implemented and audited.
• Quality control tests on nuclear medicine instrumentation are performed according to National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards.
• Quality control tests on radionuclides, radiopharmaceuticals and the radiopharmacy environment and equipment are performed.
• Required procedures are utilised in order to prevent contamination from unsealed sources and any possible contamination is monitored.
• Adverse reactions and radiation incidents are immediately reported to relevant authorities and regulatory bodies.
• Customer-orientated quality service is provided to the nuclear medicine patient.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

• Principles of quality assurance and quality control are demonstrated in the development of departmental protocols.
• Equipment and accessories are selected, purchased and maintained within an available budget to provide a cost-effective service.
• Communication and co-operation between all role players are effectively developed and maintained in order to provide optimal service.
• Performance management strategies are developed in a manner which shows an understanding of management principles and current, relevant legislation.
• Departmental records and statistics are accurately maintained in accordance with the departmental and professional council requirements.
• Integrated knowledge of management, technology and current, relevant legislation is demonstrated in the ability to design and equip a new, or alter an existing, nuclear medicine facility.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

• Contributions are made in the debate on social, political and academic matters, the need for research and how it should be carried out in the health sector.
• The research of others is analysed and interpreted to replicate or inform own research.
• Pertinent literature is reviewed in order to design a research project.
• Research principles and methodology in the field of nuclear medicine research are demonstrated in the form of a research project.
• Results of the research project are reported according to scientific norms.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

• Apply and integrate the principles and/or philosophy of the subject into related activities.
• Apply the specialised techniques required to achieve the contextual objective.
• Apply quality assurance principles to ensure optimal results within the context of the subject.

Integrated Assessment:

Integrated assessment incorporates an appropriate variety of assessment methods such as written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, log books, clinical reports, assessment of clinical competence through simulated and clinical assessment in situ, objective structure clinical examinations (OSCE) and the successful completion of a research project. The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the stated outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme or through experience that complies with the stated specific outcomes, i.e., RPL is recognised. Integrated assessment should have the following characteristics:

• Assess the extent to which the learners can practice Nuclear Medicine Radiography competently, effectively and safely in any clinical context nationally and internationally.
• Measure the extent to which learners have integrated knowledge, skills and professional roles as reflected in the course content.
• Provide opportunities for reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action to develop reflective competence.