1. Explain the required anatomical structures in different imaging modalities.
2. Apply appropriate patient positioning to produce a diagnostic radiographic image.
   
3. Utilize radiographic exposure factors to optimize image quality and minimize patient dose.
4. Assess the processes required to produce diagnostic images for medical evaluation.
5. Apply the principles of radiation protection to patient, self and others.
6. Evaluate the performance of imaging systems, in regard to the safe limits of operation and report any malfunction.
7. Integrate didactic and clinical course work in order to practice as competent entry-level technologists.
8. Employ effective oral and written communication skills as practicing healthcare professionals.
9. Apply principles of ethical and/or professional health practice appropriate to the discipline.
   
10. Prepare the graduate for scientific research.
    

Graduate Profile:

1)    Knowledge and understanding:

a) Evaluate routine procedures to assess the performance of radiographic and fluoroscopic imaging modalities and initiate corrective action as necessary.
b) Apply the knowledge of basic life sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Image Interpretation).
c) Assess the performance of the CT, BMD, and mammographic units and initiate corrective action as necessary.
d) Appraise the digital image receptors and initiate corrective action as necessary.
e) Assess the performance of accessory equipment and initiate corrective action as necessary.
f) Evaluate the integrity of protective apparel and devices and initiate corrective action as necessary.
g) Determine and select parameters for performing procedures on a radiographic unit.
h) Examine the performance of film processing equipment and initiate corrective action as necessary.
i) Apply radiation safety practices to patients, technologists, staff, care givers and the general public.
j) Analyze image for quality and diagnostic purposes and adjust parameters for additional images.
k) Examine the routine procedures that support continuous quality improvement (Quality Assurance and Quality Control).

2)    Patient and Population Care:

a) Operate imaging modality for digital-analog image acquisition consistent with the procedure and the patient's condition.
b) Provide a safe environment to minimize the risk of adverse events to patients and staff.
c) Transport patients safely using equipment based on their physical and cognitive status and resources available.
d) Implement immobilization techniques based on age, physical and cognitive status of patients and type of procedure.
e) Assess, monitor and respond to the patient's therapeutic and supportive devices to ensure patient safety and comfort.
f) Ensure the patient's needs are met prior to release from the technologist's care.
g) Follow established protocols when handling and disposing of contaminated and bio-hazardous materials.
h) Adhere to protective environmental protocols for patients with compromised immunity and/or antibiotic resistant organisms.
i) Adhere to transmission-based precautions for airborne, droplet and contact modes of transmission.

3)    Communication:
a) Establish patient rapport.

b) Use various forms of communication to provide/obtain relevant, accurate and complete information.

c) Exchange information regarding details of the procedure with patients and their support persons to enable them to make informed decisions.
d) Assess and respond to cultural, ethnic, linguistic, religious, and socio-economic variables affecting communication.
e) Utilize Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) for purposes of image display, networking, archival and retrieval.

4)    Management and Leadership"

a) Prioritize workflow to optimize patient outcomes.
b) Monitor inventory of materials and supplies.
c) Manage change within the evolving healthcare system. 

5)    Health Education and Community Services:

a) Educate individuals on radiation risks.
b) Consult with medical radiation personnel as required.
c) Exchange knowledge/skills with other members of healthcare teams to promote collaborative practice.
Provide clinical instruction guidance and evaluation for students. 

6)    Professionalism:

a) Practice patient care in a manner that protects the patient's legal rights.
b) Practice in accordance with national association and provincial regulatory body's legislation requirements.
c) Provide a diagnostic/therapeutic impression to health care professionals to assist in patient care management.
d) Demonstrate respect and sensitivity in both patient and professional interactions.
e)  Present a professional appearance and manner. 

7)    Critical and Creative Thinking:

a) Apply critical thinking and problem-solving strategies to ensure best practices.
b) Participate in research for the purpose of evidence-based decision making. 

8)    Lifelong learning:
Participate in professional development.

9)    Clinical Skills:

1) Perform imaging procedure of the Skeletal System.

• Upper limb (finger, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, humerus, shoulder, clavicle, ACJ, scapula).
  
• Lower limb (toe, foot, ankle, calcaneus, leg, knee, femur, hip, pelvis).
  
• Vertebral column (CS, DS, LS, sacrum, coccyx, SIJ, scoliosis series).
  
• Axial skeleton, sternum, ribs.
  
• Head, skull, sinuses, facial bones, orbits, nasal bone, TMJ.
  
• Bone age.
  
  

2) Perform imaging procedure of the digestive system.

• Non-contrast procedure of the abdomen.
  
• Contrast procedure: Barium Swallow (Upper GIT) Barium follow through (small-bowel). Barium enema (lower GIT).
• ERCP.
  
  

3) Perform imaging procedure of the respiratory system.

• Soft tissue neck.
  
• Chest.
  
  

4) Perform imaging procedure of the urinary system.

• Non-contrast of the KUB.
  
• Intravenous Urography.
  
• Ascending Urethrogram, Micturition Cystography.
  
  

5) Perform imaging procedure of the reproductive system.

• Male and female reproductive system.
  
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG).
  
• Participate in mammographic imaging procedure.
  
  

6) Imaging procedure for dental studies.

• Routine dental X-rays.
  
• OPG.
  
• CBCT.
  
  

7) Imaging procedure for bone mineral density.

8) Perform imaging procedure in computed tomography.

9) Imaging procedure for vascular/interventional studies.

10) Imaging procedures of different types of Ultrasound examinations: General, obstetrics & gynaecology, and vascular scanning.

11) Imaging procedures in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

12) Imaging procedures in Nuclear Medicine. 

Alignment of Program Curriculum with Society of Radiographers (SoR) Requirement for Practitioners:

The above bachelor's program graduate profile aligns extensively well with the curriculum areas as required by pre-registration students to enable them to achieve the practitioner outcomes for autonomous practice as outlined by the Society of Radiographers (SoR), London (Education and Career Framework for the Radiography Workforce 2013, ISBN: 1-871101-92-1 "Indicative Curriculum for Practitioners"). They should have the opportunity to gain detailed knowledge, understanding and skills in certain and well specified topics within the following areas: Behavioural and Social Sciences, Physical Science and Technology, Clinical Context and Applications (Radiotherapy), Clinical Context and Applications (Imaging), Conventional Radiography, Computed Tomography,  and Principles and Concepts Underpinning Advanced and Interventional Topics.

It should be noted that our program does not yet cover Radiotherapy. Furthermore, and in order to further improve the material coverage alignment, the department has recently expanded the number of credit hours allocated to advanced imaging modality (such as MRI, Ultrasound, and CT) from two to three, which included a mandatory practical element.

A new element in the curriculum which has been implemented from Fall 2020/2021 is that all students need to be aware of the requirements (regarding outcomes, material coverage, skills, etc.) of Assistant Practitioners and Practitioners as stated by publications from the CoR, London (The Scope of Practice 2013, ISBN: 1-871101-97-2, and Scope of Practice of Assistant Practitioners, ISBN: 9781-871101-90-5). This is necessary for students in order to be introduced to (within the career progression framework) the potential to develop new roles resulted from the diversity of radiographic practice, coupled with the introduction of new technologies and techniques.  
  

Scope of Practice of Practitioners – Society of Radiographers (SoR):

The department of MDI recognizes its graduates from the bachelor's degree as equivalent to "Assistant Practitioners" as defined by the Society of Radiographers. This definition is valid until the graduates successfully complete their internship program, which is usually for six months in the UAE. The following definition is given in (Scope of Practice of Assistant Practitioners 2012, ISBN: 9781-871101-90-5, https://www.sor.org): "An Assistant Practitioner performs protocol-limited clinical tasks under the direction and supervision of a state registered practitioner.'' The definition does not strictly apply to a Radiography graduate from MDI due to many reasons. The Assistant Practitioner is not a registered healthcare professional while the MDI Radiographer is. Furthermore, the role of MDI Radiographer has been limited so far to Diagnostic Imaging i.e. does not include e.g. Therapeutic Radiography. However, Radiographers become Practitioners (i.e. practice autonomously) after obtaining their full recognition from the regulatory body in the UAE, the Ministry of Health (MoH).

Outcomes for Autonomous Practice (Practitioner) - Society of Radiographers (SoR):

According to the College of Radiographers (CoR) and as defined in (Education and Career Framework for the Radiography Workforce 2013, ISBN: 1-871101-92-1) the following statements identify the outcomes to be demonstrated by a radiographer following a period of preceptorship.

1. Practise safely within relevant legal, ethical, professional and managerial frameworks.
2. Demonstrate accountability, recognising and responding appropriately to strengths and limitations in own knowledge, skills and attributes and to those of others.
3. Select and justify evidence for safe, effective, professional practice
4. Engage in audit, research and continuing professional development.
5. Contribute to the development of radiographic practice for the benefit of patients.
6. Manage self and workload effectively and in a timely way.
7. Use information management systems effectively.
8. Demonstrate highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
9. Use and give professional supervision.
10. Mentor and teach learners, support staff and other professionals.
11. Ensure the radiation safety of all individuals in the working environment.
12. Practise within a risk-benefit framework, having regard to the biological effects of radiation.
13. When entitled to do so by the employer, undertake practitioner, operator and referrer roles within IR(ME)R 2000 and its subsequent amendments as appropriate to professional practice.
14. Participate in quality assurance and undertake equipment testing, responding appropriately.
15. Identify, evaluate and interpret normal and abnormal anatomy and pathophysiology relevant to clinical practice.
16. Assess patients and make reasoned decisions to initiate, continue, modify, suspend or cease imaging examinations or radiotherapy.
17. Employ effective positioning and immobilisation, customising devices as appropriate.
18. Manipulate exposure factors and image recording parameters to optimal effect.
19. Monitor and assess the adequacy of images.
20. Interpret results and, where necessary, carry out additional image manipulation, imaging or adaptation of treatment delivery.
21. Record imaging examinations/radiotherapy interventions and their outcomes accurately.
22. Evaluate the range of imaging or radiotherapy modalities to make informed professional judgements about their application.
23. Supply, administer and prescribe medicines within the legal framework.
24. Generate an optimal treatment plan and interpret radiotherapy prescriptions accurately, modifying these during treatment when necessary. (T)
25. Select and justify imaging and treatment modalities and operate equipment safely and effectively. (T)
26. Select and justify imaging examinations and operate equipment safely and effectively. (D)
27. Produce written preliminary evaluation of imaging examinations undertaken. (D)
28. Work individually, collaboratively and/or in partnership to deliver person-centred care and interventions.
29. Meet the care needs of individuals and their significant others sensitively and respectfully having regard to the impact of illness and trauma and to socio-cultural differences.
30. Have due regard to patients' health status and co-morbidities, promoting healthy living.
31. Demonstrate proficiency in basic life-support techniques, infection control and moving and handling.
32. Obtain informed consent or ensure that it has been given.
33. Advise other Health and Social Care professionals about patients' needs, referring them where necessary. 
    
    

Mapping between CoR Practitioner Outcomes and PLO:

Clinical Practice:

Graduates of the department complete the equivalent of 24 CH Clinical Practice (CP) out of the total 137 CH. This number translates to a higher percentage of real time in hospitals and clinics as a CP course of 3 CH is practised as one full day in a radiology department (roughly 5 hours from 8:00 AM till 1:00 PM), 5 CH as 10 hours (two days), and 6 CH as 15 hours (three full days). This experience is unique in all universities and higher colleges of technology in the UAE. The students get continuous mentoring from both the academic educators and the clinical sites' preceptors. This process is coordinated before the students start their sites visits through preceptors' workshop which is organized by the department faculty every year. The expected duties and mutual coordination procedures are laid out, communication channels and evaluation methods are agreed upon, and the anticipated problems and their solutions are discussed between the department members and training sites coordinators (As stated in Quality Standards for Practice Placements, CoR, "ensure that there is a robust agreement with the education provider(s) specifying the duties and expectations of each"). Similarly, students are organized into orientation sessions to introduce them to clinical sites rules and regulations including radiation protection and ethical considerations in order to understand their responsibilities and expectations in relation to practice placement learning. As stated in Quality Standards for Practice Placements, CoR, "the quality of the learners' clinical education, experience and support is the joint and equal responsibility of the education provider and the placements provider, exercised through on-going, strong and collaborative relationships and regular dialogue", the training process experiences many obstacles and requires frequent interventions to circumvent them. The department five clinical tutors and two lecturers administer both the daily visits and the constant communication (through direct face-to-face and electronic, e-Portfolio) with students. In Fall 2020/2021 the department has reverted back to the old system of directly involving professors in the CP visits (As stated by Quality Standards for Practice Placements, CoR, "Practice placement providers have the responsibility to ensure that clinical staff are clear about the expected learning outcomes, the relationship between theory and practice and the criteria for teaching and assessment in the placement"). The CP experience, starting from the Spring semester of the second year, covers all imaging modalities. This requires huge amount of coordination between the department and all health authorities to ensure fair and adequate distribution of all students throughout the clinical sites as their vary significantly in their expertise and imaging capabilities (As stated by Quality Standards for Practice Placements, CoR, "promote equality and diversity in all aspects of the practice placement").

Scientific Research:

The University of Sharjah (UoS) has emphasized the importance of conducting research to both the university faculty and the community outside. The university research profile has significantly improved in the last few years due to the availability of grants and research facilities such as research centres and groups.

The department of MDI is very active in research publications and grants obtained, and has succeeded in establishing research collaboration with universities in the UAE and abroad, such as Monash and Salford Universities. Many of the research projects are directly related to improving patient care/safety and image quality. Furthermore, the department has managed to involve the students in its research activity and even get some of their research into publication (e.g. nine students papers were accepted in the ECR 2019 conference). Future efforts will focus into involving more preceptors into the department activities, however, this requires extensive coordination with local health authorities in order to free some time for research. Collaboration between different university departments has been very effective in improving the department research productivity and the department has managed to establish and lead a research group in Biomedical and Molecular Imaging. The teaching philosophy adopted by the university focuses on self-learning and encourages relying on critical thinking and group learning through research projects. The establishment of the MSc program will further strengthen research activities in the department and provide preceptors with the required skills and motivation to get involved in day-to-day patient-related research activity. The aims of the department research strategy will be compared with those published by the College of radiographers, CoR, London (as stated by "2016-2021 Society and College of Radiographers Research Strategy", CoR).