Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology)

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL | Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL | Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consist of 360 credits. The courses includes:

Year one courses

Clinical 1 (30 Credits) (600 hours practicum)
Gain supervised experience in routine general radiographic examinations and fully participate in clerical and image processing procedures. Note that you must hold a valid first aid certificate, which is current for the duration of this course.

Anatomy and Physiology (15 Credits)
The aim of this course is for learners to have a thorough understanding of the Anatomy and Physiology of the human body.  This includes the structure of cells, tissues, organs and relevant body systems.  With rapid advances in technology, radiographers need to have a detailed knowledge of anatomy as it is relevant to all aspects of medical imaging.

Imaging Physics (15 Credits)
Preparation for the study of advanced medical imaging modalities through an understanding of general physics, as well as a more detailed theoretical background to the physical basis behind the equipment design, construction and materials and the increasing technological support for state-of-the-art medical imaging modalities.

Professional and Cultural Practice (15 Credits)
Learn to respond appropriately to the health care needs of patients, initiate prescribed action in emergency situations, and provide health information and education relating to the practice of a Medical Radiography Technologist (MRT). You'll also learn about the dynamics of interpersonal behaviour and subjective aspects of ethics, professionalism and culture by exploring your own identity, values and beliefs.

General Radiography (15 Credits)
Learn to describe the factors affecting radiographic imaging and apply the principles of radiographic imaging, and learn to correctly use basic terminology and demonstrate a full and detailed knowledge of osteology and positioning techniques.

Imaging Applications (15 Credits)
Develop an understanding of the physical and technical principles and factors affecting radiographic imaging.

Imaging Techniques (15 Credits)
Learn to describe and demonstrate optimal imaging techniques for a range of radiographic examinations.

Year two courses

Regional and Sectional Anatomy (15 Credits)
Apply your knowledge of the gross anatomy of the organs and structures that are localised within the axial and appendicular regions to multi-planar imaging modalities.

Imaging Applications (15 Credits)
Develop an understanding of an x-ray unit's generator, control console and accessories, controlling beam direction and quality.

Imaging Techniques (15 Credits)
Learn to describe and demonstrate techniques for an extended range of radiographic procedures, including basic contrast media examinations and radiography performed outside the radiology department.

Imaging Pathology (15 Credits)
Develop an understanding of disease pathology and its imaging applications.

Complementary Imaging Techniques (15 Credits)
Develop an understanding of the clinical applications of nuclear medicine, ultrasound and magnetic resource imaging.

Clinical2 (30 Credits, 600 practicum hours)
Opportunities to assist and perform radiographic examinations in the clinical setting. Note that you must hold a valid first aid certificate, which is current for the duration of the course.

Professional and Cultural Practice (5 Credits)
Learn to undertake clinical practice in an ethically and culturally competent manner.

Research (10 Credits)
Develop an understanding of the research methods commonly used in clinical practice, to identify researchable issues in clinical practice and discuss research questions/methods.

Year three courses

Professional Practice and Management (15 Credits)
Acquire specialist knowledge and techniques used in medical imaging management. Also learn an ethical, legal, cultural and economic framework for professional practice.

Imaging Applications (15 Credits)
Develop an understanding of the physical principles of image processing and specialised equipment.

Imaging Techniques (20 Credits)
Develop knowledge of the principles of advanced techniques and their clinical applications.

Research (10 Credits)
Develop critiquing skills and differentiate between rigorous and non-rigorous health research and their contribution to the advancement of health knowledge. Learn to carry out an independent literature enquiry within an identified area, and demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding in that area consistent with undergraduate degree level.

Clinical 3 (60 Credits) (1200 practicum hours)
Opportunities to further consolidate your practice and experience in the full range of routine radiographic and minor special procedures at the required graduate level. The course also provides opportunities to observe and assist in the performance of advanced imaging procedures and modalities. Note that you must hold a valid first aid certificate, which is current for the duration of the course.

All applicants must meet the general admission criteria as approved by the Academic Board. In addition, all applicants are required to:

• Declare any previous criminal convictions prior to admission being confirmed; and
• Authorise UCOL | Te Pūkenga to undertake a background check on the applicant through the Police Vetting service. Convictions for any specific offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment; the decision is at the discretion of the Head of School; and
• Authorise UCOL | Te Pūkenga to undertake a background check under the requirements of the Children's Act
• Complete a UCOL | Te Pūkenga Health Declaration Form; and
• Provide certified copies of all relevant documentation.

The Academic Portfolio Manager may require learners to provide additional information before admission is confirmed.

Note: Acceptance onto the programme is subject both to the availability of a suitable clinical placement and to the applicant meeting the selection criteria and clinical placement vaccination requirements.

Applicants under 20 years of age:

University Entrance including:

• Three subjects at Level 3 or above made up of 14 credits each in three approved subjects in each of:
• English or an approved Literacy subject
• Science or Mathematics (preferably Physics or Mathematics)
• One other subject from the list of approved subjects (preference is given to Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics)

OR

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Medical Imaging Pathway)

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean

OR

Provisional enrolment, which is defined by NZQA as being Discretionary Entrance and includes the following clauses:

Discretionary enrolment may be granted to those applicants under the age of 20 who:

• are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia*,
• have received secondary schooling to at least New Zealand Year 12 level (or its equivalent overseas) and earned at least 14 credits in an approved subject at Level 2 towards NCEA (or its equivalent), and
• have met the literacy and numeracy standards required for University Entrance, or their equivalents,

* Australian applicants’ most recent year of schooling must have been in New Zealand.

Selection Criteria
Applicants who meet the entry requirements, or who plan to meet the entry requirements, may be required to participate in an interview and complete an observation day at a UCOL | Te Pūkenga supported practicum centre.  Selection will be based on a grading system with applicants receiving a higher grading (following the selection process) being offered a place on the programme before applicants with a lower grading. 

Note: Places are limited and applications close in early September.

English Proficiency Entry Requirements
To ensure safety within the clinical environment, applicants must demonstrate good written and oral communication skills during the selection process.  It is recommended that all applicants whose first language is not English have a level of English at least IELTS of 6.5 or equivalent, achieved in one sitting.  

Academic skills
It is strongly recommended students have a foundation knowledge in physics to improve their chances of success in this programme.

Background checks
Prior to registration with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB), all graduates are required to provide a New Zealand Justice department issued record of criminal convictions. Applicants are advised that any health issues or criminal convictions may preclude them from successful registration with the Medical Radiation Technologists' Board as per the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act (HPCA Act, 2003).

UCOL | Te Pūkenga will undertake a safety check of all learners prior to enrolment to ensure UCOL | Te Pūkenga meets the legislative requirements of the Children's Act. UCOL | Te Pūkenga will do this on behalf of Hospitals, District Health Boards, and radiography providers which host UCOL learner placements.  The safety check involves confirming the student's work history, verifying their suitability to work with children with trusted referees, and completing New Zealand Police vetting. 

Work Experience
This programme has a significant practicum component of 2400 hours, split across three years of the degree - 600 hours in each of the first two years and 1200 hours in the third year.  

The practicums are conducted in the following hospitals:

• Auckland Radiology Group
• Broadway Radiology, Palmerston North
• Taranaki Base Hospital
• Gisborne Hospital
• Hastings Hospital
• Hutt Hospital
• Masterton Hospital
• Middlemore Hospital
• Palmerston North Hospital
• Pacific Radiology Wellington
• Rotorua Hospital
• Tauranga Hospital
• Waikato Hospital
• Wanganui Hospital
• Wellington Hospital
  

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course or unit standards have already been met. Learners who can provide evidence of a current first aid qualification will be given a credit transfer for the relevant unit standard(s). Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL | Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Completed Police Declaration Form
• Completed Health Declaration Form
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).