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.

This programme consist of 360 credits. 

Year one courses

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.

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.

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 normal imaging appearances.

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)
Utilise 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)
Become familiar with research terminology and processors to become a critical consumer of research information. Also develop your research critiquing skills and relate research contributions to the advancement of New Zealand healthcare knowledge and practice.

Year three courses

Professional Practice and Management (15 Credits)
Develop 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)
Effectively critique and communicate health research and their contribution to the advancement of health knowledge.

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.

Public Safety 

If a learner is considered not capable of performing duties required for the practice of a Medical Imaging Technologist, due to a mental or physical condition, the programme leader (or equivalent) will give written notice of the circumstances to the Medical Radiation Technologists Board Registrar as soon as the learner's inability to perform the required functions is established by UCOL Te Pūkenga.

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 Academic Portfolio Manager; 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 having met the selection criteria and all clinical placement vaccination requirements prior to programme commencement.

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, will be required to participate in an interview and complete an observation visit 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 for 2024 closed 03 September 2023.

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 learners 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, 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.  

While on placement learners may be required to work after hours and on weekends with appropriate supervision.

The practicums are conducted in the following regions with limited placement spots available in each region:

• Auckland 
  
• Palmerston North
• Taranaki 
  
• Gisborne 
  
• Hastings 
  
• Hutt Valley
  
• Masterton
  
• Wellington
• Rotorua 
  
• Tauranga
  
• Waikato
  
• Wanganui
  

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. Please refer to the Course Information to understand the various courses within the Medical Imaging Technology programme.

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
  
• Evidence of English language proficiency if required 
  
• Completed Police Declaration Form
• Completed Health Declaration Form. Initially applicants must only complete Page 1. However, a specific Medical Imaging Technology Medical Report Form (including immunisation status) will be required to be provided by applicants who receive an ’Acceptance of Offer’ letter. Details of the requirement will be provided during the application process. 
  
• 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).