Professional Certificate Dual Energy X-ray Absoptiometry

Course Features

  • Targeted towards health care professionals currently involved in the practice technique and reporting of DEXA.
  • Material is primarily delivered online, providing a flexible approach to accommodate busy health care professionals and clinical site planning.

Overview

With an ageing population, the use of DEXA examinations to detect signs of osteoporotic changes will play a pivotal role in diagnosis of this condition, including recommendations on its management. DEXA examinations are extremely operator dependant and very sensitive to discrepancies in technique in particular. This course builds expertise in a number of specific areas related to DEXA examination and management. 

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is directed towards healthcare professionals currently involved in the practice technique of DEXA, and especially those involved in the reporting of DEXA examinations. Most of the course material is delivered by distance learning in order to facilitate healthcare professionals in full-time employment and their employers.  

What Will I Learn?

Overview

With the increasing average age in population, the use of DEXA examinations to detect signs of osteoporotic changes will play a pivotal role in diagnosis of this condition, including recommendations on its management. DEXA examinations are extremely operator dependant and very sensitive to discrepancies in technique in particular. This programme will equip healthcare professionals currently involved in DEXA examinations with the skills and expertise necessary to:

  • Develop their understanding of the operational and technical skills required to produce optimal scan results in addition to providing preliminary reports prior to radiologist approval.
  • Critically evaluate their own examination techniques and compare against standard practice to ensure optimal standards of operation
  • Develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the treatment and care pathways involved for patients diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis

How/Where Will I Learn?

Innovative and effective teaching and assessment methods will be used to maximise students learning and ensuring the course is clinically relevant. This we be achieved through use of predominately on-line material and a collection of case studies presented in a clinical personal development portfolio.

Am I Eligible for this Course?

Overview

Applicants are required to:

  • Hold a primary degree in radiography, nursing, physiotherapy or equivalent.
  • Have access to computing facilities for online content.
  • Provide evidence of available clinical support for completion of the practical portfolio requirements.

International Applicants

  • International applicants should contact the academic programme director for a full list of entry requirements.
  • A list of FAQs for international applicants is available here.

Application Details

  • Next intake is January 2013.
  • Applications should be submitted via the online application portal at www.ucd.ie/apply

Contact Us

Programme Administrator

Ms. Anne Hegarty
Diagnostic Imaging Programme Office
Health Sciences Centre
UCD Belfield
Dublin 4
T: + 353 1 716 6545
F:  + 353 1 716 6547
E: diagnostic.imaging@ucd.ie

 

Academic Programme Director

Ms. Joanna Lowe
School of Medicine & Medical Science
Health Sciences Centre
UCD Belfield
Dublin 4
E: joanna.lowe@ucd.ie

Course Fees

EU StudentsNon-EU Students 
€700 €1,400
  • For more information on course fees please visit the Fees & Grants Office website.
  • Fees are correct at the time of writing and subject to change.