Practice education placements in the UCD Radiography programme are designed to ensure students meet (opens in a new window)the standards of proficiency for radiographers. These standards are required for professional practice as outlined by CORU, the regulatory body for health and social care professionals in Ireland. Placements are integral to the curriculum, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings and develop the competencies necessary for a career in radiography.
Structure of Practice Education Placements
As part of the degree programme, students will participate in hospital rotations arranged by UCD, tailored to meet their educational needs. These experiences allow students to observe and perform a wide range of diagnostic imaging procedures, fostering the development of essential skills and professionalism. The placements are structured to provide progressively challenging experiences, supporting the transition from student to competent, autonomous practitioner.
Supervision and Assessment
Student learning and assessment activities associated with clinical placement have been designed to align with the CORU radiography standards of proficiency. These are available on the (opens in a new window)CORU website. Each clinical practice module includes clinical practice assessments and reflective clinical portfolios, which involves clinical practice reflections and case studies. These mandatory pass/fail assessments are evaluated by Clinical Practice Educators who have received specialised training at UCD. Some clinical modules also feature a third assessment component—an oral image-based evaluation—conducted at UCD.
Placement Hours and Experience
Students must complete 1,000 clinical placement hours in accordance with CORU's standards. Attendance is closely monitored by Clinical Practice Educators, and each clinical practice module has a designated number of required placement hours. Students cannot be marked as having completed a module without fulfilling the required hours for that clinical practice module.
Placements occur in diverse settings nationwide, providing exposure to various imaging modalities and patient demographics. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the radiography profession.
Preparation for Practice Education Placements
Preparation begins upon admission to the Radiography programme. Students must complete the following:
- Garda vetting
- Health screening
- Fitness to practise declaration
Compliance with UCD's health and safety policies is mandatory, including certification in CPR and manual handling. Additionally, students are required to complete relevant online modules, such as those offered through HSeLanD, to ensure readiness for clinical environments.
Practice Educators Resources:
- (opens in a new window)How to give Constructive and Actionable Feedback to Students: Staff to Students
- (opens in a new window)How to give Constructive and Actionable Peer Feedback: Students to Students
- (opens in a new window)Teaching and Learning for Clinical Teachers (TLCT) – National Resource Hub
- Practice Tutors Handbook
- MyProgress Practice Tutor guide
- Radiography UER and GER clinical calendar
- CORU standards of proficiency
Graduation and Professional Registration
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates are eligible for statutory registration with CORU. This registration is essential for practising as a radiographer in Ireland.
Practice Education Support
The UCD practice education team collaborates with clinical partners nationwide to develop and implement quality placement experiences. This partnership ensures that students receive comprehensive training that meets current professional standards and addresses the evolving needs of healthcare services.
For more detailed information about the Radiography programme and practice education placements at UCD, prospective students can visit the UCD course page.
Additionally, the UCD Radiography video provides valuable insights into the programme and can be viewed here: