Introduction
The Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Breast Imaging is offered through St.George’s, University of London and has been designed in partnership with the School of Radiography at Kingston University, Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences, the NHS National Breast Screening Training Centres at the Jarvis Centre, Guildford, Surrey and St George’s National Breast Screening Training Centre, Tooting, London.
This programme is aimed at the Assistant Mammography Practitioners, who work within the Breast Screening Units (BSU) undertaking mammographic procedures within the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP). The introduction of the career progression framework to the radiography profession, coupled with changes to career development structures within the NHS has led to the need for individuals to be accredited as Assistant Practitioners in order for their qualifications and practice to be recognised within the NHS. This course is fully approved and accredited by The College of Radiographers.
The Foundation Degree will provide a substantially work-based learning programme for geographically diverse staff in these roles within the National Breast Screening service.
Rationale for the Foundation Degree pathway in Breast Imaging
According to the 2003 Department of Health Radiography Skills Mix report on the four-tier service delivery model, the definition of an Assistant Practitioner (AP) is one who ‘performs protocol-limited clinical tasks under the direct supervision of a state registered practitioner’.
This role is highly suited to the breast screening service to provide a support tier to the mammography radiographers, many of whom are undertaking advanced practice roles. The relatively recent introduction of AP’s has already seen the opportunity for them to work beyond their scope of practice, approved by the College of Radiographers, supported by a recent publication of additional professional guidance and advice, ‘The Scope of Practice of Assistant Practitioners in Clinical Imaging (Jan 2007)’.
There is potential for this Foundation Degree to meet the full needs of an AP in breast imaging, providing a robust recognition of their education and training for the service. This foundation degree will not only embrace the work based learning philosophy of a foundation degree but will provide a highly suitable qualification for this important workforce in serving and meeting the critical needs of the well woman population.
Qualifications for AP’s in breast imaging/mammography are currently variable in the UK and The Foundation Degree In Breast Imaging provides the opportunity for a well structured, academically and clinically sound and quality assured programme.
The NHS is still expanding its breast screening programme, both in terms of the work undertaken in two view screening and an increase in the age-range covered by the screening programme.
On 24th September 2007, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced at the Labour Party conference that the NHS Breast Screening Programme was to be extended to automatically invite women aged 47-73 yrs, (currently 50 – 70 yrs) to attend breast screening.
Both of these expansions will require a review of the service in order meet increased target screening levels.
The previous age extension, (from 50 – 64, to 50 – 69) and the increase from single to 2- view screening, resulted in 40% increase in staffing requirements. These extensions to the programme have not yet been fully implemented nationally. The latest extension to the programme will similarly require an increased workforce of 30%. These service extensions create an obvious need to increase the local service workforce fairly quickly.
In addition, countries abroad send students to our Postgraduate radiography programme in Medical Imaging (mammography) and in Breast Evaluation, so some may be interested in the Foundation Degree for less qualified members of staff ineligible for postgraduate education & training. Those numbers do not take into account symptomatic services within numerous hospital trusts who may also be interested.
Course Development and Course Delivery Team
This course has been developed with personnel from the School of Radiography, FHSCS and key staff from education, training and service delivery within the breast screening service. The basis for the course has been initiated from a Work Based Learning approach to provide integration between theory and application that progresses during the stages of development of an assistant radiography practitioner in mammography.
Admissions Process
Selection Procedure
Candidates for the Foundation Degree (FdSc in Breast Imaging) are admitted to the programme where there is a reasonable expectation that they will be able to fulfil the learning outcomes and achieve the required standard for the award.
Criteria for selection
Candidates must:
• Be at least 18 years of age on admission;
• Be employed at a Breast Screening Unit or comparable department and have an agreed statement of sponsorship and financial support and suitable reference from the employer;
• Provide evidence that they have appropriate occupational health clearance and police check clearance from the Criminal Review Board (enhanced CRB check) undertaken for employment purposes;
• Have an IELTS score of 6.5 if an overseas candidate;
• Provide a personal statement in their application form for their reasons for wishing to undertake the course.
Since candidates will be employees within the Breast Screening Programme or comparable department, in the event that candidates do not meet any of the selection criteria they will be informed in order to assist them in making future applications.
Academic criteria
The normal minimum entry requirements for the Foundation Degree are:
• 1 A level and 5 GCSEs (grades A-C including English and Maths) or equivalent e.g. NVQ level III Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiography Support with M2.0 Skills for Health Occupational Standards in Mammography, or equivalent.
Candidates without formal qualifications will be required to be assessed for suitability by an interview and written test at the time of interview, however due to the academic nature of the course, preference will be given to candidates with evidence of academic study within five years prior to commencing the programme.
Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (AP(E)L)
Candidates who hold NVQ level III Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiography Support with M2.0 Skills for Health Occupational Standards in Mammography, or equivalent may gain exemption from certain clinical elements within some modules.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
Candidates who hold relevant qualifications at the appropriate level may be able to apply for exemption for certain modules or an entire level or stage of the course. This may not exceed one half of the whole programme of study for this course. If you think you may be eligible for APL please contact the APL advisor for the course jcurtis@hscs.sgul.ac.uk
Note: If a course selection interview is required, it may also be combined with the selection for employment interview process for the Assistant Practitioner where the academic staff representative may be a panel member for employment selection also. This is likely to be the case for new staff entering into becoming assistant practitioners.
Candidates will be informed of the outcome at a reasonable period following application.
Conditional offers will be made in order to ensure all of the admissions criteria have been met.
Equal opportunities and disability
Admission procedures are consistent with SGUL Equal Opportunities Procedures and in accordance with current legislation. Candidates with disabilities will be considered in conjunction with health requirements to ensure that they are able to fulfil the requirements of the course.
Funding
Course tuition fees will be paid by the employing BSU for their staff. The student numbers have HEFCE funding associated with them.
How to Apply:
Applications to:
Marieka Hattingh - breastimaging@sgul.ac.uk
For further details or an informal chat please contact Judi Curtis, the Course Director on:
Email: jcurtis@hscs.sgul.ac.uk
Tel: 020 8417 2504
Or Claire Borrelli, Head of Education & Training, St George’s National Training Centre on:
Email: Claire.Borrelli@stgeorges.nhs.uk
Tel: 020 8725 1534
