Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Overview

The Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences (previously Radiography) is located within the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences. CPUT is the only university in the Western Cape that offers the following BSc programmes in Medical Imaging: BSc Diagnostic Radiography, BSc Diagnostic Ultrasound, BSc Nuclear Medicine Technology and BSc Radiation Therapy. Our programmes strive to address the critical shortage of radiographers and ultrasonographers in the Western Cape and South Africa. Our high standard of training is widely acknowledged by industry and our graduates find employment internationally. The respective degrees are offered full-time over a period of four (4) years. The aim of these 4-year professional degrees is to develop professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills required in Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences and apply such knowledge and skills in the appropriate workplace context. Our academic programmes strive to instil a culture of independent learning from an early onset.

Vision

To build a nation-leading medical imaging department committed to the vision of the university by adopting smart innovative techniques and technologies in the fields of teaching and learning, research, engagement, administration, partnerships, and collaborations.

Mission

To develop professional diagnostic radiographers, ultrasonographers, nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists by applying smart innovative techniques in teaching and learning and research with the aim of meeting the needs of industry and contributing to the improvement of the well-being and health of individuals in local, national, and international communities.

Values

The values of the Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences are aligned with that of CPUT. The Department agrees to oneness and smartness by:

• Embracing a culture of transparency and engaging in respectful conversation, showing appreciation and being honest.
• Seeking kindness, displaying thankfulness; and showing compassion (human heartedness) for the well-being of all our students, staff, stakeholders and the CPUT community, as expressed in ubuntu as a way of living.
• Being mindful of circumstances and respecting the role of each person in the team; being open to change and a testimony of unity whilst embracing diversity.
• Showing passion and demonstrating enthusiasm, devotion, intensity, tenacity, and total commitment to everything that we undertake as a department, delivering uncompromising quality service, and always searching for better ways of doing things.
• Taking accountability and accepting responsibility for all our actions, decisions, behaviour, and the actions that we commit to, whilst maintaining a professional decorum.

The department of MITS strives to enhance productivity and efficiency by embracing all the possibilities offered by rapidly developing technologies.

Brief overview of undergraduate qualifications offered:

Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiography

The diagnostic radiographer works in a multidisciplinary team. Diagnostic Radiography entails the production of digital images that may be used to diagnose or confirm medical diagnoses and to aid in therapeutic and interventional procedures. Diagnostic Radiography utilizes ionizing radiation for most of its imaging modalities to produce images of the human body and includes general and specialised radiography i.e., Trauma radiography, Theatre radiography, Angiography, Mammography, Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an imaging modality that uses high frequency sound waves to image internal organs and structures within the human body. These images provide valuable diagnostic information for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. It is used extensively to view the unborn foetus, abdominal organs, male and female pelvic organs, blood vessels and superficial structures such as the thyroid, breast, and the musculoskeletal system. The ultrasonographer works in close collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.

Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology

Nuclear Medicine involves the use of radioactive pharmaceuticals in the diagnosis and to an extent, treatment of disease. Nuclear medicine involves dispensing and administering radioactive pharmaceuticals to a patient. The distribution of the radioactivity within the patient’s body is imaged using specialized nuclear medicine technology imaging equipment to obtain information on the structure and function of organs. The nuclear medicine technologist forms part of a multidisciplinary team.

Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy involves the use of high energy radiation to administer a therapeutic dose to a patient and is, but not exclusively, used to treat cancer. Radiation therapists will form part of a multidisciplinary team in the radiotherapy planning and treatment of patients. While radiation therapy is the focus, the radiation therapists are trained to manage the psychological and emotional aspects that the patient may experience during treatment being administered. Treatment simulation, treatment planning, dosimetry, quality assurance, counselling and treatment delivery are some of the aspects applicable to this profession.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

NOTE: International applicants should always have their qualification/s evaluated by SAQA before applying for undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, along with RPL applications

A minimum APS of 30 is considered, however preference is given to applicants with a higher APS.

Modes of Learning, Teaching and Assessment

MITS adopts the blended learning and teaching approach where classes and assessments are conducted online (virtually) and face-to-face on campus as well as clinical training through Work Integrated Leaning (WIL) at the clinical centres (hospitals, community health centres and clinics)

Clinical placement

The Department collaborates with various industry partners (private and public sectors) for clinical placement in various regions. Students are required to complete the clinical component of the programme under the supervision of qualified HPCSA registered healthcare professionals.

Bursary opportunities

The following private radiology practices offer bursaries to BSc Diagnostic Radiography and BSc Diagnostic Ultrasound students.

• Bergman, Ross, and Partners: johnson@bergmanross.co.za
• Cape Radiology: info@caperad.co.za
• Morton and Partners Radiologists: https://morton.co.za/bursary/
• Schnetler, Corbett and Partners Inc.: https://www.scp.co.za/about-us/student-bursary/
• Winelands Radiology: info@winelandsradiology.co.za

The Western Cape Department of Health also offer bursaries. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/service/bursaries-health

Recognition of Prior Learning

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

RPL provides an opportunity for you to identify your learning, have it assessed and formally acknowledged. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. RPL processes will apply to applicants who:

• require access to first year as they do not meet the minimum entrance requirements. NOTE: applicants may be asked to complete appropriate workshops to upgrade your knowledge towards developing your RPL portfolio
• require exemption from certain subjects if the applicant has studied radiography or another health science qualification at CPUT or at a different institution and would like to further their studies at CPUT. Follow the link for more information: https://www.cput.ac.za/study/rpl

Career prospects

Graduates find employment in academic hospitals, community health centres, private and public practice both nationally and internationally, research institutes, and related healthcare industries.

Supporting documents and additional expenses

Upon acceptance the following documents and medical tests are required to enter the clinical facilities. Kindly note that these expenses are for the student’s own account payable upon entry into the BSc programme.

*Expenses to be paid within the first week of orientation.

Kindly note prescribed textbook list, Chemistry practical consumables and personal protective equipment (PPE) to be confirmed.

BSc Enquiries

Ms Sonja Fortuin
Departmental Secretary
Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences
Faculty Health and Wellness Sciences
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Tel: +27 21 959-6538
Email: fortuins@cput.ac.za

Postgraduate studies information

Students interested in pursuing postgraduate studies can complete a Master of Science Degree (MSc) NQF (Level 9) in Radiography. The MSc can be followed by a Doctor of Radiography Degree (D Rad) (NQF Level 10) in Radiography.

After completing a BSc or equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification in radiography, RPL could also be used for advanced standing into postgraduate studies see 2.5 and 2.6 in the following link https://www.cput.ac.za/study/rpl

Master of Science in Radiography

This qualification is intended to further develop researchers who will contribute, through independent research in a radiography-related field. The research problem, its justification, methodology, and outcome are reported in a thesis that complies with the accepted norms for research at this level. This practitioner will also demonstrate a high level of overall knowledge in radiography, ranging from fundamental concepts to advanced theoretical or applied knowledge.

Programme structure

Full research project and thesis

Pre-application guidelines

Prior to applying for the MSc Radiography programme, the following documents need to be submitted to the departmental research coordinators, Dr A Speelman (speelmana@cput.ac.za) and Dr M Marais (maraism@cput.ac.za) :

• Concept paper/preliminary research proposal:
• 2-4 pages with the following subheadings: topic, background/rationale, aims/objectives, brief literature review and proposed methodology
• Use the Harvard method of bibliographic citation (https://www.cput.ac.za/research-technology-and-innovation/postgraduate/information)
• Academic transcripts
• SAQA certificates (if applicable)

These documents will be reviewed by the departmental postgraduate research committee for feasibility (taking into consideration capacity and/or space on the programme) of the proposed study. The outcome of the review will be communicated to the prospective candidate and if feasible, the candidate will be advised to apply online for the programme.

Duration

Full-time 100% Research: A minimum of one (1) calendar year and a maximum of three (3) years

Part-time 100% Research: A minimum of one (1) calendar year and a maximum of four (4) years

Admission Requirements:

• BSc Radiography (or equivalent honours degree) with an average of 60% is required. Applicants with a National Diploma and BTech qualification need to apply via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Please refer to CPUT’s policy on RPL at http://www.cput.ac.za/study/rpl/process.
• An applicant with <60% will be considered if there is evidence of research experience, publications, conference presentations etc.

Doctor of Radiography

The practitioner with this qualification will be a researcher who will make a significant scientific contribution, through independent, original research in a chosen field. The research outcome of the qualification is a doctoral thesis that complies with the accepted norms for research at this level.

Programme structure

Full research project and thesis

Pre-application guidelines

Prior to applying for the Doctor of Radiography programme, the following documents need to be submitted to the departmental research coordinators, Dr A Speelman (speelmana@cput.ac.za) and Dr M Marais (maraism@cput.ac.za):

• Concept paper/preliminary research proposal:
• 2-4 pages with the following subheadings: topic, background/rationale, aims/objectives, brief literature review and proposed methodology
• Use the Harvard method of bibliographic citation (https://www.cput.ac.za/research-technology-and-innovation/postgraduate/information)
• Academic transcripts
• SAQA certificates (if applicable)

These documents will be reviewed by the departmental postgraduate research committee for feasibility of the proposed study (taking into consideration capacity and/or space on the programme). The outcome of the review will be communicated to the prospective candidate and if feasible, the candidate will be advised to apply online for the programme.

Follow the link for more information: https://www.cput.ac.za/study/postgraduate-applications

Duration

Full-time: A minimum of two (2) consecutive calendar years and a maximum of four (4) years

Part-time: A minimum of 4 years and a maximum of six (6) years

Admission Requirements:

• MTech/MSc Radiography (or equivalent Master’s degree) with an average of 60% is required.
• An applicant with <60% will be considered if there is evidence of research experience, publications, conference presentations etc.
• An applicant who does not meet the minimum admission requirements may be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Please refer to CPUT’s policy on RPL (http://www.cput.ac.za/study/rpl/process)

Thesis Assessment

The final assessment will be based on the thesis or dissertation submitted which will be externally assessed by examiners appointed by the university. The graduate will make a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge and initiate change that will help to develop and advance the profession of Radiography.

Postgraduate enquiries

For further enquiries, please contact:

Dr Aladdin Speelman
Research Coordinator: Department of MITS

Email: speelmana@cput.ac.za

Or

Dr Mark Marais
Research Coordinator: Department of MITS

Email: maraism@cput.ac.za