PgCert Breast Ultrasound
This programme is delivered by the Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging. It is validated by ɬÂþÌìÌÃ. Through our rigorous quality assurance procedures we ensure that the programme has the same academic standards as equivalent awards delivered by ɬÂþÌìÌÃ.
The PgCert Breast Ultrasound aims to enable practitioners to develop the knowledge and skills that underpin practice in breast ultrasound and associated interventional procedures. Ultrasound is a key element of breast diagnostic and treatment pathways.
There are a number of recognised Advanced Practice roles for mammographers including mammographic film reading, stereotactic biopsy, clinical breast examination and breast ultrasound. In order to become a Consultant Mammographer within the UK all four of these clinical skills must be acquired.
Programme details
Title :Ìý Posgraduate Certificate in Breast Ultrasound
:Ìý Ìý11
Mode of delivery : The modules are delivered utilising a blended approach of attendance, online and work-place learning.
Duration :Ìý minimum 1 year; maximum 4 years
Language of delivery :Ìý ÌýEnglish
Approval
First approved: April 2022
Most recent approval: April 2022
External accreditation or recognition: Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).
Programme structure
|
Module |
Semester |
Starting Month |
Teaching and Learning Approach |
|
Physics and Instrumentation of Ultrasound |
1 |
September |
Attendance and Online Activities |
|
*Breast Ultrasound Ìý |
2 |
January |
Workplace and Online Activities |
|
*Ultrasound Guided Breast Interventional Procedures |
3 |
June |
Attendance, Workplace and Online Activities |
*These modules require access to an appropriate workplace setting
Key features
Placements
A central element of the award is workplace learning. In order to ensure that the learner’s workplace learning is achievable the formal support of an appropriate workplace and Clinical Mentor is required. The workplace must be able to provide appropriate experiential learning in order that modular learning outcomes and can be achieved. This is normally the learner’s workplace. It is the responsibility of the learner to negotiate an appropriate workplace.
The modules Breast Ultrasound and Ultrasound Guided Breast Interventional Procedures both require 170 hours of workplace learning.
Professional registration
Accreditation from the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) is in progress
Any other important points - n/a
Admission criteria
Standard entry for Mammographers:
(all require registration as radiographers with the HCPC or Coru):
Standard entry requirements for the PgCert Breast Ultrasound is PgCert Mammography (ɬÂþÌìÌà or equivalent) and working in a clinical environment which supports the clinical element of the programme.
Standard entry for Physics and Instrumentation of Ultrasound as CPD is PgCert Mammography (ɬÂþÌìÌà or equivalent).
Standard entry requirements for the Breast Ultrasound module or the Ultrasound Guided Breast Interventional Procedures module as CPD is PgCert Mammography (ɬÂþÌìÌà or equivalent), Physics and Instrumentation of Ultrasound (ɬÂþÌìÌà or equivalent) and working in a clinical environment which supports the clinical element of the programme.
Non-standard entry for other healthcare specialists:
It is noted that other HCPC, Coru, NMC or GMC registered healthcare professionals, e.g. radiologists, nurses, physiotherapists or podiatrists, may wish to register on the full PgCert or individual modules as CPD to develop their practice.
Non-standard entry requirements for the PgCert Breast Ultrasound - practitioner must normally be HCPC, Coru, NMC, NMBI or GMC registered and working in a clinical environment which supports the clinical element of the programme.
Non-standard entry for Physics and Instrumentation of Ultrasound as CPD – practitioner must normally be HCPC, Coru, NMC, NMBI or GMC registered.
Non-standard entry requirements for the Breast Ultrasound module or the Ultrasound Guided Breast Interventional Procedures module as CPD - practitioner must normally be HCPC, Coru, NMC, NMBI or GMC registered or be a sonographer who has a ‘direct entry’ qualification and must have completed Physics and Instrumentation of Ultrasound (ɬÂþÌìÌà or equivalent) and working in a clinical environment which supports the clinical element of the programme.
All non-standard entry applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
