MRS500 Mammography Practice (24)

This subject is a 24 point subject attended over the full course duration and focuses on experiential learning in the mammography practice setting. The emphasis is on reflective, consumer-led mammographic practice. Students learn by working with experienced radiographers, their own supervised mammography practice and self/professional appraisals. Experiential learning is supported by the University providing on-line support, information, review and assessment. Mammography practice experiential learning is integrated with theoretical learning in all of the other subjects in the GDM, which are studied concurrently to enable students to inform their own practice environment through reflection and application of theory.

Students are required to demonstrate safe and competent mammography practice commensurate with their period of time in the course at the time of each appraisal. A set of competency based experiences must be met by each student prior to graduation, and achievement of these skills is to be recorded, assessed and reflected on in this subject. In addition, the students are required to critically examine issues that can affect the delivery of consumer-centred care.

Subject Outlines
Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2018.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

Three sessions

School

School of Dentistry and Health Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Only available to students enrolled in the Grad Dip Mammography course. Students enrolled in the Master of Medical Radiation Science course may enrol with the permission of the Courses Director.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to plan, implement and evaluate the safe and ethical practice of mammography across the range of examinations required by the AIR Competency Based Mammography Skills in any mammographic setting, using evidence upon which to base their practice.
  • be able to provide a professional and ethical standard of mammography care, support and communication for the consumer and multidisciplinary team using principles of best, evidence based practice.
  • be able to exercise reflective and critical analytical skills in clinical reasoning, decision making and in working with consumers and other health professionals.
  • be able to consistently produce and evaluate mammograms of optimal diagnostic quality, whilst applying the ALARA principle, and ensuring minimal client discomfort.
  • be able to synthesise knowledge of normal mammographic appearances and recognise obvious mammographic and clinical abnormalities.
  • be able to demonstrate high level knowledge of ancillary breast imaging modalities and cognitive skills in complementary techniques and interventional procedures to complement an examination or assess a mammographic abnormality.
  • have a clear understanding of their role as a primary health carer and incorporate into practice the principles of open enquiry, environmental sustainability, workplace health and safety, equity, cultural sensitivity and diversity, social justice, self-determination, and community participation and collaboration.
  • be able to use and undertake research in the field of mammography

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • MRS500 Mammography Practice runs continuously throughout the course from February to February, concurrent with the student's clinical placement. During this time the students will practice all aspects of mammography including but not limited to:
  • Mammographic positioning with an ability to adapt their technique to deal with a range of non-standard situations
  • Image evaluation and the PGMI
  • Equipment considerations
  • Communication skills both with the clients and as a member of the multi-disciplinary team
  • Quality assurance
  • Ergonomics and risk management
  • Assessment centre techniques
  • The treatment pathway
  • Ancillary breast imaging modalities, complementary techniques and interventional procedures

Workplace Learning

This subject contains a 57.5 days Compulsory Workplace Learning component.

Students will engage in clinical practice at a nominated BreastScreen Australia unit or Radiology Practice for the duration of the course. This is a course entry requirement and will be undertaken over 41 weeks at 2.5 days per week (or equivalent), of which 57.5 days are allocated to this subject. MRS500 is a hybrid subject with distance and residential school components as well as workplace learning components.

Residential School

This subject contains a 11 day Compulsory Residential School.

Distance Education is supported by residential school learning and simulated or supervised mammography skills learning and practice. Residential schools provide opportunities for peer and academic support, facilitated simulated learning experiences, assessment of progress and provides variety of learning, teaching and assessment strategies. The fostering of positive group dynamics which occurs in residential schools is a core component of effective enquiry based learning outcomes.
Residential schools consist of lectures, tutorials, assessment tasks, workstations for simulated learning, workshops, group presentations and other learning opportunities not conducive to DE learning.

There are two Residential Schools in this subject: commencing students attend a residential school for 6 days (Sunday  Friday, inclusive) at the beginning of the GDM program. Continuing students attend a residential school for 5 days (Monday to Friday inclusive) at approximately the mid-way point of the GDM program.

Special Resources

Students will engage in clinical practice at a nominated BreastScreen Australia unit or Radiology Practice for the duration of the course. This is a course entry requirement and will be undertaken over 41 weeks at 2.5 days per week (or equivalent). This is an overall course requirement and incorporates the 57.5 days required for MRS500.

Students will be required to cover the costs of immunisation, First Aid, uniforms and appropriate background checks in keeping with the Faculty of Science policies.

In addition students will be required to attend two Residential Schools and cover the costs of their transport and accommodation.

Contact

Current Students

For any enquiries about subject selection or course structure please contact Student Central or ask@csu.edu.au or phone on 1800 275 278.

Prospective Students

For further information about Charles Sturt University, or this course offering, please contact info.csu on 1800 275 278 (free call within Australia) or enquire online.

The information contained in the 2018 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: August 2018. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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