Well, since the last couple of blog entries, much has been happening, but I'm glad to report that all is well, and year 2 of the degree is well and truly underway!
Year 2 started off with clinical placement, and after reading through the second year clinical portfolio's content, it certainly appears that there'll be a lot more work to cover this time around, with stints in CT, Ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine on the agenda. We are, of course, going to be expected to continue to perform basic projections such as chest and extremity X-Rays that were covered in the first year, and in addition to this, we must also become competent in C, T and Lumbar spine examinations, as well as hip, pelvis and shoulder procedures, so it's certainly not going to be for the work shy! Looking back, the year 1 portfolio looks a breeze compared to this year's, so I'm just going to take it all in, focus and work hard. Wish me luck!
Yesterday, we had our first lecture of the year, and it was surprising to see how many students from year one were abscent. I knew some had decided that it wasn't for them, and a couple of others had failed examinations, but there certainly appeared to be a significant drop in numbers which was a little sad. Although I don't know everyone on the course, you kind of get used to seeing familiar faces in lectures, so it was a shame to see certain individuals that I got to know a little throughout last year not being present. Anyway, if you guys happen to read this, I wish you all the best for the future.
Diagnostic Imaging Science 'is aimed at students following the diagnostic imaging pathway in the Inter-professional Scheme for Allied Health. It includes quality assurance practiced in the radiology department, the requirements for digital image processing, design features of dedicated x-ray units, and the role that information technology provides in data manipulation and transmission of the acquired image' The morning session covered types of fluorographic and angiographic equipment used in radiography departments, with the afternoon session covering quality assurance, with topics such as testing of radiological equipment, remedial levels, suspension levels and notification of faults discussed. A nice first day back at lectures, with nothing too hard on the brain to absorb ;)
We now have 6 weeks of lectures before 3 weeks off for Xmas, a week off for revision followed by examinations for all modules commencing early January. I'll go into more detail about the other modules this year as and when we go commence them. I'm pleased to report that towards the end of academic year, I'll be having a stint at a world-renowned London hospital which I'm really looking forward to. My current placement is great, but it'll be good to have a change of scene and experience life as student radiographer at another hospital. All second and third year students are given the opportunity to experience clinical placement at alternative hospitals for a few weeks of the year, and I'm so glad to have been allocated this one. I'm certain it'll be most enlightening.
Well, that's about it for this update, folks. I shall continue to keep you all posted throughout the coming year(s), and will update the blog more often as and when we begin the new modules, and when placement commences once more. It really does feel quite strange typing all this as a scond year student. The first year's gobe SO quickly it's unreal!
Thanks again, to all those that have left messages on here, and to the many emails received from throughout the world. I always make the effort to reply to everyone (when time permits), so if anyone out there wants to get in touch for any reason, feel free to do so! Email addy on the right >>>
It's great to see the blog continuing to attract visitors to the site (4641 and counting as of this morning) so I'm glad you're all enjoying the read, and that it's proving a useful source of information. Due to the steadily increasing amount of traffic coming this way, you may have noticed that I've recently placed some adsense on the blog, so do free to have a 'browse' so to speak ;)
Just stumbled upon this a moment ago: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/cells/scale/ Interesting...
Talk soon...