Graduate profile – Paramedics and Radiology

Radiology assistance

Radiology assistance is a non-medical field of study that prepares students to take up roles in which they will be able to work with ionising radiation sources, use them safely and at maximum efficiency. Students will learn the principles of imaging methods and ionising therapy. The basic knowledge to be acquired further includes principles of radiobiological interaction and radiation protection in the application of ionising radiation in medicine. The students will become experts in imaging and treatment methods in radiology, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine. They will act as an irreplaceable link in the nursing process chain when dealing with sources of ionising radiation. They will be able to, and authorised to use other types of imaging methods such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.

The studies take six terms to complete. During the first two terms, the students will enhance their theoretical knowledge in natural sciences and learn the basics of human biology necessary for them to be involved in the nursing process within non-medical care. The remaining 4 terms will be dedicated to acquiring required skills, especially the practical habits necessary to master all the activities of a Radiology Assistant.

Showing empathy to a sick person and the ability to work in a team of which they will be a member are essential parts of the traineeship. The studies are challenging, combining knowledge of physics and medicine with advanced instrumentation, which the students have to learn to work with during their studies. The entire examination process is checked using computer workstations, on which the students will perform post-processing adjustments after the examination.

The programme graduates will be able to take up radiology assistant positions at all healthcare establishments that include radiodiagnostics, radio oncology or nuclear medicine wards. At radiodiagnostics wards they will perform sciagraphic and sciascopic X-ray examinations, and they will engage in work in operating theatres or at patient bedsides. They will be qualified to provide assistance during procedures involving the use of vascular or non-vascular methods, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. At radiotherapy wards, they will be in charge of irradiation procedures using X-ray irradiation, linear acceleration and brachytherapy devices, and they will work with simulators and come up with irradiation plan calculations, construct irradiation aids and perform in-vivo dosimetry measurements. At nuclear medicine wards, they will apply imaging methods, including whole-body and tomographic examinations, and process the outcomes using computer systems.

Paramedics

The aim of the Baccalaureate Paramedics programme is to provide theoretical and practical instruction to students preparing to take up paramedic jobs within the Integrated Rescue System. Graduates will acquire the skills required to work as general nurses.

The Paramedics programme gives its graduates professional skills related to specific nursing care when providing pre-hospital emergency care and general and specialised nursing care through the nursing process as well as when providing acute intensive care, including emergency care. In addition, graduates will be able to contribute to medical and diagnostic care.