Durban University of Technology Radiography

RADIOGRAPHY

Head of Department: Mrs Roshnee Sunder
Secretary: Miss Z.N Gumede
Tel: 031 373 2450
Email: zamangunig@dut.ac.za
Location: DH1102, Gate 6, Ritson Campus, Steve Biko Road
The Department of Radiography is a dynamic department within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology. It caters for the four main disciplines of radiography – Diagnostic (D), Nuclear Medicine (NM), Radiotherapy (T) and Ultrasound (US).
 

Radiography Handbook

Vision
The vision of the Department of Radiography is to be a leading department in transformative and innovative radiography education guided by global (national and international) norms and a strong commitment to excellence, teaching and learning, development of local and global linkages in education, research, community engagement, and development in the radiography profession.
Mission Statement
The Department is committed to promote a values-driven ethos sustainable with industry, community and society; by developing quality health professionals that are practice oriented, receptive and responsive to the health care needs of the people of South Africa, and Africa as a whole, by providing the highest standards of teaching, learning and community engagement underpinned by a commitment to empowering staff and students to succeed.
Programmes offered by the department and Entrance Requirements
Bachelor of Health Sciences: Diagnostic Radiography / Diagnostic Sonography / Nuclear Medicine / Radiotherapy  (Note: Diagnostic Sonography / Nuclear Medicine / Radiotherapy are staggered offerings and there will be no intake in 2024)
Master of Health Sciences: Radiography
Doctor of Radiography
Phasing out programmes (Note: Teach-out date 31 December 2024)
National Diploma Radiography: Diagnostic / Nuclear Medicine / Therapy / Ultrasound

Bachelor of Technology Radiography: Diagnostic / Nuclear Medicine / Therapy / Ultrasound

 
Diagnostic Radiography

Radiography is the creation of radiographs; photographs made by exposing a photographic film or other image receptor to X-rays. Since X-rays penetrate solid objects, but are slightly attenuated by them, the picture resulting from the exposure reveals the internal structure of the object.
A radiographer should be able to apply scientific knowledge and technologies, applicable to the clinical presentation, for the production of optimum image quality in a chosen elective; be able to plan, develop and apply total quality management with consideration for equipment, human resources, quality assurance and health care needs; be able to manage a radiographic service; be able to apply research skills and principles, and be able to apply advanced ethical principles to daily practice.
A diagnostic radiographer takes radiographs/films of parts of the body on patients who are referred by a physician or doctor for the diagnosis of either trauma (injury) or disease. The radiographer must be competent in the operation of various types of diagnostic X-ray equipment and in caring for the patient. A radiographer does not make diagnoses as this falls within the scope of a qualified doctor such as a physician, surgeon or radiologist. A radiologist is a qualified doctor who is a specialist in the diagnosis of illnesses which can be demonstrated on X-ray films (radiographs) or other medical imaging systems.
 
 
Nuclear Medicine

This is a medical specialty that uses small amounts of radioactive substances to show the function of a body organ, as well as its anatomy. It has diagnostic as well as therapeutic applications. Nuclear medicine technologists administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients and then monitor the characteristics and functions of tissues or organs in which the drugs localize, with the use of specialized equipment. The radiographers also perform a number of laboratory related procedures.
They should be able to apply scientific skills and technologies to the clinical presentation for the production of optimum image quality in the specialised fields and research units of Nuclear Medicine. They need to also plan, develop and manage a nuclear medicine department as well as apply strategic management and administration to ensure a quality Nuclear Medicine service.
A nuclear medicine radiographer is trained in imaging and laboratory procedures in order to determine the physiological function of human beings using radionuclides or radio pharmaceuticals at the request of a qualified medical practitioner. He or she must be competent in the operation of various types of nuclear medicine equipment, laboratory procedures and care of the patient. A nuclear medicine radiographer does not make diagnoses, as these fall within the scope of a qualified doctor or specialist.
Radiotherapy

Treatment of disease with radiation, especially by selective irradiation with x-rays or other ionizing radiation and by ingestion of radioisotopes. Radiotherapy radiographers work closely with doctors, nurses, physicists and other members of the oncology team to treat patients with cancer. They deliver doses of X-rays and other ionising radiation to patients, many of whom are suffering from various forms of cancer. They locate the area to be treated and work out the exact dosage required with doctors and medical physicists.
Radiotherapy radiographers may be involved in the care of the cancer patient from the initial referral clinic stage, where pre-treatment information is given, through the planning process, treatment and eventually post-treatment review (follow-up) stages. They should also be able to function in the oncology team in the development and review of protocols/clinical trials in order to maintain standards of management of oncology patients and control of the holistic radiation oncology care of the patient in order to offer an optimal service. An application of management skills in a supervisory capacity of the radiotherapy division and implementing research principles with the promotion of a research climate is required.
A radiotherapy radiographer administers treatment using ionising radiation at the request of a radiotherapist. He or she is responsible for maintaining a patient’s radiation dose records, and care of the patient including giving the patient advice and instruction in diet, skin care and health. The radiotherapy radiographer is also responsible for localisation and radiation planning of tumours, the implementation of radiation protection measures, care and use of radiation equipment, and the storage and handling of radioactive isotopes.
 
Diagnostic Sonography / Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. An ultrasonographer is a radiographer who is qualified to perform abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound to determine the size, shape and dimensions of pelvic organs, ovarian follicle production, and the existence of tumors, enlargements or inflammations. Doppler and 3-D ultrasound help identify pathologies such as gallstones, kidney stones, cancers, hematomas and tumors.
An ultrasonographer provides vital information to the physician, giving data on anatomy and pathology through images formed by the use of high frequency sound waves. These images are then interpreted by the radiologist in order to provide diagnostic information. An ultrasonographer should also be able to understand, analyse and adapt current developments in ultrasound imaging for the implementation and management of protocols; plan, develop and manage an ultrasound department with consideration for human resources, equipment, quality assurance and patient requirements; and apply research principles for the development of a research climate and publications.
Ultrasound radiographers produce images of various parts of the body using ultrasound for diagnostic purposes at the request of a medical practitioner. An ultrasound radiographer must operate various types of diagnostic ultrasound equipment and care for patients competently. He or she does not make a diagnosis, as this falls within the scope of a qualified doctor such as a radiologist, obstetrician, surgeon or physician. The ultrasound radiographer reports his or her findings.
Useful Links

• Health Professions Council of South Africa
• The Society of Radiographers of South Africa
• The International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists
• World Health Organisation
• Society of Nuclear Medicine

What The Clinic Does

Radiography is the art and science of producing medical images of the human body by making use of ionizing radiation, sound waves and magnetic fields. The Department of Radiography provides training in the four (4) main disciplines of Radiography which include Diagnostic Radiography (D), Nuclear Medicine (NM), Therapy (T) and Ultrasound (US). The Radiography Clinic facilitates the training of students from all these disciplines. In addition, the clinic accommodates the practice of general x-ray procedures by Chiropractic students for training purposes.

What The Clinic Offers

The Radiography Clinic offers a quality service delivery of general x-ray procedures to patients (staff, students and public) using state of the art equipment (computed- and digital radiography). All images will be accompanied by an official radiologist’s report. The operating hours for the Clinic are Monday to Thursday (08h00 am to 16h30 pm) and Friday (08h00 am to 15h00 pm). The Radiography Clinic has Ultrasound- and Mammography facilities as well as a Therapy planning unit for training purposes.

What The Procedures Of The Clinic Are

It is preferred that patients are scheduled by appointment to ensure that optimal patient services are being rendered. Patients must present with an appropriate referral letter for bookings to be made at the Radiography Clinic reception. Patients can be referred from by medical doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists as well as professional nurses with a primary healthcare qualification. The Clinic receptionist will ensure timeous and efficient patient bookings. X-ray prices are dependent on the type of x-ray required and the clinical request. These prices will be provided upon making a booking. All payments must be made at the DUT cashiers on the Steve Biko Campus. The proof of payment must be presented at the time of the appointment.