Overview
Designed for professionals working in diagnostic radiology within the NHS, private practice, or elite sports, the PgCert Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging course caters to those seeking to enhance their diagnostic ultrasound skills, whether to advance existing musculoskeletal scanning capabilities or to expand their scope of practice to include musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging.
Building on this foundation, the course features a pathway assessment leading to a competency-based qualification, ensuring graduates emerge as skilled, confident practitioners in musculoskeletal ultrasound. You will learn from a diverse team of experienced clinicians, including MSK radiographers, sonographers, and sports and exercise medicine consultants, offering real-world insights from both the NHS and private sectors.
Our course, sponsored by ESAOTE which provides the latest technological diagnostic equipment, perfectly blends theory with practical application, preparing you to achieve excellence in your professional practice of musculoskeletal sonography.
Located on the LSBU Croydon campus, our course is an integral part of the School of Allied and Community Health within the Institute of Health and Social Care. Renowned for being one of the most extensive institutions of its kind in the nation, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a vast network of support.
Why study Musculoskeletal Ultrasound at LSBU?
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- Accredited by CASE (Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education).
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- Eligible to join the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT) accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
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- Part of LSBU's acclaimed radiography and imaging education portfolio, recognised with the 'Diagnostic Radiographer Course of the Year 2022' at the Radiology Awards.
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- Use top-of-the-range ultrasound equipment with the support from ESAOTE.
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- Ranked 1st for feedback satisfaction for Health Professions amongst London Modern Competitors (Guardian University Guide 2021).
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- LSBU Health and Social Care graduates are the second highest paid among all London Modern university graduates, and the sixth highest in the UK one year after graduating (DfE LEO data 2022).
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- Taught by leading experts who are in current practice in diagnostic radiology departments within the NHS, and point-of-care-ultrasound in the private sector.
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- Gain clinical proficiency through supervised, live ultrasound scanning sessions conducted in small, interactive groups.
The Programme is accredited by CASE (Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education).
For More Information:
Please contact the Course Director, Stavros Daoukas
Follow us on Twitter: @ultrasound_lsbu
Follow us on LinkedIn: @lsbu-msk-ultrasound
| ModePart-time | Duration12 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5967 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Course Accreditations
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CASE
Location
The Croydon Campus is located at Electric House, Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR0 1LB See our location page for more details.
Entry Level Requirements
To qualify for admission, applicants must fulfil all of the following requirements:
- Applicants must have a 2:1 honours degree, or equivalent internationally recognised qualification in Health Care related subject.
- Applicants must be registered with the relevant UK professional/regulatory body.
- Applicants must have an appropriate amount and type of post-qualification experience in a clinical musculoskeletal or ultrasound specialism.
- Applicants must have an appropriate clinical placement with signed agreement for sufficient scanning experience from a Practice Educator/Clinical Mentor, Internal and External Assessors, and Clinical Manager/Department Lead. No unconditional offer will be made without a clinical placement agreement form completed and signed by all parties.
- Applicants must provide two references: one from a recent employer and one academic. Where a professional reference may not be feasible, both references can be academic.
- Applicants must submit a maximum of one A4 page personal statement outlining why they have chosen to study MSK ultrasound, how they meet the eligibility criteria, and their plans for utilising their qualification in their professional career post-graduation.
If an applicant is shortlisted, they will be invited to complete an interview. The interview panel will might consist of LSBU staff, lecturers, service users and clinicians. Interviewers from the course team will, amongst other attributes, be looking for a commitment to further study, an understanding of content and standard of the course and interpersonal skills.
The university operates an equal opportunities policy where there is no discrimination in view of age, gender, race, marital status, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, disability or religious beliefs.
All offers of places on the course are conditionally based on:
1. Satisfactory outcome of an interview;
2. Occupational Health clearance;
3. Satisfactory outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Applications from candidates with disabilities are considered and assessment of abilities and needs undertaken sensitively. The safety of the potential students is an important consideration.
All applicants must be 18 years or over at the commencement of the course.
English Language Requirement
Students for whom English is not their first language must achieve a minimum score of 7.0 overall or equivalent (including 7.0 in written element and a minimum score of 6.5 in speaking, reading and listening element) for the International English Language Test Score (IELTS) [or TOEFL: 570 including 55 in the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and at least 5 in the Test of Written English (TWE)], at the time of application.
Credit Accumulation & Transfer and Accreditation of Prior Learning
Students for whom English is not their first language must achieve a minimum score of 7.0 overall or equivalent (including 7.0 in written element and a minimum score of 6.5 in speaking, reading and listening element) for the International English Language Test Score (IELTS) [or TOEFL: 570 including 55 in the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and at least 5 in the Test of Written English (TWE)], at the time of application.
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Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
Speak with your employer/trust regarding professional development funding that may be available to you.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
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| Mode Part-time | Duration 12 months | Start date September | Application code 5967 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
LSBU
The course is structured to establish a robust connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application of musculoskeletal ultrasound. It unfolds through two modules, both commencing simultaneously in the first semester. The first module, Fundamentals of ultrasound, runs only in semester one, while the second module, Musculoskeletal ultrasound in professional practice, runs across both semesters.
- Fundamentals of ultrasound (20 credits) – Core module
The module introduces the principles of ultrasound physics and imaging technology so that students develop the skills needed to operate ultrasound equipment safely and effectively, and key factors that influence equipment choice alongside the responsibilities for equipment maintenance and other quality assurance processes. The module also introduces professional and medico-legal issues and explores regulatory and ethical aspects of ultrasound practice. - Musculoskeletal ultrasound in professional practice (40 credits) – Core module
The module focuses on developing students’ knowledge and practical skills on musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations of peripheral joints, and an understanding of musculoskeletal pathology to recognise abnormal conditions and diseases, which they subsequently apply and refine during their placements. These placements enable students to develop the necessary skills for ultrasound scanning of musculoskeletal pathologies and diseases in clinical settings, ensuring competence in examination and reporting within professional ultrasound practice. Under the direct supervision of qualified ultrasound practitioners, students gain hands-on experience in a supportive clinical environment.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
- Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Employability
The PgCert Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging course has been mapped against the CASE standards of profession, educational framework, learning objectives, competencies, and codes of conduct.
Upon successful completion of the PgCert Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging course, graduates will obtain 60 credits at level 7 and will be able to demonstrate a competency-based award in musculoskeletal ultrasound to employers. This will enable them to work autonomously as a musculoskeletal sonographer in a number of different clinical settings. Thus, they may go on to incorporate musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations as part of their routine clinical assessments in order to achieve a definitive diagnosis for their patients, in either public or private sector.
Sonographer regulation and registration
'Sonographer' is not currently a protected title in the UK and at this present time some graduates may NOT be eligible to be registered with the HCPC. For this reason, employment may not be possible in certain NHS trusts and some private sector organisations, although many organisations already employ sonographers from non-traditional backgrounds. Graduates from this programme will be eligible to join the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT) accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Placement
In preparation for enrolling onto the PgCert Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging course, it is the responsibility of the student to identify an appropriate Practice Educator/Clinical Mentor, who has appropriate qualifications and experience (i.e. PgCert/Dip qualification and a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience or level 2 radiology) in MSK ultrasound.
An external assessor must be also identified, working independently from the student or student’s clinical placement, who moderates the final practical assessment with the internal assessor or Practice Educator/Clinical Mentor. The student will need to provide the details of an external assessor for the final exam, who meets the criteria outlined in the LSBU Practice Placement Handbook. If the student is unable to identify one, the University might be able to identify and allocate an external assessor.
Students must acquire a portfolio of 250 ultrasound scans which can be compiled over one academic semester. 100 scans of these must be directly aided and 150 scans will be unaided. The 100 aided scans must be audited. Students should undertake a portfolio of practice/learning and demonstrate competency in the areas that clearly align with their subsequent breadth/remit of ultrasound scanning following completion of the course.
Although the number of hours of clinical practice is difficult to quantify and can potentially have an adverse effect on student learning, as competency of a student may not be achieved at the same length of time when compared with another student, CASE recommend that students spend at least 14 hours per week undertaking supervised ultrasound examinations with their Practice Educator/Clinical Mentor for the entire duration of the learning period.
Following completion of the summative assessment and the course overall, it is recommended that the student presents their complete portfolio of practice/learning and competency assessments to their employer (or regulator, as appropriate) as evidence of their initial practice. Hence, the clinical assessment portfolio can be used in evidence of practice for professional bodies and regulators.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching and learning
This course will take a blended approach to learning. It will provide a range of learning formats and teaching delivery styles, including online pre-recorded and on-campus lectures, tutorials, practical classes and workshops, small group learning activities, and case-study analyses. A range of technology enhanced learning applications will be used via the University’s virtual learning environment to provide guidance of and opportunities for learning, and to support face-to-face delivery.
The course will be taught by a diverse team of experienced clinicians, including MSK radiographers, sonographers, and sports and exercise medicine consultants, bringing real-world insights from both the NHS and private sectors.
Assessment
A variety of formative and summative assessment methods will be employed across units in the PgCert Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging course. The aim is to balance the formative and summative aspects of assessment to promote deeper learning among students and give a greater opportunity to maximise their potential. The types of assignments demonstrate progression of skills and abilities as students’ progress on the course.
Fundamentals of ultrasound
- EX1: Viva voce – Professional issues – 30 minutes (50% weighting)
- CW1: Written assignment – Physics – 2000 words (50% weighting)
Musculoskeletal ultrasound in professional practice
- EX1: Practical exam (Pass/Fail)
- CW1: Clinical placement portfolio - incl. 250 ultrasound scans and reports (Pass/Fail)
- CW2: Case study and reflection in practice – 3500 words (100% weighting)