| Code | NU6169 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 24 Aug - 23 Oct 2026 |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Fees | 鈧�1,100 See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | Round One: 26 June 2026 Round Two: 12 Aug 2026 |
| Credits | 10 |
| Start Date | 24 August 2026 |
Outline
Module Objective: To enable students to safely and appropriately make referrals for radiological procedures within his/her scope of practice.
Standalone module (Min. 15 people)(Blended - Face/On-line)
Module Content: The indicative content of this module will include:
Professional accountability and responsibility and the associated legal and ethical aspects encompassing the Professional responsibilities of the nurse referrer when requesting an x-ray for adults/children; the roles and responsibilities of each of the groups involved in the use of ionising radiation; and legislation, guidelines, codes of practice and local rules.
Ionising radiation and protection; the nature of radiation and its biological effects; the relative dangers of radiation; the three principles of justification, optimisation and diagnostic reference levels.
Principles of the referral process for radiological procedures; the current guidelines on making the best use of the department of clinical radiology and referral guidelines; scope of practice; working in a multi-disciplinary team to refer for radiological procedures; common referral pathways; and justification of x-rays.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic and practical understanding of the regulatory framework associated with authority to refer for radiological procedures, including the legislation and professional guidelines supporting safe practice.
- Critically and practically utilise evidence-based knowledge and the skill of patient/service user assessment and consultation to achieve a holistic approach to patient/service user care in referring for radiological procedures in adults/children.
- Demonstrate an understanding of radiological sciences in relation to radiological procedures in adults/children and its implication for patient/service user safety in adults/children.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills and knowledge of multi-disciplinary management in the safe and appropriate use of radiological procedures in adults/children.
- Apply clinical decision making skills in relation to referring for radiological procedures in adults/children within her/his scope of practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to refer for justified radiological procedures in adults/children as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Assessment: Total Marks 200
- Continuous Assessment 200 Marks
- Quiz(zes) - Theoretical Assessment - MCQ (100 Marks)
- Presentation - Case presentation (100 Marks)
- Clinical Assessment (Pass/Fail)
- Clinical Assessment - Clinical practice portfolio (Pass/Fail)
Module Co-Ordinator: Dr. Patrick Cotter, School of Nursing & Midwifery.
Lecturer(s): Staff, School of Nursing & Midwifery, and Staff, Department of Radiology, UCC.
Why Choose
To enable students to safely and appropriately prescribe ionizing radiation (x-ray) within his/her scope of practice.
Requirements
Academic Requirements & 2) Professional Requirements
- Applicants who are practising health care professionals must provide evidence of current registration with the relevant professional regulatory body (e.g. the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (active registration), the Irish Medical Council, or hold active registration on the professional register maintained by the Radiographers Registration Board of CORU, the Health & Social Care Professions Council (or equivalent regulatory body for pharmacists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, speech and language therapists etc.)) Applicants from allied disciplines must provide evidence of professional certification, where appropriate.
- Applicants who are under 23 years of age must satisfy the minimum entry requirements as for the Degrees in Nursing or Midwifery, as set out
- Admission to the module(s) will be subject to internal university approval processes on the recommendation of the Head of School.
- Applicants for Nursing and Midwifery CPD modules who do not hold an up-to-date IELTS certificate showing the requisite Academic Board approved COMH scores must demonstrate evidence of appropriate work experience within an English language environment for at least the previous 2 years.
Applicants for Authority to Refer for Radiological Procedures must in addition satisfy the following:
- Have completed a module in patient physical assessment.
- Have a minimum of 1 year’s recent post registration clinical experience in nursing or radiography/radiation therapy within the last three years or be actively practicing as a medical doctor
- For nurses and radiographers/radiation therapists, provide evidence of support from an employer by way of a completed site declaration form, signed by the Director of Nursing/ Authorised Nurse Manager, the nominated Clinical Supervisor (Medical Practitioner) or radiography/radiation therapy manager and the Head of Radiology (Consultant Radiologist). This must contain confirmation of a designated medical practitioner as Clinical Supervisor providing supervision, support and learning opportunities, including opportunities to practice under supervision to gain the required competencies and clinical competence in authority to refer for radiological procedures. NU6169 Site Declaration Form
Fees and Costs
The fee for this programme is €1,100
- This is payable on application (unless you are sponsored/funded)
- This fee is fully refundable if the programme does not run or you are not offered a place on the programme
About Funding
- Those applying for NMPDU, or other funding should contact the funding body directly.
- A guide to indicating NMPDU funding during your application can be found here: ACE Help Hub
For further information on fees and financial supports please click here.
How To Apply
Applications are accepted in two rounds.
- Round 1 closes on 26 June and Round 2 closes on 12 August.
- If all places are filled by eligible applicants by the Round 1 deadline, the programme will not open for Round 2.
- For round 2, applications will remain open until the final deadline or until all places are filled, whichever occurs first. Early application is strongly advised.
Before you apply, please prepare the following items which you will need during your application:
- Proof of Identity (Birth Cert, Passport or Driver's Licence)
- Passport-style Photograph
- Copy of your degree parchment/transcript if not a previous UCC graduate.
- English Language Test Report (if applicable)
- Supporting documentation (if required for RPL)
- Programme fee (unless sponsored/funded)
- NU6169 Site Declaration Form
Create an account or login to UCC Apply (click the 'Apply' button below).
- Start a new application
- WHEN ASKED FOR APPLICATION TYPE - YOU MUST CHOOSE: ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION
- During the application on the tab titled Academic Level, under Level Selection, select the following options:
- Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
- Course Type: CPD Credit-Bearing Modules
- Academic Programme: Authority to Refer for Radiological Procedures NU6169
You can view a CPD Application Guide for all Nursing & Midwifery courses here: /en/ace/helphub/