An investigation towards the need for a postgraduate qualification in the specialisation fields of Diagnostic Radiography at the CUT

Abstract

The current master's degree qualification in Diagnostic Radiography at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) is research based and does seemingly not address the need for training in the specialisation fields of Diagnostic Radiography sufficiently. To address this problem, a needs assessment was conducted amongst qualified diagnostic radiographers in Bloemfontein and Kimberley by means of quantitative questionnaires, qualitative interviews and a focus group discussion. The main aim of the needs assessment was to determine the need for a postgraduate qualification for radiographers in the specialised fields. The possible structure of such a program and the preferred mode of delivery were also investigated. The results of the study emphasised the need for a structured postgraduate learning programme in the specialisation fields in Diagnostic Radiography in the region. Responding to this validated need for a structured postgraduate qualification at the CUT, the current master's degree was revised to accommodate the results of the study and it was proposed to the Professional Board for Radiography and Clinical Technology for approval.