This non-credit course series (three courses plus summative exam) focuses on the safe and appropriate usage of diagnostic imaging for the management of common musculoskeletal conditions seen in primary care settings.  This course series will provide the knowledge and clinical decision-making skills required to effectively utilize conventional radiography, CT Scan, MRI and Diagnostic ultrasound. Emphasis is placed on using clinical practice guidelines to make appropriate, timely and judicious referrals for diagnostic imaging and how to use the Radiologist’s report to make appropriate patient care decisions. This course does not focus on the interpretation and reading of images.

The course series includes three self-paced online courses and summative exam (EXFRM 2700, 2701, 2702 and 2704 summative exam). Each course is six to seven weeks in length. Course 1 is a prerequisite for courses 2 and 3.

Upon successful completion of each module, participants can access a UofA non-credit transcript, be issued a UofA digital badge and will be issued a faculty digital certificate noting the number of educational hours.

Diagnostic Imaging for Physiotherapists

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This program has been developed to prepare Physiotherapists to work at the top of their scope of practice in MSK care. This online learning program delivers the comprehensive and clinically based information you need to order imaging in an evidenced based, responsible manner. You will learn at your own pace and work through four comprehensive courses that are supported by videos and additional resource materials:

• Imaging Foundations
• Imaging Extremities
• Imaging Spine
• Imaging Utilization

Participants will be grounded in diagnostic imaging concepts for the musculoskeletal system. The imaging views and modalities for each of these systems and common pathologies as seen on diagnostic imaging will be detailed. Clinical utilization guidelines and practice recommendations/indications are provided along with quick reference summary tables which are all included in handouts which may be downloaded and printed for future reference. The course has a strong focus on the clinical utility and optimal utilization of diagnostic imaging in Physiotherapy practice. There will be multiple choice questions throughout the course to test your knowledge.

The program has been developed and is being delivered by Key Clinical Skills, a recognized leader in post-professional education for Physiotherapists in Canada. A certificate of completion is provided for your professional portfolio. Physiotherapists who have previously completed this course order imaging while working in RAC programs in Ontario, at VCH in BC and NSHA in Nova Scotia.

Course Objectives:

Upon completing the Medical Diagnostic Imaging Course, participants will:

• Understanding the key foundational concepts of Diagnostic Imaging and the formal rules governing the use of radiation on patients
• Understanding the risks of subjecting patients to radiographic studies
• Understanding the radiological evaluation and commonly seen pathologies of the Musculo-skeletal system
• Understanding the clinical indications, contraindications and limitations of various imaging modalities
• Be able to fully integrate diagnostic imaging into clinical practice through the understanding of the roles of different health care professionals
• Acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies to order diagnostic imaging with the Physiotherapy scope of practice including:
  1. Competency to choose appropriate studies
  2. Review individual patients for indications and contraindications for specific studies
  3. Assess radiation loads
• Prepare for new and emerging opportunities so that you can work to the top of your scope of practice

This course is open to all Physiotherapists practicing in all areas of the health care system. Participants do not require prior experience in ordering medical imaging. As all program content is delivered on-line, reliable access to Internet is essential.