New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Medical Imaging Pathway)

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consist of 60 credits. The courses includes:

UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Medical Imaging Pathway) covers a variety of subjects that will equip you with academic skills for higher-level study in Medical Imaging and is comprised of the following papers:

Skills for Academic Study Level 4
In this course you will discover the best way for you to learn in the health sciences area. Topics cover skills considered essential for health science students and include aspects of learning, exam and test preparation, time management, research skills, written and oral communication as well as interview and CV preparation. Classes will include work in a PC computer laboratory.  You will research a health condition, infection or disease that is caused by a microorganism and present this information both in a written essay and oral presentation. You will also create a professional health portfolio, which includes interviewing a health professional and researching the history, academic pathway, professional associations and the significance of this health profession for future health care in New Zealand.

Applied Maths and Physics Level 4
Students will acquire and practice numeracy skills relevant to Medical Imaging. This will include algebraic expressions, metric conversions and graphing of equations. Statistics will cover health related data and interpretation of graphs. Medical imaging related physics topics will include radioactivity, electromagnetism, induction light and sound concepts.

Human Body and Microbes (Essentials of Human Body and Microbial Science)
Students will examine the structure and function of the human body and prepare a poster to demonstrate their knowledge. The main body systems are covered in more detail and laboratory classes will enable a closer look, especially at the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. You will explore the area of microbiology and investigate selected microorganisms, including beneficial, harmful and opportunistic effects on human health. Laboratory classes will work with real bacteria and highlight biohazard safety protocols. Genetics and inheritance introduce how cells replicate, can make mistakes, and produce the mutants we all are, thus connecting the chemistry of the body to inheritable diseases.

Chemistry and Cell Biology (Essentials of Cell Biology and Chemistry)
Students will review basic principles of chemistry including bonding, chemical formulae and chemical equations including respiration and ATP synthesis. You will explore the properties of acids and buffers to introduce how the chemistry in our blood works to keep our metabolism functioning correctly and what happens when it does not. The basics of biochemistry are covered including the interpretation of chemical structures including alcohols and natural acids. You will also look at the function of organic molecules such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids and their role in biological systems. In cell biology you will investigate the basic structure and function for the parts of a cell then expand that knowledge to tissue type, and how molecules can enter, move around, and exit the cell. All of these topics will include theory classes and laboratory investigations.

NCEA Level 2

OR

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Health Pathway)

OR

Equivalent academic achievement

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

Choosing your study pathway
Students are advised to check the additional criteria for Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology) degree programme selection before enrolling in this Level 4 programme.

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Medical Imaging Pathway), you may wish to study UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Health Pathway).

If you are not sure of which course to begin your pathway to medical imaging then please contact us.

Your timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and will comprise a weekly commitment of approximately:

Full-time programme

• 20 hours of class time (including 3-4 hours of online classes)
• 20 hours of self-directed learning (your own time spent on research and study to complete your written assignments)

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Blended learning
This programme is offered on a blended delivery approach, a unique combination of online and face-to-face learning. Students are welcome to use UCOL's facilities (computers, Internet) to access the online learning. However, we encourage students to have their device such as laptop/PC or tablet to be able to access the online component of this programme from home.