FAQ & Other Information

A1

The Programme is the first local self-financing degree programme with direct entry to Medical Imaging in the first year of the Programme.

 

The Programme adopts Education 4.0 approach, using advanced technology, to transform the future of radiographer education. The Programme will use artificial intelligence, big data, simulation and virtual environments as tools to deliver student-centred teaching.  The Programme adopts competence based clinical education/assessment with an emphasis on training radiography practitioners to engage in with reflective and reflexive practice central to patient-centred care and the competent use of various imaging technologies to screen, diagnose, and treat diseases.  TWC has close affiliations and collaborations with Tung Wah Group Hospitals (TWGHs)’ network, the Hospital Authority and private healthcare sectors for students’ clinical practicum, and the appointment of clinical experts for academic exchange and teaching.

 

The Programme will provide enhanced training in Computed Tomography which has been increasingly used as the first line of imaging method for diagnosis and Breast Imaging for cancers screening and follow-up.

 

The Programme will train students to become qualified professionals on performing medical imaging techniques including X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, Breast Imaging etc.

 

There has been an ongoing shortage of Diagnostic Radiographers in Hong Kong.  The recent years’ outflow rate ranges from 8-20% and the impact on the medical imaging services is particularly serious as the number of Diagnostic Radiographers has always been small as compared with other healthcare disciplines.  Facing the shortage of radiography professional workforce, TWC aims to train related professionals to meet with the ongoing needs of the society.

 

A2

TWC is a self-financing tertiary institution.  The academic staff of this programme are well experienced in medical imaging education as well as clinical practice. The BSc(Hons) in Medical Imaging degree programme at the TWC will have equivalent academic merits as other similar degrees from other universities in Hong Kong and around the world.  Unlike other local medical imaging programme which has medical imaging-specific courses from the latter half of the second year, TWC’s medical imaging programme delivers medical imaging-specific courses right from the beginning.  Such arrangement will provide students with more in-depth discipline related learning.  The maximum student intake each year for this programme is 30. TWC aims to foster a close caring relationship between the teachers and students with special attention to their professional learning and career growth.

 

A3

The Medical Imaging Programme is in the process of applying for the SSSDP.  With reference to the other full-time accredited self-financing undergraduate programmes in selected disciplines offered by TWC, it is anticipated that the Programme will be included in the list of designated SSSDP programmes from the second year of the operation, that is, starting from the academic year 2025/2026.

 

A4

Eligible students are entitled to the subsidy of the Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies in Hong Kong (NTMSS).  In 2024/2025 academic year, the annual subsidy is $34,390. Eligible students can apply for government student financial assistance including financial assistance scheme for post-secondary students (FASP), the non-means-tested load scheme for post-secondary students (NLSPS) and the scholarships and bursaries through the support from TWGHs, private organisations, professional bodies, firms and individuals.

 

A5

Applicants who may have already completed post-secondary education such as bachelor’s or associate degree, especially in health-related fields are welcome to apply.

 

A6

The Programme is prescribed with a 36-week (1440 hours) clinical practicum covering the full spectrum of medical imaging practice. The practicum spans across year 2 to year 4 of the Programme, which takes place in various hospitals under Hospital Authority, private hospitals and private sectors offering medical imaging services.  Overseas clinical exchange will be actively explored.

 

A7

Medical Imaging is integral to the practice of Medicine. Diagnostic radiographers are Medical Imaging practitioners who incorporate the use of different imaging technologies for diagnosis, screening, and treatment of diseases in patient-centred care.

 

Radiation Therapy, or Radiotherapy, is a type of cancer treatment in which therapists kill cancerous cells in the body by exposing them to ionising radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, high-energy electrons, heavy particles or radioisotopes. Radiation therapists incorporate the delivery of radiotherapy planning and treatment in patient-centred care. Medical Imaging is utilized as a guiding tool in Radiotherapy.

 

A8

TWC is currently seeking professional accreditation of the Programme from the Radiographers Board of the Supplementary Medical Professions Council for the purpose of professional registration. TWC anticipates that professional registration will be granted before graduation of the first cohort of students.

 

A9

On obtaining the programme accreditation from the Radiographers Board, graduates can practise as diagnostic radiographer in Hospital Authority’s hospitals, private hospitals, or medical imaging centres in Hong Kong.

 

The Programme’s enriched curriculum enables graduates to further study in local and overseas masters’ programmes in Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Medical Physics and Healthcare Management.

 

The Hong Kong’s professional qualification is recognized by a number of countries such as Britain, Canada, Singapore, and Australia.

 

A10

The answer may be “yes” 50 years ago, but certainly “no” today. Radiation protection to patients and radiation workers has improved tremendously over the years and technology advancement has greatly reduced the radiation exposure needed for any examination. Also, radiation received is closely monitored by devices worn by radiation workers. Pregnant staff will be allocated to duties which receives no radiation.

 

Up-to-date, radiation level received by nearly all Diagnostic Radiographers has actually become the same as that of the general population.

 

A11

For the 2024/2025 September intake of first cohort, applications can be submitted online at the TWC Admission System at www.twc.edu.hk/admission before the start of the 2024/2025 academic year or until the places are filled, whichever is earlier.