Medical Technology (Add-On) - BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

Medical Technology (Add-On) – BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

The Medical Technology programme is a fusion of science and engineering subjects, applied to diagnostic, treatment and lifesaving medical devices and technology, that push the boundaries of medical science.

After completion of this course, you can pursue a career in Clinical Engineering departments in public or private Hospitals, maintaining and managing critical medical equipment as part of a healthcare team. You can also gain employment in a technical or quality role in the Medical Device Industry or Medical Software Industry. Alternatively, you can enrol in Masters Programmes in the areas of Radiography, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics and Physiotherapy amongst others.

You will study foundational subjects in first and second year, culminating in subjects such as Biomechanics and Biomaterials, Clinical Technology, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Rehabilitation Technology and Product Design, Cybersecurity in Healthcare.

Entry Requirements

• A Pass in a relevant Engineering or Science Bachelor Degree (Level 7) with an overall performance of at least 50%
• An equivalent qualification to a Bachelor Degree (Level 7) with appropriate pre-requisite subjects
• A pass in a relevant Engineering or Science Degree (Level 7) with one year suitable work experience.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Diagnostic Imaging & Radiotherapy
  • Credits: 15
  • The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental physical principles of operation, maintenance, preparation and best practice of a comprehensive range of diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy equipment.
• Rehabilitation and Renal Technology
  • Credits: 10
  • This module aims to develop the specialist knowledge and understanding of advanced aspects of assitive technologies for patient rehabilition as well technical solutions to treating renal impairment. The overall aim is to engender an appreciation for the multidisciplinary nature of technology in healthcare.
• Project Design & Management
  • Credits: 5
  • The aim of this module is to develop the learner’s research and management skills. During this module the learner will select a medical/clinically based project which is to be industry partnered and research this topic. The learner will then formulate a solid research question and develop a strategy for implementing project requirements to answer this question within the given timeframe. Learners will meet with project supervisors, and stakeholders to guide their research and address any issues that may arise.
• Cyber-security in Healthcare
  • Credits: 5
  • This module aims to give students an in-depth knowledge of data communications and networking technologies in the context of a modern healthcare environement from both a system design and security perspective.
• Standards & Accreditation
  • Credits: 5
  • Whether involved in a clinical setting, industry, or commercial enterprise, standards form a significant aspect of professional activities. This module will introduce the learner to the use of a standards based approaches which instil a safer, more efficient, and high quality of management of all medical devices/equipment. Professionals working the health services, such as Clinical Engineers, have direct contact with medical devices/equipment, and have of responsibility in the care of such medical devices/equipment. It is important for a professional working with Clinical Technology to understand fully how standards are developed, why/how they are used, where to find appropriate standards and the role they play in an array of health-related matters.
• Decontamination in Healthcare
  • Credits: 5
  • This module introduces the student to best practice within a decontamination unit to ensure effective reprocessing of reusable medical devices and provide a knowlage of with regulatory requirements and standards.
• Hospital Administration and Management
  • Credits: 5
  • The aim of this module is to offer students an understanding of the core principles of management, leadership and administration as they relate to the healthcare sector and how they contribute to efficiency and performance in the work environment.
• Industry Partnered Project
  • Credits: 15
  • This module undertaken by the student provides the opportunity to commence a substantial industry partnered project in the area of Clinical Technology, which will involve the practical implementation of several aspects of research, project design & management, simulation, prototyping, testing, and analysis. A final project dissertation will be written and in addition to a presentation of project work. The student will be guided throughout their project by an experienced supervisor with a special interest in the chosen topic, or area.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates have gained employment in the clinical Engineering department of University Hospital Limerick as well as many Medical Device companies in the Mid-west region including: Beckton Dickinson Research Centre Ireland, Johnson and Johnson, Edwards Life sciences, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Croom Medical, Teckro, Kneat Solutions and many more.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere. Our graduates have been accepted into masters programmes in the areas of Biomedical Engineering, Quality and Regulatory affairs, Radiography, Medical Physics, Physiotherapy and others as well as Graduate programmes in the medical device industry including Abbott and Boston Scientific.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Medical Technology programme is a blend of science and engineering subjects, applied to diagnostic, treatment, and lifesaving medical devices and technology, pushing the boundaries of medical science.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to:

• Maintain and manage critical medical equipment as part of a healthcare team.
• Work in technical or quality roles in the Medical Device Industry or Medical Software Industry.
• Pursue Masters Programmes in areas like Radiography, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics, and Physiotherapy.
It emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of technology in healthcare.
• Project Design & Management (Credits: 5): This module focuses on developing research and management skills.
Students select an industry-partnered medical/clinically based project, formulate a research question, and develop a strategy for implementing project requirements. They meet with supervisors and stakeholders for guidance.
• Cyber-security in Healthcare (Credits: 5): This module provides in-depth knowledge of data communications and networking technologies in a modern healthcare environment, from both a system design and security perspective.
• Standards & Accreditation (Credits: 5): This module introduces students to standards-based approaches for managing medical devices/equipment, emphasizing their importance in ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality in healthcare settings.
• Hospital Administration and Management (Credits: 5): This module offers an understanding of management, leadership, and administration principles as they relate to the healthcare sector, focusing on efficiency and performance in the work environment.
• Industry Partnered Project (Credits: 15): This module involves a substantial industry-partnered project in Clinical Technology, encompassing research, project design & management, simulation, prototyping, testing, and analysis.
Students write a final project dissertation and present their work, guided by an experienced supervisor.

Careers:

• Career Opportunities: Graduates have secured employment in the clinical Engineering department of University Hospital Limerick and various Medical Device companies in the Mid-west region, including Beckton Dickinson Research Centre Ireland, Johnson and Johnson, Edwards Life sciences, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Croom Medical, Teckro, Kneat Solutions, and more.
• Further Study: Graduates are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programs within TUS or elsewhere.
They have been accepted into masters programs in Biomedical Engineering, Quality and Regulatory affairs, Radiography, Medical Physics, Physiotherapy, and others, as well as Graduate programs in the medical device industry, including Abbott and Boston Scientific.