Introduction

The Degree Apprenticeship in Therapeutic Radiography will commence at Sheffield Hallam University in March 2023.  This is a relatively new programme with the first ever cohort commencing in March 2022, we have since had two cohorts of apprentices complete and join the therapeutic radiography workforce. Learners will be based in the workplace and block released for 'off the job learning', which will take place online, following a distance learning model. There will be 2 days per year timetabled for the apprentices to attend University for academic teaching alongside their online learning.

Course Structure up to March 2025

The course will take place over three years.  The course structure is illustrated in the academic calendar below and in the year 1 module and assessment table below.  

There are three competence for practice assessments, which occur in each year of the course.  These are non-credit bearing, i.e. pass or fail.  The apprentices undertake over 1000 hours of clinical practice, which is the minimum required to meet Professional and Statutory Body Requirements (PRSB), including the Society & College of Radiographers (SOR) and the Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC).

There are three different types of modules.  

1. Profession Specific - teaching and learning that happens with Therapeutic Radiography apprentices only

2. Shared - teaching and learning materials that are shared with other apprentices but with profession specific sessions

3. Integrated - teaching and learning that happens together with apprentices on other health courses, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics,  diagnostic radiography, medical ultrasound and operating department practice.

From March 2025 our revalidated programme under Scheme D will be implemented. All apprentices who started before this time will remain on the current programme. 

The aims of the new programme are:

• To ensure the course is current and meets the needs of modern healthcare for 2029/30​

• To ensure that the course delivers the Standards of Education and Training (SETS) and Standards of Proficiency (SOPS) as expected by the HCPC​

• To ensure that our course develops Therapeutic Radiographers that are contemporary and ready for the work force

The programme will still be delivered online with students attending the university for 2 scheduled face to face teaching days. We have created a bespoke course for apprentices that aligns to the apprenticeship standards (KSB's). All support will remain the same for new apprentices and apprentices on the current programme. 

Course Structure March 2025 onwards

The course will take place over three years.  The course structure is illustrated in the academic calendar and module outline below.

There are three competence for practice assessments, which occur in each year of the course.  These are pass/ fail modules.  The apprentices undertake over 1000 hours of clinical practice, which is the minimum required to meet Professional and Statutory Body Requirements (PRSB), including the Society & College of Radiographers (SOR) and the Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC).

There are two different types of modules.  

1. Profession Specific - teaching and learning that happens with Therapeutic Radiography apprentices only

2. Shared - teaching and learning materials that are shared with other apprentices but with profession specific sessions

Cause for concern regarding apprentices 

Concerns in the workplace can be highlighted by the apprentice or work based mentor. This can be done via email/phone in the first instance to the course leader or apprenticeship coach or addressed in the next APR and/or by completion of the cause for concern form:. Instances where this can be used are;  

1. Apprentice under achieving during practice learning 

2. Dealing with conflict on placement 

3. Dangerous or unprofessional behaviour

The SHU guidance on the complaints procedure is on the Radiotherapy and Oncology Practice Placement website 

 https://www.shu.ac.uk/health-social-placements/profession-information/radiotherapy-and-oncology