NHS Education Scotland and Universities Scotland are investigating a radical reform of AHP education, including radiography, following the publication of a new discussion paper.
'Learning to Care' is a think piece on the education and training of health professionals in Scotland, from education and training to funding and delivery.
The document suggests a health education structure for students, universities and colleges, NHS Boards, the Scottish Government, the users of the health service and the public.
The report includes the suggestion that the instead of studying a particular modality from the start of their course AHP, nursing and midwifery courses are merged and students are taught all skills for the first two years of their course, choosing one discipline to specialise in for their third and fourth years. If the proposals go ahead this would start from 2011.
SoR professional officer, Maria Murray, has met the announcement with caution. She said: "This is a radical scoping exercise with vast implications. The potential is huge for radiography education and the future workforce in NHS Scotland. The SCoR will be keeping a close eye on the projects' progress."
She added:"Managers and educators should be aware of the possible changes, read the scoping document fully and ensure members of HEI steering groups are aware too."
