The Redevelopment of the New South Wales Remote X‐ray Operators Licensing Course

The NSW Remote X‐ray Operators Licensing Course is for rural and remote general practitioners (GPs) and registered nurses (RNs) to obtain a limited x‐ray licence to operate diagnostic x‐ray equipment in communities where there is no radiographer available. Between 1994 and 2001 it was a five‐day, intensive, face‐to‐face, non‐award short‐course conducted by the Discipline of Medical Radiation Science (MRS) from the university of Newcastle. The participants were taught basic radiographic technique and radiation protection through a logical sequence of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. It included basic radiation physics and radiographic instrumentation, basic radiobiology and radiation protection, and routine radiographic positioning for some anatomical regions. Problems with access and with the intensity of the educational experience for participants encouraged the MRS staff to secure funding from RHSET and NSW Health to redevelop the course into a more flexible mixed mode of delivery. The course content has not been changed appreciably. However, the new course structure integrates a six‐week distance learning component with practical exercises and a two‐day workshop, followed by completion of a short answer question final assignment. Participants are required to establish a working relationship with a nominated local radiographer and senior rural radiographers run the workshop, thus encouraging the development of a rural radiography support network. The course has been piloted successfully with participants performing at least as well as those in the old course. The course evaluation was very positive and it will continue to be offered in the new format.