Foundation Degree in Optical Coherence Tomography
Gloucestershire Research & Education Group in Partnership with the University of Gloucestershire
This qualification has been designed to meet the needs of individuals who capture and interpret OCT scans to inform their clinical practice. In the first year, students learn the fundamental techniques of capturing OCT scans, and how to perform these safely and correctly. In the second year students learn how to interpret OCT scans and apply this to their practice for the purposes of differential diagnosis and options for treatment.
It is provided by Gloucestershire Research & Education Group in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire as the awarding body. It is suitable for individuals who are employed in health institutions within the UK who capture and interpret OCT scans.
Individual awards within this qualification are provided for those who perform only a capture role or interpretation role only.
- 4,250
- Level 5, 240 CATs
- 2 years
- Distance online learning
Foundation Degree in Optical Coherence Tomography
15 modules (students must complete 11 modules to achieve the award)
240 CATs
240 CATs
2 years
40 weeks
Year 2: University
Diploma in OCT Interpretation
5 Compulosry Modules
1 Optional Module
120 CATs
1 Optional Module
120 CATs
48 weeks
This qualification aims, through directed learning and structured assessments:
- To provide training in the capture of relevant, appropriate and good quality OCT scans. To provide clinical information in the management of patients with anterior and/or posterior segment disease of the eye.
- To ensure that students safely and competently undertake OCT scanning
- To enable students to understand the processes and equipment commonly used in OCT scanning.
- To provide a detailed knowledge of the features of clinical disease and common abnormalities detected in OCT scans
- Operate in situations of varying complexity and predictability requiring the application of a wide range of techniques and information to interpret OCT scans
- To provide training in the interpretation of OCT scans and OCT angiography; to interpret relevant clinical information in the management of patients with anterior and/or posterior segment disease of the eye.
All modules are 8 weeks in duration and are completed by accessing online teaching, self-tests , videos and other resources from our online learning platform. Students are assessed using the following methods:
- Year 1: assessments will include online exams, a practical observation by a clinical assessor appointed by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust of students capturing OCT scans and submission of a Portfolio of OCT scans taken by the student
- Year 2: assessments will include online exams, one presentation and submission of a portfolio/logbook of OCT scans interpreted, verified by a clinical assessor
For further information about the modules you will study, please refer to the course map.
All students must meet the following criteria:
- The MINIMUM entry requirement is evidence of a pass at least grade C in Maths and English at GCSE, or its equivalent. If you have evidence of higher qualifications, these should be provided.
- Be employed in a clinical context and currently performing OCT capture
- Have at least 6 months of experience in OCT capture in a clinical setting
- Have access to OCT scanning equipment and provide documentary evidence of calibration and service documents for the OCT equipment
- For students whose first language is not English, have documentary evidence of sufficient competence in English e.g. IELTS 6.0 overall in both reading and writing
To apply for the course:
Please submit an enquiry using the online form provided.
You will study chosen award as a distance learning course whilst in full or part time employment as a healthcare professional. You will be working within a health institution or for a private provider undertaking optical coherence tomography screening and interpretation. The course is distance learning, this will require students to access and work through study materials online, and then continue the application of learning in clinical practice.
Course fees are payable in advance.
