診療放射線技師養成課程における超音波検査に関する教育の特徴：臨床検査技師養成課程との相違

摘要

Radiological technologists (RTs) and medical technologists (MTs) are legally allowed to work as sonog-raphers performing medical ultrasound examination. Despite the total number, much fewer RTs work as sonographers than MTs. To explore the reason, we investigated educational programs, universities, and colleges for both specialties. First, we established five categories of sonographers' competency: 1) Anatomy for imaging diagnosis, 2) Diseases and diagnosis, 3) Imaging, 4) Structure and principle of the equipment, and 5) Evaluation of image quality, using competence reported by the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) and diagnostic competency required of sonographers in Japan. Using these categories, we analyzed the content and total instruction time by lectures and seminars based on information written in the syllabi, and explored the differences in education related to sonographers' competency in both programs. "Anatomy for imaging diagnosis" was taught in 15 RT programs (93.8%), and 6 MT programs (31.6%). "Diseases and diagnosis" was taught in 13 RT programs (86.7%), and 8 MT programs (53.3%). "Imaging" was taught in 14 RT programs (100%), and 13 MT programs (76.5%). "Structure and principle of the equipment" was taught in 12 RT programs (85.7%), and 6 MT programs (31.6%). "Evaluation of image quality" was taught in 11 RT programs (84.6%), and 3 MT programs (15.0%). The average instruction time for RT was longer than for MT programs in all categories. RTs are educated and have a foundation to be • sonographers at graduation, and may have the possibility to expand their career in this field.%医療専門職である診療放射線技師や臨床検査技師の養成システムは大学，短期大学，専修学校など異なる教育機関と年限のカリキュラムによって養成が行われている．それらの教育機関の設置基準は学校教育法の規定に基づき定められているが，それぞれの教育機関特有の規定が定められており統一されていない．特に卒業要件については大学では修業年限4年以上かつ124単位以上の修得で学士，専修学校では修業年限4年以上かつ総授業時間数3，400時間以上で高度専門士，修業年限2年以上かつ総授業時数1，700時間以上で専門士の称号が与えられる．