STUDY PROGRAMS: RADIOLOGY ASSISTANT

Qualification: Radiology assistant 

Code of study program: 41722 

Length of studies: 3 years, 180 ECTS 

Level of Education: short cycle professional higher education 

Studies are conducted: in Jūrmala (Vidus prospekts 38, Bulduri) and at the Rēzekne Branch (N. Rancāna Street 23a, Rēzekne) 

Mode of studies: full-time attendance

Previous education: secondary school 

Head of study program: MB Sindija Jansone 

A Radiology Assistant is a healthcare professional who performs radiological procedures and diagnostic imaging examinations, ensuring radiation protection and safety, optimizing radiation doses, and providing patient care in diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy within healthcare institutions. 

The Radiology Assistant is responsible for the quality of his or her professional activities, and collaborates with radiologists, radiographers, and other medical specialists, participating in the planning, management, and evaluation of work processes. 

Patient Care in Radiology 

Radiology assistants play a key role in ensuring patient safety and wellbeing. They prepare patients for examinations, protect them against ionizing radiation, and perform diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures in radiology. 

Use of Diagnostic Imaging Technology 

Radiology assistants are specialists in diagnostic imaging, working with radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and radionuclide diagnostics. 

Radiation Dose Optimization 

Radiology assistants are responsible for radiation safety and protection of patients. The quality of examinations and the radiation received by the patient depend on the assistant’s knowledge, skills, and competence. 

Clinical Responsibility 

Their main competence and responsibility is to evaluate and initiate imaging diagnostic methods according to the clinical situation and indications, and to assess and analyze the quality of the work performed after the examination. 

Quality Assurance 

Radiology assistants are accountable for their professional activities and their quality, ensuring accuracy in all diagnostic examinations and procedures related to radiology. 

Precise Work Organization 

In line with their position, radiology assistants must ensure precise and efficient organization of work, complying with all provisions of Latvian legislation. 

Development of Education and Skills 

Radiology assistants continuously contribute to the advancement of their field, improve their knowledge and skills, and engage in professional education within the specialty. 

To prepare competent and professionally skilled specialists in radiography, radionuclide diagnostics, and invasive radiology, capable of working with modern digital technologies and methods in radiology and nuclear diagnostics. At the same time, the program fosters the development of students’ personalities and provides opportunities for continuous professional growth. 

In accordance with the study program, the study process is organized in the college’s lecture halls, pre‑clinical offices, and laboratories, as well as in the diagnostic radiology centres of Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital and Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital, which serve as the material and technical base of the program. 

Practical training is arranged based on mutual agreements with Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, the Children’s Clinical University Hospital, Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital, and regional hospitals. 

Record Management Process and Work Organization of the Radiology Assistant, Radiation Physics, Medical Equipment in Radiology, Anatomy and Physiology, General Medicine, Procedural Technique Standards, English Terminology in Radiography, Latin Terminology, Radiography Specialty and Ethical Principles, Computer Science, Cell Biology, Surface Anatomy and Basics of Skeletal Positioning, General Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, Radiological Anatomy, Research, Civil Protection, Environmental Protection, Radiation Safety and Dosimetry, Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Radiography, Radiography and Imaging Diagnostics, Skeletal Radiography and Projection Techniques, Patient Care in Radiology, Immunopathology and Radiological Pharmacology, Psychology and Pedagogy, Introduction to Radiotherapy and Oncological Diseases, Emergency Medical Care and Disaster Medicine, System Radiography, Basics of Entrepreneurship, Digital Radiology Software, Introduction to Radiological Methods, Pediatric Radiography, Practice, Qualification Thesis.

Radiology is one of the medical fields that has been developing rapidly in recent years with the introduction of advanced digital technologies. As a result, there is an urgent demand for well‑trained specialists who meet professional standards, and this study program provides the necessary preparation to meet those requirements.