The New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology (NZIMRT) recognised the need for continuing professional development in 1997. The Institute considered it important to develop its own model, and for members to have control over their own destiny rather than have a model imposed on it by any other body. It also wanted the membership to have input into the model used, and through that process gain acceptance for the concept of gaining formal recognition for professional activity.
To facilitate the process, the NZIMRT contracted Liz Holland of Contract Management Services, to seek member's opinions and to collate a discussion paper for all members to read. Reactions and comments to this discussion paper, research into overseas models and Jill Yielder's Masters thesis "Transition & Beyond: CPE in Medical Imaging, 1997" formed the basis for two proposed models being presented as a paper at the 1998 Annual Conference. Interested members attended a Workshop at that same Conference to discuss their concerns and promote their point of view.
A Steering Group was established to develop the "CPD Credits" option, and the "Portfolio" option. Dialogue was established with the CPD Officer, Greg Brown of the Australian Institute of Radiography to ensure models developed would be recognised by AIR. At the 1999 NZIMRT Conference, the two models were discussed through papers, panel discussion and a workshop. The models were then adopted by the NZIMRT, with registrations being accepted from the 1st February 2000. The CPD Panel (formerly Steering Group) established the standards and oversaw the process for the first two years. The CPD Panel then made recommendations for improvement through the Board of Management. Currently, the CPD Panel continually reviews the programme structure and process to ensure robustness and performance and this includes internal and external moderation processes.
In 2003, the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003) was passed into law making CPD a mandatory requirement in order to gain an Annual Practising Certificate (APC). The NZIMRT applied to the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) and was granted approval of its programme in August 2004. The programme covers all scopes of practice:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiation Therapy
- Ultrasound
- Mammography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine
Gaining Professional Development Certification
The two options available to gain your Professional Development Certification are:
1. CPD Credit Option
This is a traditional CPD option whereby a specified number of credits or points are awarded for a recognised professional activity. The professional activities have been divided into three main groups: Formal Education, Information & Technology Activities; Professional Participation. The NZIMRT CPD Booklet details the credit allocations and participation requirements.
2. Portfolio Option
The NZIMRT Professional Portfolio option allows you to demonstrate your professional development in a style that best suits your requirements. The aim of the portfolio is to encourage you to reflect on your professional practice. This option requires you to have the ability to:
- Take responsibility for your own learning & development
- Integrate knowledge gained in other aspects of your life into your professional life
- Reflect on the work you are currently doing
- Record, critique & evaluate.
This option is a very flexible option and was designed for people who :
- may find it difficult to attend conferences, Branch meetings or formal education programmes that earn CPD Credits
- live in more remote parts of New Zealand and Australia
- learn from reflecting on the way they practice their profession
Assessment/Evaluation
All Registrants, undertaking either Portfolio or CPD Credits, will be contacted by the Executive Officer of the NZIMRT at least one month before the Record or Portfolio is due to be submitted for evaluation by the CPD Assessment Panel. The Portfolio or Record is sent to the Executive Officer who will ensure the current assessment process is conducted and the Portfolio or Record is returned to the Registrant. The Assessment Panel are looking for a range of activities and the personal evaluations made by the person. The person will then receive their CPD Certification and then has the opportunity
to re-register for the next two years – either using the same Option or changing to the other Option.
The Registrant will build up an impressive collection of Portfolios or activity Records for their reference – hopefully people will use them to show their employer of their professional development activities as well as a resource for writing articles / book reviews / Website reviews for SHADOWS.
To Register for CPD contact cpd@nzimrt.co.nz