Introduction to Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

This module is recommended for you as an experienced physiotherapist, rheumatologist, specialist nurse, or general practitioner working in the area of musculoskeletal medicine, if you are keen to expand your knowledge and skills in order to manage patients with a range of musculoskeletal conditions beyond your current scope of practice.

This module is available to you if you are working in musculoskeletal practice and are registered with an appropriate professional/regulatory body.

Ideally, you will have access to an ultrasound machine in the workplace but some advice can be provided with regard to short term loans of equipment.

Learning outcomes

This module aims to develop the knowledge and skill required to competently use the application of ultrasound independently in the musculoskeletal field.

By the end of this module you are expected to be able to:

• demonstrate an effective examination of the main peripheral joints using ultrasound
• critically evaluate the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool with musculoskeletal pathologies
• compare and contrast normal and pathological findings identified through the use of ultrasound
• evaluate the role of ultrasound within your professional practice

Our expert staff

Lead tutors for the module:

• Peter Kabogoza
• Anand Parkunan
• Kristal Miller

You may apply for the module, provided you:

• have arranged for a suitable funding source
• meet the entry requirements specified below.

All entrants must meet the following requirements:

• a relevant first degree OR a relevant professional experience or qualifications that demonstrates ability to study at level seven
• a minimum of one year post-registration experience
• current registration with the relevant UK or equivalent professional body
• HCPC or equivalent registration, e.g. in case of doctors (GMC) and nurses (NMC)
• access to a suitable ultrasound machine.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language we require an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 450/200.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Module Outline

• Basic introduction to technology and scientific principles of ultrasound
• Practical workshops exploring scanning techniques and procedures
• Role of ultrasound in musculoskeletal assessment
• Differentiation of normal and pathological musculoskeletal tissue
• Role of ultrasound in rehabilitation as biofeedback tool
• Professional issues relating to clinical use of application
• Evidence exploring the role of ultrasound in musculoskeletal diagnosis and possible influence in management outcomes

Recommended reading

Bradley M. and O'Donnell. 2009. Atlas of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Anatomy. 2nd Edition. Cambridge Medicine

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Assessment strategy

100% coursework mark. This is a reflective portfolio evidencing application of ultrasound to work-based practice, professional issues, clinical reasoning, a scanning logbook and case study. The Reflective portfolio (excluding the scanning log book) is 3000 words.

Scanning logbook should contain:

• record of five scans undertaken during the taught sessions
• record of 20 scans undertaken during the independent study/supervised practice time
• you do not need a work-based supervisor to assess your scanning but colleague support is valuable when available.

• Fees for 2023-24 (.PDF).

• Fees for 2024-25 (.PDF).

If you have any questions about the module fees please email msk@essex.ac.uk.

In the first instance approach your Education Liaison Manager to see if funding can be secured via the organisation you are working for.

To apply for an individual module please complete the module application form (.docx) and email to msk@essex.ac.uk for the attention of Sophie Young.