Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations Course

Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R) and their application in healthcare settings where ionising radiation is used for medical purposes. It explores the benefits and risks of medical imaging, radiation protection, safe exposure practices, incident reporting and regulatory inspections. Learners will develop an understanding of relevant responsibilities and the procedures used to investigate and report accidental or unintended exposures. The course takes approximately one hour to complete and is worth 1 CPD point.

Please note: This is an introductory, Level 1 course providing awareness of IR(ME)R and the risks associated with medical exposure to ionising radiation. It does not replace practical training, role-specific instruction or any additional training an employer requires for work involving ionising radiation.

What the course covers
• The use of ionising radiation in healthcare
• Medical imaging and its clinical applications
• The benefits and risks of medical exposure
• X-rays and nuclear medicine
• Radiation risks and safe dosage
• Exposure to ionising radiation
• The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R)
• Reporting accidental or unintended exposures
• Significant Accidental or Unintended Exposures (SAUE)
• Clinically Significant Accidental or Unintended Exposures (CSAUE)
• Incidents that do not require SAUE notification
• IR(ME)R licensing breaches and notifications
• The role of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in processing statutory notifications
• Investigating incidents and notifying the enforcing authority
• Local investigation procedures and investigation records
• Assessing radiation doses and using complementary notification codes
• Interventional radiology and cardiology
• Radiotherapy treatment verification imaging
• Foetal exposure and other exposure errors
• Public and occupational radiation exposures
• IR(ME)R inspections and themed inspection programmes
• Inspection outcomes, enforcement, reports and information

Who is it for?
This course is intended for healthcare professionals who work in settings where ionising radiation is used for diagnosis, treatment or other medical purposes. It is suitable for introductory learning, staff induction, refresher training and knowledge enhancement.

Relevant roles include:
• Radiographers involved in medical imaging
• Radiologists responsible for interpreting images and overseeing diagnostic procedures
• Oncologists involved in radiotherapy
• Nurses working in radiology or oncology departments
• Medical physicists supporting the safe use of ionising radiation
• Other healthcare professionals whose roles involve medical exposure to ionising radiation or related procedures

Practical benefits
• Develop an understanding of IR(ME)R and its application in healthcare
• Recognise the benefits and potential risks associated with medical exposure to radiation
• Understand the importance of radiation protection and safe exposure practices
• Become familiar with responsibilities relating to radiation safety
• Recognise the importance of reporting and investigating accidental or unintended exposures
• Understand relevant notification, documentation and record-keeping processes
• Improve awareness of regulatory inspections and enforcement procedures
• Gain a CPD-accredited certificate after successfully completing the course quiz

What learners will be able to do
• Explain key principles and terminology associated with IR(ME)R
• Recognise the relevance of radiation safety to everyday healthcare practice
• Identify common risks and concerns associated with medical exposure to ionising radiation
• Understand individual responsibilities and professional role boundaries
• Apply appropriate good-practice principles within their role
• Communicate relevant concerns to appropriate colleagues
• Recognise when advice, reporting or escalation may be required
• Understand the processes for reporting and investigating accidental or unintended exposures
• Recognise the importance of accurate radiation dose assessments and investigation records
• Use their learning to support safer and more consistent practice

Is this training a legal requirement?
The course covers the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R), which govern medical exposures involving ionising radiation. The supplied course information identifies the regulations as a key subject but does not specify whether this particular online course is legally required for every learner. Training needs depend on the responsibilities of the individual and the requirements applicable to their role. Learners should follow their employer’s procedures and any relevant role-specific training requirements.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz at the end of the course. On successful completion, they receive a free CPD-accredited Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations certificate, which can be downloaded or printed. Unlimited assessment retakes are available. The course is delivered online and takes approximately one hour to complete.