National Certificate in Computed Tomography
Build an introductory specialist understanding of computed tomography within an existing radiography practice route.
About the course
Build an introductory specialist understanding of computed tomography within an existing radiography practice route. The proposed certificate focuses on image formation, cross-sectional anatomy, patient care and quality awareness. Southern African cases should consider service capacity and communication, while keeping every patient-facing activity within an approved learner scope.
What you'll learn
Explain the principles of CT image formation and common image limitations.
Identify relevant cross-sectional anatomy in approved teaching images.
Describe patient-protection and quality responsibilities.
Document a supervised CT learning case with clear evidence and reflection.
Requirements
Entry requires a relevant National Foundation Certificate or Ordinary Level (O Level) school qualification. English Language is required.
Programme-specific checks
This proposed specialist study assumes an appropriate existing diagnostic-radiography qualification, current professional registration and access to approved CT supervision. BMIT must confirm the actual entry route and scope with the relevant regulator. It is not presented as an initial route into radiographer registration.
African Kalanga is a compulsory graduation subject in every year of this programme. BMIT confirms the approved entry route, any recognition of prior learning and access to required practical facilities before enrolment.
Course Content
The subjects are grouped by learning stage, from foundations to specialist study and supervised application. Complete earlier foundations before the related advanced work. Clinical, laboratory, field and workplace subjects use approved facilities and supervision appropriate to the programme.
3 learning levels 17 subjects
Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.
Level 1: Foundations
Africa Indigenous Language: African Kalanga 101Compulsory graduation subject · Year 1
Develop African Kalanga through foundations for medicine and other health sciences. Practise with authentic tasks, feedback and reflection across the programme year.
Learning outcomes
- Use African Kalanga accurately for Year 1 study and practice.
- Explain language choices to the intended audience.
- Revise your work using speaker and facilitator feedback.
Main topics
- Pronunciation
- Everyday vocabulary
- Listening
- Reading and respectful introductions
Practical task
Record a short introduction and explain its meaning to a peer.
Assessment
Submit the practical work, a brief reflection and evidence of language review. Assessment checks meaning, audience fit and improvement after feedback.
Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation 101Compulsory core module · Level 1
Identify a real need, study the people affected and develop a responsible idea for a product, service or process. Apply this learning to National Certificate in Computed Tomography through an authentic brief and feedback from an appropriate audience.
Learning outcomes
- Investigate a defined opportunity and explain the evidence behind it.
- Develop and refine a creative response that fits the people and setting.
- Evaluate feasibility, ethical implications and the quality of the result.
Main topics
- Opportunity recognition
- Creative problem framing
- Community and user research
- Ethics and inclusion
- Idea generation and selection
Practical task
Investigate a need related to National Certificate in Computed Tomography. Interview or observe intended users with consent, compare possible responses and present one justified concept.
Assessment
Submit an opportunity brief, research notes, a concept sketch and a reflection on feedback. Assessment considers the quality of the evidence, the response to feedback, feasibility and your individual explanation.
African History and Pan Africanism 101Compulsory core module · Level 1
Study African history through oral, written and archaeological evidence. Examine the diversity of African societies, knowledge and exchange, then trace the emergence of Pan African ideas about identity, solidarity and self-determination.
Learning outcomes
- Place selected African societies and events within a supported historical timeline.
- Compare historical sources and identify perspective, evidence and uncertainty.
- Explain the foundations of Pan Africanism and the contributions of Africans and the diaspora.
Main topics
- Historical inquiry, chronology, oral traditions and source evaluation
- African civilisations, states, trade, livelihoods and knowledge systems
- Southern African history, including Mapungubgwe and Great Zimbabwe
- Slavery, the African diaspora and changing ideas about identity
- Origins of Pan Africanism, solidarity, self-determination and cultural expression
Practical task
Create an annotated timeline or digital learning poster on a selected African society or historical development. Compare at least two credible sources and explain one connection with your field of study.
Assessment
Submit the timeline or poster, an annotated source list and a short explanation of the evidence. Assessment considers chronology, historical accuracy, source judgement and the clarity of your interpretation.
Learning resources
Human Anatomy
Examine body organisation, musculoskeletal structures and their relationship within human anatomy. The subject develops thoracic structures and abdominal structures, then examines nervous structures and anatomical relationships. Study approved anatomical models and images in a supervised setting.
Learning outcomes
- Explain body organisation and musculoskeletal structures using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving thoracic structures and abdominal structures.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing nervous structures and anatomical relationships.
Main topics
- Body organisation
- Musculoskeletal structures
- Thoracic structures
- Abdominal structures
- Nervous structures
- Anatomical relationships
Practical task
Study approved anatomical models and images in a supervised setting.
Assessment
Submit an annotated anatomy portfolio and identification assessment.
Human Physiology
Develop your understanding of human physiology through homeostasis and cardiovascular function. The subject develops respiration and renal function, then examines endocrine regulation and nervous function. Interpret physiological teaching data and supervised non-invasive demonstrations.
Learning outcomes
- Explain homeostasis and cardiovascular function using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving respiration and renal function.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing endocrine regulation and nervous function.
Main topics
- Homeostasis
- Cardiovascular function
- Respiration
- Renal function
- Endocrine regulation
- Nervous function
Practical task
Interpret physiological teaching data and supervised non-invasive demonstrations.
Assessment
Submit a function-based case analysis and data interpretation.
Diagnostic Imaging Physics
Study radiation interactions and image formation as foundations for diagnostic imaging physics. The subject develops equipment principles and digital imaging, then examines image quality and protection. Interpret approved teaching images and supervised equipment demonstrations.
Learning outcomes
- Explain radiation interactions and image formation using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving equipment principles and digital imaging.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing image quality and protection.
Main topics
- Radiation interactions
- Image formation
- Equipment principles
- Digital imaging
- Image quality
- Protection
Practical task
Interpret approved teaching images and supervised equipment demonstrations.
Assessment
Submit an image-physics and quality-analysis portfolio.
Health Ethics and Professional Practice
Examine consent, confidentiality and their relationship within health ethics and professional practice. The subject develops scope of practice and equity, then examines professional accountability and ethical reasoning. Discuss a simulated ethical dilemma with attention to patient rights.
Learning outcomes
- Explain consent and confidentiality using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving scope of practice and equity.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing professional accountability and ethical reasoning.
Main topics
- Consent
- Confidentiality
- Scope of practice
- Equity
- Professional accountability
- Ethical reasoning
Practical task
Discuss a simulated ethical dilemma with attention to patient rights.
Assessment
Submit a justified ethical decision and professional reflection.
Clinical Communication
Develop your understanding of clinical communication through listening and plain language. The subject develops cultural context and shared information, then examines team handover and documentation. Practise communication in supervised simulation using fictional cases.
Learning outcomes
- Explain listening and plain language using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving cultural context and shared information.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing team handover and documentation.
Main topics
- Listening
- Plain language
- Cultural context
- Shared information
- Team handover
- Documentation
Practical task
Practise communication in supervised simulation using fictional cases.
Assessment
Complete an observed communication exercise and reflective record.
Level 2: Technical and applied subjects
Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation 201Compulsory core module · Level 2
Turn a promising idea into a testable proposal using evidence, creative methods and basic resource planning. Apply this learning to National Certificate in Computed Tomography through an authentic brief and feedback from an appropriate audience.
Learning outcomes
- Investigate a defined opportunity and explain the evidence behind it.
- Develop and refine a creative response that fits the people and setting.
- Evaluate feasibility, ethical implications and the quality of the result.
Main topics
- Co-design and prototyping
- Value proposition
- Feasibility and costs
- Risk and responsible practice
- Testing and iteration
Practical task
Develop a small prototype or service model for a National Certificate in Computed Tomography problem. Test it with relevant users, record feedback and revise the proposal.
Assessment
Submit a prototype, a feasibility note, user feedback and a record of revisions. Assessment considers the quality of the evidence, the response to feedback, feasibility and your individual explanation.
CT Physics and Image Formation
Study acquisition principles and detectors as foundations for ct physics and image formation. The subject develops reconstruction and image parameters, then examines artefacts and quality evaluation. Analyse de-identified images and approved simulator data.
Learning outcomes
- Explain acquisition principles and detectors using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving reconstruction and image parameters.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing artefacts and quality evaluation.
Main topics
- Acquisition principles
- Detectors
- Reconstruction
- Image parameters
- Artefacts
- Quality evaluation
Practical task
Analyse de-identified images and approved simulator data.
Assessment
Submit a CT physics and image-quality report.
CT Cross-Sectional Anatomy
Examine orientation, brain and their relationship within ct cross-sectional anatomy. The subject develops thorax and abdomen, then examines pelvis and musculoskeletal landmarks. Annotate approved CT teaching cases under qualified supervision.
Learning outcomes
- Explain orientation and brain using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving thorax and abdomen.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing pelvis and musculoskeletal landmarks.
Main topics
- Orientation
- Brain
- Thorax
- Abdomen
- Pelvis
- Musculoskeletal landmarks
Practical task
Annotate approved CT teaching cases under qualified supervision.
Assessment
Complete an image-based anatomy assessment.
CT Clinical Practice
Develop your understanding of ct clinical practice through patient assessment context and examination planning. The subject develops contrast responsibilities and clinical workflow, then examines image review and handover. Complete approved CT observation and supervised practice within existing radiography scope.
Learning outcomes
- Explain patient assessment context and examination planning using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving contrast responsibilities and clinical workflow.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing image review and handover.
Main topics
- Patient assessment context
- Examination planning
- Contrast responsibilities
- Clinical workflow
- Image review
- Handover
Practical task
Complete approved CT observation and supervised practice within existing radiography scope.
Assessment
Submit an authenticated CT competence portfolio and case discussion.
Radiation Protection
Study justification and optimisation as foundations for radiation protection. The subject develops exposure concepts and staff protection, then examines quality responsibilities and incident reporting. Analyse an authorised radiation-protection teaching case.
Learning outcomes
- Explain justification and optimisation using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving exposure concepts and staff protection.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing quality responsibilities and incident reporting.
Main topics
- Justification
- Optimisation
- Exposure concepts
- Staff protection
- Quality responsibilities
- Incident reporting
Practical task
Analyse an authorised radiation-protection teaching case.
Assessment
Submit a protection review within the approved professional role.
Imaging Informatics
Examine digital images, image archives and their relationship within imaging informatics. The subject develops data standards and display, then examines privacy and workflow reliability. Use de-identified teaching data to review an imaging information workflow.
Learning outcomes
- Explain digital images and image archives using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving data standards and display.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing privacy and workflow reliability.
Main topics
- Digital images
- Image archives
- Data standards
- Display
- Privacy
- Workflow reliability
Practical task
Use de-identified teaching data to review an imaging information workflow.
Assessment
Submit a data-governance and workflow report.
Level 3: Supervised practice and integration
Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation 301Compulsory core module · Level 3
Plan and evaluate the practical introduction of an innovation in a relevant organisation or community. Apply this learning to National Certificate in Computed Tomography through an authentic brief and feedback from an appropriate audience.
Learning outcomes
- Investigate a defined opportunity and explain the evidence behind it.
- Develop and refine a creative response that fits the people and setting.
- Evaluate feasibility, ethical implications and the quality of the result.
Main topics
- Implementation planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Resources and finance
- Monitoring and impact
- Learning from a pilot
Practical task
Prepare and defend a pilot plan for an innovation relevant to National Certificate in Computed Tomography. Set measures of success, identify risks and explain how results will guide improvement.
Assessment
Submit a pilot plan, budget assumptions, evaluation measures and an individual rationale. Assessment considers the quality of the evidence, the response to feedback, feasibility and your individual explanation.
CT Quality Assurance
Develop your understanding of ct quality assurance through quality indicators and equipment checks. The subject develops dose information and artefact review, then examines audit and improvement. Analyse approved CT quality data with the responsible imaging team.
Learning outcomes
- Explain quality indicators and equipment checks using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving dose information and artefact review.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing audit and improvement.
Main topics
- Quality indicators
- Equipment checks
- Dose information
- Artefact review
- Audit
- Improvement
Practical task
Analyse approved CT quality data with the responsible imaging team.
Assessment
Submit a quality-assurance investigation and justified improvement plan.
Integrated Supervised Clinical Practice
Study approved clinical roles and care coordination as foundations for integrated supervised clinical practice. The subject develops case reasoning and observed competence, then examines professional feedback and reflection. Complete an approved placement with qualified clinical supervision and authenticated records.
Learning outcomes
- Explain approved clinical roles and care coordination using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving case reasoning and observed competence.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing professional feedback and reflection.
Main topics
- Approved clinical roles
- Care coordination
- Case reasoning
- Observed competence
- Professional feedback
- Reflection
Practical task
Complete an approved placement with qualified clinical supervision and authenticated records.
Assessment
Pass direct clinical assessments and submit a reflective competence portfolio.
Practical Learning
Authentic e-learning at BMIT
BMIT uses Authentic E-Learning to connect your studies with practical problems in your field. You use digital resources to investigate a realistic brief, make decisions and produce work for a defined purpose and audience. Your qualification's activities below put this approach into practice.
How you will learn
The approach draws on nine elements of authentic learning:
- Realistic contexts: Work with situations relevant to your profession or community.
- Purposeful tasks: Investigate a substantial problem with more than one possible solution.
- Expert examples: Examine demonstrations and examples of professional reasoning.
- Different perspectives: Compare sources and consider the needs of different people.
- Collaboration: Share ideas and review work with peers, while showing your own contribution.
- Reflection: Record what worked, what changed and what needs improvement.
- Explanation: Present your reasoning and support your decisions with evidence.
- Guidance: Use tutor feedback and structured support as you develop independence.
- Authentic assessment: Demonstrate learning through the task and its practical outcome.
From a brief to a practical outcome
Start by identifying the problem, intended audience and assessment criteria. Investigate relevant evidence, plan your response and develop an initial solution. Use discussion and feedback to test your ideas, then revise your work and explain your choices.
Digital tools support research, collaboration, simulation and the presentation of evidence. Your output depends on the module. Examples include a business proposal, technical design, tested program, investigation report or community resource. Keep drafts, calculations, test results and reflections to show how your work developed.
The module brief sets the required tasks, individual and group responsibilities, submission format and assessment criteria. The practical activities and supervision requirements for this qualification are set out below.
Research informing this approach
- Herrington, J. Authentic Learning: nine elements of authentic learning.
- Lombardi, M. M. (2007). Authentic learning for the 21st century: An overview. EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative.
- Parker, J., Maor, D. and Herrington, J. (2013). Authentic online learning: Aligning learner needs, pedagogy and technology. Issues in Educational Research, 23(2), 227–241.
Use guided online cases and simulations to practise decisions. Clinical or patient-facing tasks require approved facilities and supervision.
What you will practise
- Diagnostic Imaging Physics: Interpret approved teaching images and supervised equipment demonstrations.
- CT Clinical Practice: Complete approved CT observation and supervised practice within existing radiography scope.
- Integrated Supervised Clinical Practice: Complete an approved placement with qualified clinical supervision and authenticated records.
Applied project
CT practical learning needs an approved imaging service, registered radiography supervisors and observed competence. Learners must not operate independently, alter clinical protocols or make diagnostic reports outside their authorised role. Online theory and image exercises do not replace clinical training or establish specialist registration.
Evidence and feedback
- A completed practical task with an explanation of the method, evidence and decisions.
- Observed simulation followed by assessed practice at an approved clinical site, with an authenticated competence portfolio.
- An applied service or evidence-review project. Clinical and final assessment requirements must be approved by the education provider and relevant regulator.
Assessment considers the practical work you submit, the evidence behind your decisions and how you respond to feedback.
African History and Pan Africanism practical learning
- African History and Pan Africanism 101: Create an annotated timeline or digital learning poster on a selected African society or historical development. Compare at least two credible sources and explain one connection with your field of study.
Career Prospects
These examples show work across this qualification pathway, from support roles to specialist and management posts. Your entry point depends on your study, experience and employer requirements. Regulated roles require separate recognition or registration.
Top Career Paths and Job Titles
- Imaging department assistant: Prepares records and supports patient flow under supervision.
- Diagnostic radiographer: Produces images only with the recognised qualification and registration.
- Computed tomography technologist: Performs CT work within the applicable professional scope and training.
- Image quality specialist: Reviews protocols, radiation safety and technical quality.
- Imaging services lead: Coordinates staff, equipment and service improvement.
Growth and Leadership Trajectory
- Starting practice: After meeting entry and any registration requirements, begin with the work represented by Imaging department assistant. Build supervised experience and keep a record of reliable work.
- Specialist progression: Relevant study and evidence from more complex projects support a move towards Diagnostic radiographer or Computed tomography technologist.
- Leadership: With substantial experience, a role such as Imaging services lead adds responsibility for people, quality, budgets or service decisions.
Further Education to Boost Prospects
- Next study step: A related National Diploma in diagnostic imaging and computed tomography is a possible next level, subject to programme entry requirements.
- Continue at BMIT: National Diploma in Computed Tomography Admission and any credit transfer are assessed separately.
Professional Certifications and Registrations
- HPCSA: South African emergency care, medical technology, radiography and related clinical roles have distinct registration categories. The council assesses the exact qualification and practice scope. Check official requirements.
Potential Government and Industrial Employers
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management: Start or manage a small venture related to this field. Regulated work still requires the relevant professional registration or licence.
- Private and commercial organisations: Hospitals and diagnostic centres.
- Specialist employers: Emergency care providers.
- Research and community organisations: Clinical laboratories and imaging firms.
- Government departments and public bodies: Public hospitals and health departments.