Comparison of Curricula of BS Medical Imaging in UAE and Selected Countries

Abstract

Background Medical imaging techniques are employed to reveal internal structures that exist beneath the skin and bones to detect anomalies and aid in the treatment of illnesses. The purpose of this work was to present and compare existing curricula of the Bachelor of Science BS Medical Imaging program in the UAE and other selected countries namely KSA India USA Australia Sudan Jordan Kuwait Qatar and Bahrain.Methods We employed the document analysis technique and mixed method qualitative and quantitative approach. The information on each of the bachelor program offered at the studied universities was obtained from the respective university websites.Results The comparison of the curricula in UAE and the selected countries showed that the range of total credit hours among the studied universities was 120 -160 credit hours while the duration of program in the all the universities was four years. The internship duration varied from 18 credit hours to one year. Among the basic medical courses Anatomy and Physiology courses were common in the curricula of the studied universities. The Queensland University did not offer any course from the basic science category. Alrazi University showed the highest similarity to the UAE universities in major courses while the Queensland University showed the highest variation in major courses. Certain universities offered unique courses that were not included in the curricula of other universities. Conclusion Among all the studied universities Alrazi University showed the highest similarity to the UAE universities in major courses while the Queensland University showed the highest variation.