To be a diagnostic radiographer, you need to be a good communicator, focussed on the well-being of patients, and proficient with computers and medical imaging technology.

Diagnostic radiographers are responsible for performing the most appropriate medical imaging procedure for the presenting condition. They communicate closely with patients and collaborate with a diverse range of health professionals. Accurate diagnosis is extremely important to both confirm a particular diagnosis and exclude other likely diagnoses.

As a diagnostic radiographer, you receive referrals from health professionals such as medical practitioners, physiotherapists, podiatrists, chiropractors and nurse practitioners. You work closely with health professionals to ensure that the best quality imaging procedures are performed and you use clinical reasoning skills in making decisions and recommendations. You are responsible for the comfort and well-being of patients while they are in your care.

To build your skills and give you hands-on experience in the field, you complete twenty-five weeks of professional practice over the course of your degree. Find out more

Graduates of the University of Newcastle’s diagnostic radiography program are highly regarded, and many students gain employment prior to completing the degree. Find out more

Why would you do this degree? Find out from graduates and current students. Discover how their future is taking shape, and learn first-hand what it's like to study at uni. Find out more

To build your skills and give you hands-on experience in the field, you complete twenty-five weeks of professional practice over the course of your degree.

Professional practice is integrated throughout the degree and commences in first year. You may undertake placements in the Hunter Region, NSW, Australia and overseas. All students undertake metropolitan, regional and rural placements as part of the degree.

On your professional placements, you are mentored by qualified diagnostic radiographers, and placements are undertaken in public and private hospitals and practices, and in metropolitan, regional and rural communities.

As a student, you have access to imaging and post-processing labs on campus and you learn essential professional skills prior to placements. Through your coursework, you are educated to develop clinical reasoning and patient management skills. You will learn using real case-based examples so that you integrate your learning into practice, and you will engage with other students in team work activities that will build your confidence and competence to undertake professional practice.

Graduates of the University of Newcastle’s diagnostic radiography degree are highly regarded, and many students gain employment prior to completing the degree.

Diagnostic radiography is the professional practice of conducting a range of imaging examinations on patients. These diagnostic imaging examinations produce images of the structure and function of the body and assist health providers to make important decisions about the care of patients.

It is a fast moving and continually changing health profession, and the equipment used in this field is on the cutting edge of new technology in the medical field.

Diagnostic radiography incorporates many different progressive technologies such as plain X-Rays, computer tomography, MRI, and ultrasound, in settings such as accident and emergency and in operating theatres or in private practice.

A diagnostic radiographer produces a range of high quality 2D, 3D or 4D images in order to confirm or exclude a diagnosis, assist or monitor patient progress, for medical screening or for research.

Australia is recognised as a world leader in Medical Radiation Science (MRS). Our degree is accredited by the Australian Institute of Radiography. A professional year is required after you graduate before applying for full professional accreditation. After this you can practice around the world.

Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Please be aware that the current standard English Language Competency for registration as a practitioner in your chosen health discipline in most states of Australia is an IELTS of 7.0.