Medical Radiation Science
Diagnostic Radiography
What is Diagnostic Radiography?
Diagnostic Radiography is a diverse and rewarding job with a great mix of science and people. Using both ionising (x-ray) and non-ionising (ultrasound) radiation, the Diagnostic Radiographer produces high quality images that can assist in reaching a correct diagnosis and other medical decision making.
Diagnostic Radiography is a fast moving and continually changing health profession. The equipment used in this field is on the cutting edge of new technology in the medical field.
As a practitioner in this field, you would be responsible for selecting and performing the most appropriate medical imaging procedure for example:
- Plain film radiography
- Computed tomography
- Ultrasound
- Angiography
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
What will I study?
We have a strong commitment to developing graduates who have well-developed, patient-focused communication skills, who can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, and who can manage their lifelong learning. This is reflected in our courses as we value early patient contact and clinical experience for our students.
You will undertake professional practice experience in each year of the degree, completing 30 weeks of formal, assessed professional practice overall.
In class you will study the skills and techniques of professional Diagnostic Radiography, complimented by physical, biomedical and behavioural sciences. You will learn
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Radiation protection
- Clinical education
- Physics
- Instrumentation research.
Honours is available as an extra year of study to those students who achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 or above at the end of Year 3.
Career opportunities
Diagnostic Radiographers find clinical positions in private and public hospitals, management roles, a career in research, or move on to specialise in a particular area of the profession. You will have many opportunities, both within Australia and internationally, to expand your career and build on your knowledge and skills.
There are many Diagnostic Radiation practices throughout rural Australia, and with the strong links our school has with the University Department of Rural Health, you will have many opportunities to network within your profession throughout the duration of your degree.
Nuclear medicine
What is Nuclear Medicine?
Nuclear medicine is about imaging and treating a variety of injuries or diseases. Ailments range from sporting injuries of elite athletes to cancer. To do this, nuclear medicine scientists use a mix of progressive medical imaging technology, people skills and radioactive chemical compounds (called radiopharmaceuticals).
Nuclear medicine scientists help physicians to understand more about what is happening inside their patients' bodies, including functioning and anatomy.
As a nuclear medicine scientist, you will use your skills and knowledge to prepare and administer appropriate procedures. Some key aspects of the job include:
- Decision making and planning
- People skills
- Knowledge of occupational health and safety
- Management skills
What will I study?
You will study courses in:
- Nuclear medicine theory
- Nuclear medicine instrumentation
- Radiopharmacy
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Patient care and research.
Students have access to the latest technology in Nuclear Medicine, as well as the opportunity to develop essential skills prior to professional placement. Our courses also incorporate a mentoring program where students are guided by highly qualified Nuclear Medicine Scientists.
These courses are integrated with 25 weeks of professional practice completed over three years giving students the experience to further develop their professional skills.
Honours is available as an extra year of study to those students who achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 or above at the end of Year 3.
Career opportunities
Australia is recognised as a world leader in Nuclear Medicine education and practice. The courses leading to a program are accredited by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine.
There are opportunities available to join dynamic workplaces throughout the public and private sector. You might find yourself in a clinical role, eventually specialising in a particular area of your field. There is also scope for a career in management as the Chief or Director of an imaging service. You may even desire to go further with research, or you can pursue a career in the tertiary sector as an educator.
Radiation Therapy
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation Therapy is a treatment for patients diagnosed with malignant diseases (such as breast cancer or prostate cancer) and benign diseases (non-cancerous). To do this, Radiation Therapists work with current and emerging technologies, as well as working closely with patients undergoing treatment.
The Radiation Therapist is required to provide the radiation oncologist with an informed opinion about the optimum radiation therapy procedure for each patient, and the welfare and quality of life of patients undergoing radiation treatment. A quality of life assessment, for example, may involve the physical, functional, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of the person.
What will I study?
Our courses are offered over three years of full-time study at the Callaghan campus. We have a strong commitment to helping you develop into a graduate with advanced, patient-focused communication skills, the ability to work effectively in a team, and the desire to continue your professional development through an attitude of life-long learning.
You will study subjects such as:
- Clinical education
- Anatomy and physiology
- Oncology
- Physics
- Instrumentation and research
Our courses allows students access to the latest technologies in Radiation Therapy, as well as attendance at cancer care facilities under the mentorship of qualified Radiation Therapy tutors.
You will also experience patient contact, as professional practice is undertaken in each year of the program, with 30 weeks of experience in total. Professional practice experiences range from metropolitan clinics to rural centres and even possibly overseas (subject to the approval of the Program Convenor).
Honours is available as an extra year of study to those students who achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 or above at the end of Year 3.
Career opportunities
Graduates of our program are highly regarded and enjoy a high rate of employment. In addition, our qualification is recognised around the world and could be your ticket to exciting employment prospects if you are interesting in working abroad.
As a Medical Radiation Science professional you may choose to apply your knowledge and skills in a clinical role as a graduate practitioner through to a specialist position. There are also employment prospects in management where you may take on the role of Chief or Director of Medical Radiation Science Services. Alternatively, many professionals obtain positions within the higher education sector as teachers and researchers.
Academic staff in Medical Radiation Science
To view more information about a staff member, including research interests, please select the "web" option to visit that staff member's profile.
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Magnetic Resonance Sagittal Image: cervical spine and brain
VERT Lab: Virtual Environment for Radiation Training