科廷科技大学

Medical radiation scientists use radiation on the human body to help diagnose, treat and monitor medical conditions and provide cancer therapy. Rapid technological advances in these areas mean that the medical imaging and radiation-therapy sector is also continuing to expand.

This course comprises foundation studies required for medical radiation science practice – including medical physics, anatomy, physiology and evidence-based practice – and a combination of subjects from science and health sciences that will give you a grounding in the healthcare environment.

The first year is interprofessional and taken with other health sciences and science students. From the second year, you will specialise in one of two majors: Medical Imaging or Radiation Therapy.

In both majors you'll develop the ethical, medico-legal, cultural awareness and communication abilities needed to take responsibility for the care of individual patients.

Medical Imaging

Medical imaging professionals work with sophisticated diagnostic imaging modalities – including computed and digital radiography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and angiography equipment.

They produce images that are used to confirm or exclude a medical diagnosis, to advise on a treatment or illness, monitor patient progress, or provide medical screening.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapists have an integral role in the treatment, care and management of patients undergoing radiation therapy treatment, primarily in treating cancer types.

They use a range of complex technologies and equipment to design, develop and deliver radiation therapy treatment.

Professional recognition

Professionally recognised by the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia. Registration with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia is a legal requirement to practise as a graduate medical imaging or radiation therapist in Australia.

Career information

Careers

Medical imaging professional
Radiation therapist

Industries

• Clinical research
• Education
• Health and safety
• Private practice
• Private, public and regional hospitals
• Software and equipment supply
• Support services

What you'll learn

Apply discipline knowledge to undertake medical radiation science procedures in a safe and effective manner; develop clinical practices using evidence-based research
Think critically and reflectively about factors for safe and effective patient outcome delivery including clinical information, physical parameters, and patient, equipment and environmental conditions
Apply an inquiring approach to the management of patients and the assessment of medical radiation science procedural requirements and outcomes through identification, access, evaluation and synthesis of information from credible sources
Communicate effectively and appropriately with different workplace, healthcare and patient groups, taking into account age, health condition and socio-cultural background
Use equipment/instrumentation knowledge and available clinical information to assess the medical radiation procedure required to appropriately address the clinical challenge/question, recognising the advantages and limitations of available equipment/instrumentation to provide a safe and effective patient outcome
Assess and critically evaluate information independently to remain informed and advance practice
Demonstrate cognisance of current international standards and practices within the profession and apply these clinically
Manage patient care in a manner that promotes respect for individuals, is socio-culturally sensitive and ethically appropriate