Overview
Medical radiation science enables health professionals to diagnose, treat and monitor medical conditions or provide cancer therapy. Due to rapid technological advances, medical imaging and radiation therapy sectors are continuing to expand.
This course comprises foundation studies required for medical radiation science practice. Subjects include medical physics, anatomy, physiology and evidence-based practice; plus science and health sciences subjects that provide a grounding in the healthcare environment.
In your first year, you’ll study interprofessional course units with students from other health science and science disciplines. As your studies progress, you’ll major in Medical Imaging or Radiation Therapy.
You’ll also develop the ethical, medico-legal, cultural awareness and communication skills needed for the responsible care of patients.
During your course, you’ll undertake 45 weeks of clinical experience in hospitals, private practices and rural and regional health sites.
This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the inherent requirements before applying.
Majors
You can choose to major in Medical Imaging or Radiation Therapy when you apply for this course.
Medical Imaging
Medical imaging professionals work with sophisticated diagnostic imaging modalities – including 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, 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.
What jobs can the Medical Radiation Science course lead to?
Careers
- Medical imaging professional
- Radiation therapist
Industries
- Clinical research
- Health and safety
- Private medical practice
- Hospitals
- Technology supply
- Support services
- Tertiary education
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
- work effectively, ethically and cognisant of medico-legal boundaries within the interprofessional healthcare team; take responsibility for own actions
