Overview 2024
Location
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
View archived years for this course
For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
The full Medical Radiation Science program involves five years of study, commencing with your first two years at our Launceston campus where you'll be introduced to foundational knowledge and skills that you need to progress to the practical and specialised components of the course.
In your third and fourth year you will study at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales. This is where you will focus your studies on your specialisation of choice, Diagnostic Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, or Radiation Therapy. You will learn clinical knowledge and skills, get hands-on with equipment related to your specialisation, and undertake a number of clinical placements to apply your skills in real-world scenarios with real patients.
Your final year is a full year of professional placement, which can be at hospitals around the country including Tasmania where demand is very high. This continues your work integrated learning, so you graduate ready to be an effective contributor to an efficient healthcare system.
Upon graduation you will be prepared to work in either diagnostic radiography, nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, or radiation therapy departments, providing diagnostic and treatment services that are an integral part of the healthcare system.
Learning Outcomes
Practical experience
Real equipment, real patients, and a year of professional placement
In your third and fourth year you will study at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales. This is where you will focus your studies on your specialisation of choice, Diagnostic Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, or Radiation Therapy. You will learn clinical knowledge and skills, get hands-on with equipment related to your specialisation, and undertake a number of clinical placements to apply your skills in real-world scenarios with real patients.
Your final year is a full year of Professional Experience Placement, which can be at hospitals around the country including Tasmania where demand is very high. This continues your work integrated learning, so you graduate ready to be an effective contributor to an efficient healthcare system.
Safety in Practice Compliance
This course includes compulsory Professional Experience Placements. You must meet the College of Health and Medicine's Safety in Practice Requirements before census date of the first semester of your course. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.
Work placement
Your final year is a full year of professional placement, which can be at hospitals around the country including Tasmania where demand is very high. This continues your work integrated learning, so you graduate ready to be an effective contributor to an efficient healthcare system.
Career outcomes
"I started looking at what I could study at UTAS, because I didn’t want to move away from home yet. That’s where I started with radiation therapy."
Diagnostic Radiography
Graduates work as diagnostic radiographers/medical imaging technologists either in public hospitals or private radiology practices in any state of Australia. Graduates can also apply to work in other countries. Other graduate opportunities include management, research, industry (application specialists) and higher education.
Graduates from this course can qualify for further study and training to enter a career in ultrasound or MRI.
The course is accredited by the AHPRA Medical Radiation Science Practice Board and graduates will be eligible for registration by the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia.
Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Graduates work as nuclear medicine scientists or CT radiographers either in public hospitals or private nuclear medicine practices in any state of Australia. Graduates can also apply to work in other countries. Other graduate opportunities include management, research, industry (application specialists) and higher education.
Graduates from this course can qualify for further study and training to enter a career in ultrasound or MRI.
The course is accredited by the AHPRA Medical Radiation Science Practice Board and will be eligible for registration by the soon-to-be-formed national registration board.
Radiation Therapy
Graduates work as radiation therapists either in public hospitals or private radiation oncology practices in any State of Australia. Graduates can also apply to work in any country. Other graduate opportunities include management, research, industry (application specialists) and higher education.
Graduates from this course can qualify for further study and training to enter a career in tomotherapy and IMRT.
The course is accredited by the AHPRA Medical Radiation Science Practice Board and graduates will be eligible for registration by the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia.
Postgraduate study
In addition to the above, if you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research.
Professional Accreditation
The 53I course does not provide professional accreditation. The CSU program is an accredited course for each of the three specialisations. Consultation and course mapping ensures that students undertaking the UTAS pathway meet the CSU accreditation requirements for first year.
Course structure
If you are starting in 2023 you can find your course planner here – this helps you plan what units to enrol in and when.
Year 1 and 2 - Core units
This unit introduces the determinants of health and wellbeing including lifestyle factors. Students are introduced to the types of measures that are used in reporting health information and the ways in which this information is presented and utilised. Students will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CXA103 Health: Determinants and Analysis
This unit sets the foundation for the study of food and its components. It will describe the role and function of macro and micronutrients essential for human health, their digestion and absorption, and relevance for the health of populations and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
An introductory physics course for health science professionals. This subject provides an introduction to the topics of mechanics, waves, fluids and thermodynamics, vibrations and waves, and atomic and nuclear physics. CXA115 aims to provide a basic understanding of physical processes…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This subject introduces the fundamental principles of radiation science and the medical professions that utilise radiation. Students are introduced to the professions of Medical Imaging, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy. The unit covers types of radiation and their uses, image…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit provides a structured introduction to the practical aspects of the clinical environment within a medical radiation department and to basic techniques in medical radiation science. You will be introduced to a range of techniques and instrumentation used in…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
This subject introduces the modalities and instrumentation used in medical radiation science professions. Students are introduced to the modalities and instrumentation in the areas of Medical Imaging, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy. The unit covers the different types of devices…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for CXA202 Medical Radiation Instrumentation
This unit provides an overview of the origins and principles of health promotion. Students will develop an understanding of the strategies, methods and theories used in health promotion, to meet the needs of diverse population groups in different social contexts.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CXA213 Health Promotion: Principles and Planning
This unit provides an introduction to analysis of human movement. The focus is on functional musculoskeletal anatomy and the physical laws that control motion. The unit focuses both on the application of kinesiology to physical activities of daily living and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit is designed to introduce students to human cells and tissues and the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, defence, musculoskeletal and neuroendocrine systems in the human body. The unit will include: (a) the basic facts and concepts relating…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
This unit is designed to introduce you to the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive systems of the human body. The regulation of body temperature will also be studied in the unit. The unit will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Health Study Period 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Health Study Period 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Health Study Period 2 | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | Health Study Period 2 | ||||
This unit introduces students to the fundamental concepts and methods relevant to health science and research literacy, offering perspectives from a range of health professions and fields of medical research. It will equip students with the skills to locate, evaluate,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
This unit explores how historical, cultural and social elements, as well as previous and contemporary policy frameworks, shape the health and wellbeing of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Cultural safety, self-determination and collaboration are central concepts within…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Nursing Study Period 3 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Nursing Study Period 3 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Nursing Study Period 3 | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | Nursing Study Period 3 | ||||
View all details for HGA246 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
This unit introduces students to major theoretical and empirical perspectives on the psychology of health and wellbeing. It examines the psychosocial determinants of health and wellness as well as psychological theories of health protection and illness prevention. Issues relating to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for PSY223 Health and Psychological Wellbeing
Year 1 and 2 - Elective units
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.
DOMESTIC APPLICANTS
Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education (completed in the past two years)
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2023, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 75.20. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.
To be eligible for an offer, you must also meet the subject prerequisites listed below.
Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study
This course does not admit students on the basis of VET / TAFE study. You can enquire online for advice on pathways or alternative course options.
Domestic applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made
You must also meet the subject prerequisites listed below.
Domestic applicants with work and life experience
This course does not admit students on the basis of work and life experience. You can enquire online for advice on available pathways and alternative course options.
Subject Prerequisites
To be an eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:
- General Mathematics (MTG315120) or equivalent or higher
You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subjects above. If you have not met any of these prerequisites you will need to complete a UTAS foundation unit before you start your course.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
SAFETY IN PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS
This course includes compulsory Professional Experience Placements. You must meet the College of Health and Medicine's Safety in Practice Requirements before census date of the first semester of your course. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.
For International students
This course is not available to international students. Please enquire online for advice on alternative course options.
Credit transfer
Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.
Articulation
Students can articulate into the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, and the Bachelor of Nutrition Science as these courses share a similar first year and some second year units.
Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Radiation Science) students may also be eligible for advanced standing into Bachelor of Biomedicine.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.
If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.
Student contributionStudent contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.
Further informationDetailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries