Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)
ObjectivesCSU’s Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging), offered full-time on campus, focuses on the techniques and equipment used in diagnostic radiography and in other imaging modalities, to prepare graduates for a career in this highly technical area of health care.
Academic titleBachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)
Course descriptionAbout the course
The field of medical imaging, also known as diagnostic radiography, demands a high degree of academic study, as well as clinical expertise in routine and advanced medical imaging procedures. The equipment used by medical imaging technologists has become increasingly sophisticated in the past decade and a comprehensive knowledge of equipment function, operation and computer interfacing is required.
As a radiographer, you will be concerned with producing high-quality medical images of the human body for medical diagnosis through the operation of specialist equipment, such as administering ionising radiation (x-rays), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulses to the patient. You will also be responsible for the care and welfare of your patients and will seek to minimise their radiation exposure.
With an emphasis on the techniques and equipment used in diagnostic radiography and in other imaging modalities, this course will provide a rewarding and fulfilling career for people interested in a technically-oriented health care field.
Basic physical and biological sciences, including physics, anatomy, physiology, pathology and aspects of behavioural science are important elements of the course. Several specialist subjects are also offered, including imaging anatomy, imaging pathology, applied imaging (digital image processing), an introduction to diagnostic ultrasound and an introduction to research methods.
In addition to the Bachelor degree in medical imaging, the University also offers a conversion course to degree status for anyone with an Australian Associate Diploma/Diploma (or equivalent) in the field of medical imaging.
Prospective students should note that the course structure is currently being reviewed and there may be substantial changes to some subject offerings. These changes are aimed at further enhancing subject content and graduate outcomes.
Where it will take you
After the completion of a Professional Development year, under the auspices of the Australian Institute of Radiography, graduates may secure a position in either metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas in the public hospital system or private radiological practices in any state of Australia.
Professionals teaching you
The clinical and technical aspects of the course are taught by dedicated medical imaging professionals with years of collective experience in clinical radiography. Fundamental areas of the course are complemented by experienced physicists and anatomists with a deep understanding of the needs of clinical medical imaging.
Your course is recognised by industry
This course is accredited by the Australian Institute of Radiography.
The latest facilities
To ensure you are experienced in using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:
* a variety of clinical x-ray equipment
* computerised radiography (CR)
* a clinical ultrasound machine
Clinical experience
Clinical studies are an essential element of the course. Many clinical skills are gained and enhanced by practising in the clinical workplace through our clinical placement scheme. Over the three years of academic study, students will be required to undertake a maximum of 31 weeks of work experience in a range of radiological departments in country and metropolitan areas.
Travel, accommodation and any other costs associated with clinical studies are the responsibility of the student.
The Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging) course involves physical demands on students, particularly in clinical placements. These demands include lifting of patients and equipment, moving equipment, standing and walking for most of the working day and looking at monitor screens and bright light x-ray viewing boxes.
Any students who believe that they may have difficulty with these requirements are advised to contact the Course Coordinator or Student Equity Officer before enrolling.
Graduation requirements
To graduate, students undertaking the full-time program must satisfactorily complete 192 points (24 subjects), and meet clinical practice requirements. Students undertaking the conversion program must satisfactorily complete 192 points, comprising the credit package awarded upon admission for the prior qualification which admits them to a particular level of entry and the following points completed during enrolment in the course: 64 points (eight subjects) for Level entry (40 points for holders of an HDCR qualification), 48 points (six subjects) for Level 2 entry, or 32 points (four subjects) for Level 3 entry.
Students will graduate from the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging) with the award BMedRadSc(MedImaging).
Clinical requirements
Refer to the Clinical requirements section following for information on:
* Criminal Record Clearance
* Immunisation
Please note that the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging) has a clinical practicum in the first six months. As the hepatitis B immunisation takes six months for full vaccination, it is recommended that students commence immunisation as soon as possible in order to undertake clinical placement.