Qualification and registration requirements

Medical Radiation Practitioners are university qualified professionals who have completed an undergraduate or graduate entry masters level course in Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging/Diagnostic Radiography) and are registered with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia. Specialist Post Graduate courses are available at Masters, Post Graduate and Graduate Certificate levels.

What is a Radiographer?

Diagnostic Medical Imaging is the science involving the controlled use of ionising and non-ionising radiation for the production of images to assist in the diagnosis and subsequent management of disease and injury. The medical radiation practitioner, in consultation with medical specialists, has immediate responsibility for producing medical images using techniques including diagnostic radiography, CT, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for medical diagnosis and treatment.

What does a Radiographer do?

Medical Radiation Practitioners in  Diagnostic Radiography are professionals responsible for the production of high quality images for the purpose of diagnosis of injury or disease. It is a pivotal aspect of medicine and a patient’s diagnosis and ultimate treatment is often dependant on the images produced. Diagnostic radiography uses both ionising and non-ionising radiation in the imaging process. The equipment used is at the high end of technology and computerisation and innovation within medicine. Diagnostic Radiography utilises a number of modalities  such as CT scanning (Computerised Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Ultrasound and Mammography. Within modalities there are subspecialties such as Angiography and Operating Theatre Imaging.

Diagnostic Radiographers work closely with patients, doctors and other health professionals as part of the interdisciplinary health care team. They must have the technical expertise to operate cutting–edge medical imaging technology and advanced computer systems  and the humanistic skills to communicate with patients and health care teams.

A career as a NSW Health Medical Radiation Science professional provides opportunities to advance to senior clinical positions performing increasingly complex clinical procedures. A medical radiation practitioner  may also undertake supervisory roles, provide training to students and new graduate MRS professionals. There are opportunities for management of a Medical Imaging Department, modality specialty, Educator role or Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Administration.

Related links

Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia

Medical Radiation Practice Council of New South Wales

Australian Institute of Radiography

Australian Sonographers Association

The Australasian Society For Ultrasound in Medicine

Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry

For information on how to gain recognition of Allied Health qualifications obtained overseas, please contact the relevant professional association as per web lists above.