Start date
February

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IBRS

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 44,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [7.0]
  • IELTS reading [7.0]
  • IELTS writing [7.0]
  • IELTS speaking [7.0]
  • IELTS listening [7.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
088333G

Degree overview

  • Study Medical Radiation Science with a specialisation in nuclear medicine.
  • Develop the skills to safely prepare and administer radioactive substances, operate state-of-the-art equipment, diagnose and treat diseases, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
  • Graduate accredited with South Australia's only medical radiation science suite from a university with more than 50 years of allied health education.
  • Get real-world experience with more than 1,400 hours of clinical placements as part of your studies.
  • Work with industry-standard equipment on-campus, including fully functioning x-ray suites, and specialised equipment.
  • Learn from experienced academics with clinical experience, and from a curriculum with above world-class research in medical radiation science.1
  • Study with South Australia's no.1 university for graduate careers.2
  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

1Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Nuclear Medicine student.jpg

Unleash your unstoppable career in the rewarding and highly specialised field of nuclear medicine.

As a professional nuclear medicine technician, you will be responsible for preparing and administering radioactive substances to patients to evaluate the function of an organ and diagnose and treat disease. You will also work as part of an interprofessional team to deliver life-changing outcomes for patients.

We offer South Australia’s only degree to become an accredited nuclear medicine professional, and will prepare you to confidently join the workforce through a mixture of practical, theoretical, and industry learning.

High achieving students may be considered for the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Nuclear Medicine) program in the third year, where you’ll complete a research project and become prepared for a career in academia.

What you'll need

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements.

Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant national board. The registration process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with the University providing notification to AHPRA following enrolment in the program.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

Nuclear medicine technologists need to know how to confidently prepare and administer radioactive substances (radiopharmaceuticals) to evaluate the function of an organ or body system and diagnose and/or treat diseases. Throughout your degree, you’ll learn how to work with radioactive substances, and complement your clinical skills with valuable interpersonal skills such as communication and collaboration.

During your first year, you’ll focus on basic sciences at the core of the study and practice of medical radiation science. You’ll cover a range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, pathology and radiation physics. These core subjects introduce you to the scientific principles surrounding medical radiation.

You’ll apply these concepts to professional practice through clinical placements, which begin in your second year and continue through your third and fourth years.

Throughout your studies, you’ll take part in regular pre-clinical preparation workshops to further extend your skills as you move into advanced areas of practice.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country HLTH 1063 4.5
Human Anatomy 100 HLTH 1020 4.5
Human Physiology 100 BIOL 1049 4.5
Introduction to Medical Radiation Practice RADY 1017 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pathology for Medical Radiation MEDI 2006 4.5
Human Physiology 101 BIOL 1050 4.5
Physics for Medical Radiation 100 PHYS 1017 4.5
Medical Radiation Human Anatomy HLTH 1026 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Fundamentals of Pharmacology PHAR 2019 4.5
Physics for Medical Radiation 200 PHYS 2006 4.5
Nuclear Medicine Studies 1 RADY 2010 4.5
Human Anatomy 201 (Gross and Sectional) RADY 2008 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 1 RADY 2013 4.5 Note(s): 2,6 Rule(s): 2
Nuclear Medicine Studies 2 RADY 3022 4.5
Physics for Medical Radiation 300 PHYS 2007 4.5
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences HLTH 1049 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Advanced Evidence Based Practice HLTH 3057 4.5
CT and PET Imaging RADY 3032 4.5
Nuclear Medicine Studies 3 RADY 3023 4.5
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 7
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Nuclear Medicine Studies 4 RADY 3024 4.5
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 2 RADY 3038 9 Note(s): 2
Specialised Medical Radiation RADY 4023 4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 3 RADY 4039 9 Note(s): 2
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 4 RADY 4040 9 Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Nuclear Medicine Professional Entry Practice 1 RADY 4043 9 Note(s): 2
Nuclear Medicine Professional Entry Practice 2 RADY 4044 9 Note(s): 2

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include: 

  • group assignments
  • quizzes
  • essays
  • case studies
  • examinations
  • presentations
  • oral presentations
  • project

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine)

Nuclear Medicine.jpg

UniSA’s industry-led teaching methods offer you extensive practical learning opportunities, coupled with the support and mentoring from award-winning teaching staff and academics.

With the only degree of its kind offered in South Australia, UniSA gives you valuable hands-on experience using state-of-the-art imaging facilities on campus. You’ll study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in medical radiation science,1 and learn in-demand specialist skills.

Further practical experience is gained during more than 1,400 hours of clinical placements in Adelaide metropolitan, rural and interstate settings, ensuring you graduate career ready.

You’ll graduate with eligibility to register with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA).

1Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Real-world connections

You’ll learn from experienced medical radiation professionals both on-campus and during work placements.

You’ll complete more than 1,400 hours of work placements in real-world environments, providing a valuable opportunity for you to put your skills into practice, and build valuable industry networks and relationships.

Throughout your studies, clinical specialists will also come on-campus to teach you about current technologies and practices such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging.

We host regular university-wide alumni eventsemployee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

Medical radiation professionals are in high demand across South Australia and interstate,1 with strong application into international industry. You may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and private clinics, medical equipment companies, or can continue into research.  

A successful nuclear medicine professional should enjoy working with people and technology, helping sick or injured people, working a variety of hours, be interested in the human body, being challenged by new ideas, and being part of a team.

Upon graduating, you’ll be eligible for registration with APHRA and can work as a:

  • Nuclear medicine technologist: prepare and administer radioactive substances to evaluate the function of an organ or body system to diagnose and treat disease.

 Through further postgraduate study or on-the-job training, you may upskill into roles like:

  •  Sonography: produce detailed pictures of the body in real time to diagnose and monitor a range of health conditions.
  • Interventional radiologist: use a medical imaging technique to visualise blood vessels.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist: operate MRI scanners to create 3D images of a patient’s body tissues, which are used to diagnose illness and disease.
  • Radiographer / radiology technologist: operate CT equipment to produce cross-sectional images of a patient’s bones, organs and tissues.

1 Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for general registration with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA).

Industry facts

chart-people

Employment for medical imaging professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 14.7% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

job-listings

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

buildings-city

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

As a nuclear medicine student, you’ll have access to industry-standard, on-campus computer software packages for image manipulation.

You’ll also be able to experience a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms, and relaxed student lounges.

Your study spaces

Your program director

I have over 20 years of professional experience in local and international clinical practice as well as in academia. I’m interested in the application of innovative learning and teaching methodologies within the clinical and academic learning environments, and how these environments interconnect.

Ms Cristina Blefari

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Ms Cristina Blefari
Portrait image for Ms Cristina Blefari

Ms Cristina Blefari

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

What others are saying

Nuclear Medicine is a specialised area, but this degree still covers a wide range of topics. I hope to become a nuclear technologist and undertake research, possibly in the development of nuclear medicine departments in third world countries.

Jenna La Dru

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine)

Jenna La Dru

Jenna La Dru

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine)