Study Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Nuclear Medicine) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHRS

Study as
Full-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
TAFE/RTO: N/A
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2023 Cut-Offs
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

This program is for students of the University of South Australia studying in Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine) with a competitive GPA.

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

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This program is for students of the University of South Australia studying in the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine) with a competitive GPA.

Degree overview

Achieve honours in medical radiation science, with a specialisation in nuclear medicine.
Learn how to safely prepare and administer radioactive substances, operate state of the art equipment and provide patient care for both diagnosis and therapy.
Study at a university with above world-class research in medical radiation science.¹
Gain hands-on experience when you complete clinical placements as part of your studies.
Work with specialised equipment and computer systems to analyse patient data.
Develop an independent research proposal, project and thesis under the supervision of one of our leading researchers.
Join the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers².
Pursue further research education after graduation, such as Master of Research or doctoral studies.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people³. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities⁴, 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 2020-22, Health Services and Support – Overall Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. ³UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. ⁴Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Nuclear Medicine student.jpg

This is the only honour's degree of its kind in South Australia, preparing you for a rewarding career in the highly specialised field of nuclear medicine.

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive substances (radiopharmaceuticals) to evaluate the function of an organ or body system and diagnose and/or treat disease.

This honours degree is only available to students studying the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine) who have met the grade point average (GPA) requirements and have been made an offer into the degree.

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

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 offer an introduction to medical radiation and the scientific principles surrounding it.

Applying these concepts to professional practice occurs through clinical placements, which begin in your second year and continue through third and fourth year.

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

As part of the honour's component, you’ll complete an honour’s project under the supervision of an experienced researcher and report on this project through a thesis and oral presentation. This will allow you to develop advanced research skills and complete training courses in research methods and ethics.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

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)
Applied Psychology	BEHL 1005	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): 1	Rule(s): 3
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)
Elective		4.5
CT and PET Imaging	RADY 3032	4.5
Nuclear Medicine Studies 3	RADY 3023	4.5
Health Science Honours Preparation	REHB 3010	4.5
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): 1
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): 1
Nuclear Medicine Honours Clinical Practice 4	RADY 4041	4.5	Note(s): 1
Health Science Honours Thesis	REHB 4012	9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Nuclear Medicine Honours Professional Entry Practice 1	RADY 4042	4.5	Note(s): 1
Nuclear Medicine Professional Entry Practice 2	RADY 4044	9	Note(s): 1

Rules & notes

Rules

1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks as published by the Clinical Placement Unit (unisa.edu.au/CPU). These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.

2. Students are required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions in which clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent students from completing the program.

3. Maximum credit allowed - normally up to two thirds of the total units of the program.

4. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.

5. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

Notes

1. The clinical courses (Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 2-4, Nuclear Medicine Honours Clinical Practice 4, Nuclear Medicine Professional Entry Practice 1-2 and Nuclear Medicine Honours Professional Entry Practice 1) form a significant part of the program and students are required to be reasonably fit to successfully undertake these components.

2. Students will be required to complete a clinical placement at a rural or regional location.

3. Students will be required to undertake clinical practice courses at scheduled periods across all seven study periods.

4. Attendance requirements apply to the clinical components of the program. Students enrolled in courses with a clinical component will need to attend on a full-time basis for the duration of the courses.

5. Students may be required to complete an interstate clinical placement.

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

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
projects
thesis

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.

Honours

This is a four-year, professional degree with honours which includes a minimum of one year of advanced studies in research and professional practice.

You’ll graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor's degree, preparing you for future leadership roles.

During the honour’s preparation, you’ll undertake training courses in research methods and ethics. During the thesis course, you’ll take on a research project under the supervision of an experienced supervisor which may be a UniSA academic or an industry clinician. You’ll choose from a range of interesting topics and develop a thesis and oral presentation. In fact, the results of some of these projects have been implemented into real-world clinical practice.

Examples of previous honours projects include:

Nuclear medicine bone imaging: changing technology and its standardisation across SA Health
Effects of hormones and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes and their relationship to gastric emptying

Why Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Nuclear Medicine)

Nuclear Medicine.jpg

Graduating with an honour's degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.

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. You’ll study a curriculum informed by above world-class research.¹

You’ll get plenty of practical experience ensuring you graduate career-ready, using our specialised equipment and computer systems. This is complemented by more than 1,400 hours of practical work 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 on-campus and during work placements. Work placements offer the opportunity for you to build practical skills and enables and encourages the building of 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.

You'll also work alongside leading researchers in medical radiation imaging when you complete an independent research proposal, project and thesis.

We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

In Australia, growth for medical radiation science professionals has been on the rise with career prospects continuing to look very strong, with an expected 11,000 job openings over the next five years.¹

To be successful in the field, you should enjoy working with people, with 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.

Nuclear medicine professionals work in a variety of settings, including:

hospitals
private practice
medical equipment companies
research and development

With further study or training, you can also gain employment in specialist areas such as:

ultrasound: produce detailed images of the body in real-time to diagnose and monitor a range of health conditions
magnetic resonance imaging: operate MRI scanners to create 3D images of a patient’s body tissues, which are then used to diagnose illness and disease
computed tomography: 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

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

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

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

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads 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

Our 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:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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.

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.

Your study spaces

You’ll have access to industry-standard, on-campus computer software packages for image manipulation. You’ll work with specialised equipment and computer systems in dedicated teaching spaces.

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

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

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Ms Cristina Blefari

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

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

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

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.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

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What others are saying

I was recently selected to present my honours findings at the ANZSNM conference in Hobart, providing the opportunity to network with technicians, doctors and professors within the Nuclear Medicine field.

Madeline Buttfield

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Nuclear Medicine)