University of South Australia

Medical Radiation Science

Interested in Medical Radiation Science?

Study at the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers in health.1

Our medical radiation science undergraduate degrees are the only qualifications of their kind in South Australia, with state-of-the-art x-ray suites located on-campus.

You can specialise in the fields of medical imaging, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy. Across the medical radiation science suite, practical learning is complemented by in-depth theoretical learning, taught by our award-winning teachers, at a university with above world-class research in medical radiation science.2

There are also a range of postgraduate study options on offer, including our Graduate Certificate in Breast Imaging – the only accredited certificate of its kind in Australia and New Zealand – as well as fully accredited sonography qualifications.

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Health Services and Support – Overall Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 2Results in Clinical Sciences – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Key features

  • Join a university with more than 50 years’ experience in health education and research.
  • Study degrees informed by our above world-class research in medical radiation science.1
  • Graduate career ready by gaining real-world clinical experience while you study.
  • High achieving students may be considered for honours in the third year of the bachelor's degree.
  • Work with specialised equipment and computer systems to analyse patient data in purpose-built virtual radiation therapy, x-ray or nuclear medicine computer simulation suites on campus.
  • Enjoy flexible postgraduate study options, using these qualifications as a pathway to research including Master of Research and PhD.

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

Why UniSA?

UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people1. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities2, 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.

Our enterprising spirit has made UniSA a renowned centre of innovation in the sectors driving Australia's future forward, including health. This is your chance to position yourself at the forefront of the highly in-demand medical imaging profession.

With our radiation science degrees offering extensive professional practice experience you’ll graduate career ready, enabling confident application of theory in clinical settings. 

UniSA's excellence in medical radiation science research3 translates into our teaching, where you’ll learn from world-class researchers, industry professionals and experienced clinicians. Throughout your studies, clinical specialists will also come on-campus to teach you about current technologies and practices.

We’ve invested millions of dollars in new buildings and facilities, so you’ll use the latest technologies and learn in ultra-modern teaching spaces, and enjoy access to digital learning facilities available 24/7.

1UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. 2Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings. 3Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

UniSA offers the following Medical Radiation Science degrees

Choose your level of study

Short programs

Are you after a career change or looking to upgrade your existing skills? Or perhaps you just have an interest in a particular subject area and want to further your experience, skills and knowledge. We offer a suite of short programs that will allow you to build your knowledge and skill set.

Designed in collaboration with expert academics, program content is industry-relevant and up-to-date. Short programs include:

World-class partners for a world-class university

We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.

SA Health logo

Your career

In Australia, growth for medical radiation science professionals has been on the rise with career prospects continuing to look strong.1

You may gain employment in areas and roles such as:

  • Ultrasound: produce detailed pictures of the body in real time to diagnose and monitor a range of health conditions.
  • Interventional medical imaging: medical imaging technique used to visualise blood vessels.
  • 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 Tomographer: operate CT equipment to produce cross-sectional images of a patient’s bones, organs and tissues.
  • Radiation Therapist: work alongside Radiation Oncologists and Medical Physicists to plan and deliver radiation treatment, primarily to cancer patients.
  • Nuclear medicine technologist: preparing and administering radioactive substances to evaluate the function of an organ or body system to diagnose and treat disease.

1Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021.

Your Career

Global networks

As a globally connected university, our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.

Our students have completed placements and internships with organisations like:

  • Australian Radiology Clinics
  • Benson Radiology
  • Dr Jones and Partners
  • Flinders Medical Centre
  • Healthscan Specialist Imaging
  • Radiology SA
  • Women’s and Children’s Health Network

Industry facts

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To November 2025, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 249,500 jobs.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

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

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

Ask UniSA

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What others are saying

I completed a rural placement in Port Lincoln where I thoroughly enjoyed working in the hospital and living independently. It helped me to experience what medical imaging is like in the clinical environment.

Georgina Key

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)

Georgina Key

Georgina Key

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)

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)

Madeline Buttfield

Madeline Buttfield

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

Working in ultrasound is really rewarding. I get to play the role of the detective in the patient’s journey. I’m taking the images and working with the radiologist to form a diagnosis.

Laura Lukic

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)
Diagnostic Radiographer | Women’s and Children’s Hospital

Laura Lukic

Laura Lukic

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)
Diagnostic Radiographer | Women’s and Children’s Hospital

I really enjoyed learning about the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Being able to apply this knowledge to real life cases while on clinical placement was really rewarding and helped me develop my practical skills.

Rhiannon Jaeschke

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Medical Imaging)

Rhiannon Jaeschke

Rhiannon Jaeschke

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Medical Imaging)

Through studying medical sonography at UniSA I developed a range of niche skills that are highly sought after by specialist doctors. For example, I'm one of only two sonographers in Adelaide who perform high level detailed scanning for endometriosis surgical planning.

Alison Deslandes

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine), Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography, Master of Medical Sonography
Royal Adelaide Hospital and Specialist Imaging Partners

Alison Deslandes.png

Alison Deslandes

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine), Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography, Master of Medical Sonography
Royal Adelaide Hospital and Specialist Imaging Partners

Why study at UniSA?

As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:

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Accessible, helpful and flexible

We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.

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Graduate success

UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2022 QS Stars Ratings