Rural and Remote X-ray Operator Course
COURSE INFORMATION
DATES AVAILABLE
Basic course
13th Sept 2021 &
workshop 8th and 9th Nov 2021
Intermediate course
30th Aug 2021 &
workshop 8th and 9th Nov 2021
CONTACT HOURS
2-day workshop
MODE
Online +
workshop on-campus
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Must be a qualified General Practitioner or Registered Nurse located in rural/remote area
FEES
Basic: $2,200 (GST inclusive)
Intermediate: $2,275 (GST inclusive)
Course overview
The course focuses on the physical principles of X-ray production, digital imaging, exposure and image quality radiographic anatomy and positioning, clinical reasoning and radiation protection.
The basic course is designed to support an application to the relevant authority for a license to operate ionising radiation apparatus for limited applications (chest, upper & lower limbs only). The intermediate course is designed to support an application to the relevant authority for a license to operate ionising radiation apparatus for a wider range of applications (chest, upper limbs & lower limbs, cervical spine, pelvis, and shoulder).
The Rural and Remote X-ray course aims at qualified General Practitioners and Registered Nurses located in rural and remote areas who are seeking a license to operate ionising radiation apparatus from the South Australian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Consideration will be given to other health professionals at the discretion of UniSA. As radiation licensing requirements differ from state to state, those practicing outside of South Australia should check with the relevant state-based authority that this course will support an application for radiation licensing in that State prior to enrolling.

Why the Rural and Remote X-ray Operator Course?
The course is accredited with the South Australian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Individual benefits of the basic course
At the completion of this short program the X-ray operator should be competent in a limited field of practice and be eligible for a basic X-ray operator’s license with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
On completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the properties and production of x-rays.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of exposure factors and their
- Demonstrate a working knowledge and use of radiographic
- Describe and demonstrate the correct body part and positioning of the upper extremity, lower extremity and
- Demonstrates a working knowledge for correctly evaluating radiographs for positioning accuracy, image quality and common
- Demonstrate knowledge of radiation and the principles of best practice in radiation protection
Individual benefits of the intermediate course
At the completion of this course the X-ray operator should be competent in a limited field of practice and be eligible for an intermediate X-ray operator’s license with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
On completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the properties and production of x-rays.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of exposure factors and their
- Demonstrate a working knowledge and use of radiographic
- Describe and demonstrate the correct body part and positioning of the upper extremity, shoulder, lower extremity and pelvis, chest and cervical
- Demonstrates a working knowledge for correctly evaluating radiographs for positioning accuracy, image quality and common
- Demonstrate a knowledge of radiation and the principles of best practice in radiation protection.
Course structure
Basic course
This online external delivery course is commencing on the 13th September 2021 depending on application numbers. The course is delivered over 8 weeks including attendance of a 2-day workshop – 8th and 9th November 2021 to be conducted in X-ray Suites at City East Campus.
Intermediate course
This online external delivery course is commencing on the 30th August 2021 depending on application numbers. The course is delivered over 10 weeks including attendance of a 2 day workshop – 8th and 9th November 2021 to be conducted in X-ray Suites at City East Campus.
Available courses
Basic course
On completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the properties and production of x-rays
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of exposure factors
- Describe and demonstrate the correct body part and positioning of the upper & lower extremities
- Demonstrate knowledge of radiation and best practice principles
Commencing date: 13 September 2021
Intermediate course
On completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the properties and production of x-rays
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of exposure factors
- Describe and demonstrate the correct body part and positioning of the upper extremity, shoulder, lower extremity and pelvis
- Demonstrate a working knowledge for correctly evaluating radiographs for positioning accuracy & image quality
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the ethics and legalities of the use of medical imaging
Commencement date: 30 August 2021
Assessment
Each module includes a variety of activities designed to develop different skills and capabilities, including the following:
Basic course
- Four multiple choice quizzes
- Two selected simulated clinical examinations
- Examination – one hour
Intermediate course
- Four multiple choice quizzes
- Three selected simulated clinical examinations
- Examination – one hour
What others are saying
Additional information
Cancellation policy
The University of South Australia reserves the right to cancel events and issue refunds. In the event that an attendee cannot attend, a substitute is welcome to attend in their place. No refunds will be given unless 21 days notice is given in writing prior to the date of the planned event. If less than 21 days the fee can be used for the same course at a later stage, or another course of the same value.