Have you ever needed an X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan due to an injury or health issue? Perhaps you or a family member have had cancer and needed radiation therapy treatment?
If so, you would have encountered a medical radiation practitioner (MRP). MRPs include Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists and Sonographers.
The Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) is a professional organisation that represents MRPs.
There are over 20,000 MRPs in Australia with ASMIRT members making up more than 9,000 of them. ASMIRT provides ongoing education for MRPs and encourages and supports research. It establishes standards of practice to ensure that all patients are treated safely.
ASMIRT can assist you in your journey to becoming an MRP, as well as throughout your career.
More than a third of Australians require diagnostic medical imaging each year and 1 in 3 cancer patients require radiation therapy. ASMIRT members perform many of these vital procedures, making them the heart of the healthcare system in Australia.
Here’s a snapshot:
1895 – Year that the X-ray was discovered
20,074 MRPs in Australia in 2024
7 million diagnostic imaging services performed in 2022-23
74,000 courses of radiation therapy as a treatment for cancer were given
What is a Radiographer?
Radiographers play a crucial role in healthcare by using advanced imaging technology to create images of the inside of the body to help diagnose and treat various medical conditions. They can use X-rays to produce radiographs, as well as operate CT scanners, MRI scanners and other medical imaging equipment. These provide images of tissue, organs, bones and vessels.
Radiographers ensure that the images are clear and useful for diagnosis and treatment. They have frequent interactions with patients and work with other health professionals to make the process comfortable and safe. 80% of Australian hospital patients need some form of medical imaging.
Radiographers can work in public hospitals, private hospitals and private radiology clinics anywhere in Australia. They can even work in hospital emergency departments. They also have opportunities to work in some other countries.
What is a Radiation Therapist?
Radiation therapists are healthcare superheroes who use cutting-edge technology to fight cancer. These skilled healthcare professionals calculate the radiation plan and work with powerful machines that deliver targeted radiation to treat cancerous growths in patients.
As a radiation therapist, you’d be part of a team helping patients through one of the toughest battles of their lives. You’d explain treatments, position patients correctly, and operate the radiation equipment. It’s a job that requires both technical know-how and a caring personality.
The cool part? You get to use advanced imaging technology and treatment planning software. It’s almost like playing a video game, but with the power to save lives! Plus, you’d be making a real difference every day, supporting patients and their families through their cancer journey.
If you’re into science, technology, and helping others, becoming a radiation therapist could be an awesome career choice. It’s challenging, rewarding, and always evolving with new medical breakthroughs.
Radiation Therapists can work in public hospitals, some private hospitals and private radiation oncology clinics, mostly in capital cities or large regional and rural locations. They also have opportunities to work in some other countries.
What is a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?
Ever wondered about the coolest jobs in healthcare that mix science and technology? A Nuclear Medicine Technologist is a medical superhero who uses radioactive materials to diagnose and treat diseases.
A job in healthcare that mixes science and technology, these tech-savvy professionals prepare and administer small amounts of radioactive substances called radiopharmaceuticals to patients.
Then, using specialised cameras and computers, they create detailed images of organs and tissues to help spot problems.
It’s like being a detective, but instead of magnifying glasses, you use high-tech scanners to solve medical mysteries.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists work with all sorts of patients and get to use cutting-edge equipment every day. Plus, they play a crucial role in diagnosing serious conditions like cancer and heart disease.
It’s a rewarding career that combines patient care with awesome technology.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists can work in public hospitals and some private hospitals around Australia. They also have opportunities to work in some other countries.
What is a Sonographer?
A Sonographer is a specialised healthcare professional who uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body, known as ultrasounds.
These images help to diagnose various medical conditions, from pregnancy to heart issues. Sonographers operate sophisticated imaging equipment and must have a keen eye for detail to ensure high-quality images.
This role requires strong technical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with patients and other health-care teams.
This career not only offers a chance to help people but also provides opportunities for advancement and specialisation in the healthcare field.
Sonographers can work in public hospitals, private hospitals and private radiology clinics anywhere in Australia. They also have opportunities to work in some other countries.
Careers in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
Medical Radiation Professionals (MRPs) include Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists and Sonographers. Although each of these professions work together, they are exclusive of each other and require you to complete a university degree.
The university programmes are available through most States and Territories in Australia.
Let’s have a look at how you can become an MRP…
How do I become a Radiographer?
To become a Radiographer in Australia, you will need to complete a 4-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree in medical imaging. The following universities currently offer a program of study in medical imaging:
Each of these courses involve both learning theory at university and extensive supervised clinical placement experiences with real patients!
How do I become a Radiation Therapist?
To become a Radiation Therapist in Australia, you will need to complete a 4-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. The following universities current offer a program of study in radiation therapy:
Each of these courses involve both learning theory at university and extensive supervised clinical placement experiences with real patients!
How do I become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?
To become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in Australia, you will need to complete a 4-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine. The following universities current offer a program of study in nuclear medicine:
Each of these courses involve both learning theory at university and extensive supervised clinical placement experiences with real patients!
How do I become a Sonographer?
To become a Sonographer in Australia, you will need to complete a 4-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree in medical sonography at the Central Queensland University.
Alternatively, after you have completed a 4-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree in any health profession, you will then need to complete a 2-year post-graduate qualification in medical ultrasound.
These courses involve both learning theory at university and supervised practical experience with real patients throughout the course.
What are X-rays?
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, like visible light. Unlike light, however, X-rays have higher energy and can pass through most objects, including the body.
An X-ray is a painless, safe test that uses a small amount of radiation to create a picture of the inside of the body.
Did you know?
X-rays were discovered in November 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen – by accident! He was doing an experiment and was surprised when a screen on the other side of the lab glowed.
Wilhelm worked out that some invisible rays were causing it but had no idea what they were. That is why they’re called x-rays, with “x” meaning “I don’t know”!
To learn more about how X-rays work, check out these cool videos:
Want to learn more?
If you would like more information about a rewarding career as a Medical Radiation Professional, please head to the ASMIRT website or contact them:
