How to become a medical imaging professional

Pathways to this career

1. Complete a medical radiation or medical imaging degree.
2. Develop a professional focus and open doors with postgraduate degree in medical imaging.
3. If your past degree was less than 4 years or did not include a clinical component, an additional year of clinical practice in an accredited radiology department is required.
4. Before undertaking clinical placements students will need their National Police Certificate, First Aid Certificate, immunisations and Working with Children Check.
5. Obtain a license to operate radiation equipment with the regulatory body of your state or territory.

What does a medical imaging professional do?

Medical imaging professionals - also known as radiographers - operate radiation-producing and imaging equipment. They are experts with X-rays, ultrasound, CT equipment, and more. Working with radiologists and medical practitioners, medical imaging professionals are highly skilled and essential members of a health team.

Duties and tasks

• Answer patients questions about the radiation process.
• Decide on the accuracy and quality of images taken.
• Follow up on patients with medical professionals.
• Monitor the status of radiation processes.
• Perform radiation processes on patients.
• Receive referrals from medical professionals for radiation services.
• Set up radiation and recording equipment.

Industry bodies

• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
• Australian Institute of Radiography
• Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia

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