This is the only degree of its kind in South Australia, preparing you for a rewarding career in the highly specialised field of radiation therapy.

Radiation therapists work alongside radiation oncologists and medical physicists to plan and deliver radiation treatment, primarily to cancer patients. Using dedicated radiotherapy treatment planning software, radiation therapists model radiation doses and operate radiation equipment to accurately deliver high energy ionising radiation treatments.

As a radiation therapy student, you will learn in state-of-the-art on-campus facilities, including our Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training (VERT) suite, where you will gain valuable hands-on experience. Further practical experience is gained during field placements. You’ll complete over 1,750 hours of clinical placements, complemented by an in-depth theoretical component taught by our award-winning teachers.

With a suite of state-of-the-art radiation therapy technology located on-campus, it's easy to see why this degree is so highly regarded both nationally and internationally.

High achieving students may be considered for the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Radiation Therapy) program in the third year.

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

During your first year you will focus on basic sciences at the core of the study and practice of medical radiation science. You will 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.

Throughout your studies you will take part in regular pre-clinical preparation workshops to further extend your skills as you move into advanced areas of practice.

You will also complete an honours project in your final years 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.

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 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.

Radiation therapy professionals work in a variety of settings, including:

• hospitals
• private practice
• medical equipment companies
• research and development.

You may also gain employment in specialist areas such as:

• brachytherapy
• stereotactic radiotherapy.

1Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business, 2023 Small Business Projections.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for general registration with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA).