10. Medical Radiation Sciences

Courses of study

There are three streams in the discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences; diagnostic radiography, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. Studies in all three streams are available by coursework and research in postgraduate studies and in the area of Diagnostic Radiography in undergraduate studies; some postgraduate courses are offered by off-campus mode. The Graduate Diploma (Medical Sonography) and Master of Health Science (Medical Sonography) programs are available for those wishing to practise as sonographers. See Chapter 19 for details on graduate courses while Chapter 25 has information on research degrees offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

All the courses are designed to stress the importance of developing a lifelong attitude to learning and provide graduates with a wide range of generic attributes. These skills allow them to develop not only within their chosen profession, but to branch into different careers as new opportunities arise. Qualifications are recognised worldwide and many of our graduates work overseas.

Professional information

A diagnostic radiographer is a qualified health professional who utilises a range of modalities to provide images and data for the diagnosis and treatment of an injury or disease. Diagnostic radiographers have the skills and knowledge to produce medical images and critically analyse these and data generated to determine whether they are diagnostically adequate and appropriate for radiological interpretation. In the radiology department, the diagnostic radiographer will usually work with the radiologist, however, outside the department they may work with a range of medical specialists in a variety of areas. Diagnostic radiographers are involved with digital imaging systems such as magnetic resonance imaging, a very sensitive method of imaging some parts of the body that is a rapidly expanding speciality, allowing the radiographer to be ‘on the cutting-edge’ for advances in technology and associated research.

A nuclear medicine technologist works in the field of medicine that uses radionuclides in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. A nuclear medicine technologist’s responsibilities include the preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals to patients and the acquisition and computer analysis of diagnostic functional images using sophisticated instrumentation. Nuclear medicine technologists have responsibility for critically analysing images and data to determine whether they are of a high diagnostic standard, for performing quality control procedures in all aspects of their work and for ensuring that they provide a high level of patient care.

A radiation therapist is responsible for the accurate and precise planning, calculation and delivery of radiation to cure or relieve the symptoms of malignant disease. A radiation therapist is involved in the localisation of the treatment area using CT scans and treatment simulators, the design and calculation of the treatment technique using sophisticated three-dimensional computerised planning systems and the daily treatment of patients. They also provide emotional, social and educational support to their patients, since patients undergo treatment for several weeks.

Graduates from each of the three streams are required to work for one year in an approved clinical centre before receiving full accreditation from their respective professional associations.

A medical sonographer is responsible for the production of diagnostic images and other information using ultrasound. Non-invasive investigations are performed using Doppler technology, enabling rapid diagnostic information to be obtained. Sonographers have a high level of autonomy and have the professional responsibility for performing a provisional diagnosis during an examination. They are required to acquire and selectively record appropriate images of the examination to facilitate a diagnosis.

Health professionals working in any of the fields described above must combine technical competence and expertise with a high level of communication and interpersonal skills. At all times they must maintain a high level of concern for the care and safety of patients. As health professionals they are an integral part of the medical team.

Further information

Phone: +61 2 9351 9161
Website: www.fhs.usyd.edu.au

Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Sciences)

This undergraduate course is only offered in diagnostic radiography. Graduate Entry Masters programs exist in all three streams: diagnostic radiography: nuclear medicine technology: radiation therapy. See Chapter 19 for further information on postgraduate courses.

Admission requirements

There are no specific prerequisites for admission to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Sciences) course. The general admission requirements in Chapter 3 apply. However, prospective students would benefit from undertaking mathematics, and either one of physics, chemistry, or biology at HSC level. Good oral English communication skills are assumed as a large component of the course involves dealing directly with people in clinical settings. Advanced standing in some units will be given on the basis of successfully passing a challenge examination.

Honours

Students are advised to contact the Diagnostic Radiography course coordinator for specific information related to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Sciences) honours program.

Course outline

The course outline for the Diagnostic Radiography program is presented in Table 10.1, the Nuclear Medicine program is presented in Table. 10.2 and for Radiation Therapy, see Table 10.3. The honours program is presented in Table 10.4. Units of study are described in Chapter 14.

Table 10.1: Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Sciences) Diagnostic Radiography Pass

Unit of study	Credit points	A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition	Session
Course code SH116 (Diagnostic Radiography): Pass course; full-time, 3 years
Year 1
Semester 1
BIOS1155 Structure, Function and Disease A	6		Semester 1
BIOS1167 Human Cell Biology	6	A Basic Chemistry	Semester 1
MRTY1031 Medical Radiation Physics	6	A HSC Physics, 2 unit Maths Students without the assumed knowledge are strongly advised to enrol in the Foundation Mathematics and Physics Bridging Courses offered prior to the commencement of Semester 1	Semester 1
MRTY1032 Preparation for Practice	6	The clinical placement component will be undertaken during semester break and must be completed prior to Semester 2	Semester 1
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Semester 2
BACH1161 Introductory Behavioural Health Sciences	6	N BACH1132 Foundations of Health Psychology, BACH1134 Health, Illness and Social Inquiry, HSBH1003 Health, Behaviour and Society	Semester 1 Semester 2
BIOS1158 Structure, Function and Disease B	6		Semester 2
MRTY1033 Radiographic Practice 1	6	P MRTY1032 Preparation for Practice	Semester 2
MRTY1036 Health Physics and Radiation Biology	6	P MRTY1031 Medical Radiation Physics	Semester 2
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Year 2
Semester 1
BACH2140 Research Methods for Health Sciences	6	Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2,	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY2080 Radiographic Practice 2.1	6	P MRTY1033 Radiographic Practice 1	Semester 1
MRTY2081 Clinical Education 2.1DR	6	P MRTY1033 Radiographic Practice 1 N No current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate, unsatisfactory criminal record check and non-compliance with Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, failure to acquire a PRM, failure to have a written record of current immunity status Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2,	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY2082 Radiographic Physics 2	6	P MRTY1031 Medical Radiation Physics	Semester 1
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Semester 2
MRTY2089 Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment	6		Semester 2
MRTY2090 Clinical Education 2.2DR	6	P MRTY2081 Clinical Education 2.1DR N No current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate, unsatisfactory criminal record check and non-compliance with Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, failure to acquire a PRM, failure to have a written record of current immunity status Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1,	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY2091 Clinical Education 2.3DR	6	P MRTY2081 Clinical Education 2.1DR N No current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate, unsatisfactory criminal record check and non-compliance with Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, failure to acquire a PRM, failure to have a written record of current immunity status Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1,	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY2092 Radiographic Practice 2.2	6		Semester 2
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Year 3
Semester 1
MRTY3099 Research in Medical Radiation Sciences	6	C BACH2140 Research Methods for Health Sciences Assessment is based on group work and peer evaluation	Semester 1
MRTY3105 Radiographic Practice 3	6	A MRTY2092 Radiographic Practice 2.2, MRTY2091 Clinical Education 2.3DR	Semester 1
MRTY3106 Clinical Education 3DR	6	P MRTY2091 Clinical Education 2.3DR, MRTY2092 Radiographic Practice 2.2 N No current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate, unsatisfactory criminal record check and non-compliance with Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, failure to acquire a PRM, failure to have a written record of current immunity status Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2,	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY3115 Introductory Sonography	6	A BIOS1155 Structure, Function and Disease A, BIOS1158 Structure, Function and Disease B This unit of study assumes the student to be familiar with cross-sectional anatomy images	Semester 1
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Semester 2
MRTY3100 Digital Imaging	6	A Discipline specific Physics 2 (MRTY2082 Radiographic Physics 2 or MRTY2084 Nuclear Medicine Physics 2 or MRTY2087 Radiation Therapy Physics 2), MRTY2089 Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment	Semester 2
MRTY3101 Ethics, Law and Professional Practice	6	A MRTY1032 Preparation for Practice	Semester 2
MRTY3107 Radiographic Physics 3	6	A MRTY2082 Radiographic Physics 2	Semester 2
MRTY3118 MR Theory	6		Semester 2
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS

Table 10.2: Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Sciences) Nuclear Medicine Pass

Unit of study	Credit points	A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition	Session
Course code SH117 (Nuclear Medicine): Pass course; full-time, 3 years
Year 2 (last offered in 2010)
Semester 1
BACH2140 Research Methods for Health Sciences	6	Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2,	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY2083 Nuclear Medicine Practice 2.1	6	P MRTY1034 Nuclear Medicine Practice 1	Semester 1
MRTY2084 Nuclear Medicine Physics 2	6	P MRTY1031 Medical Radiation Physics	Semester 1
MRTY2085 Clinical Education 2.1NM	6	P MRTY1034 Nuclear Medicine Practice 1 N No current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate, unsatisfactory criminal record check and non-compliance with Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, failure to acquire a PRM, failure to have a written record of current immunity status Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2, The clinical placement component of this unit of study will be undertaken 6 weeks prior to Semester 1 commencing	Semester 1 Semester 2
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Semester 2
MRTY2089 Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment	6		Semester 2
MRTY2093 Clinical Education 2.2NM	6	P MRTY2085 Clinical Education 2.1NM N No current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate, unsatisfactory criminal record check and non-compliance with Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, failure to acquire a PRM, failure to have a written record of current immunity status Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1, Satisfactory progress in the clinical achievements must be demonstrated in order to progress	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY2094 Clinical Education 2.3NM	6	P MRTY2085 Clinical Education 2.1NM N No current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate, unsatisfactory criminal record check and non-compliance with Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, failure to acquire a PRM, failure to have a written record of current immunity status Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1,	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY2095 Nuclear Medicine Practice 2.2	6		Semester 2
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Year 3 (last offered in 2011)
Semester 1
MRTY3099 Research in Medical Radiation Sciences	6	C BACH2140 Research Methods for Health Sciences Assessment is based on group work and peer evaluation	Semester 1
MRTY3108 Nuclear Medicine Practice 3	6	A MRTY2095 Nuclear Medicine Practice 2.2, MRTY2094 Clinical Education 2.3NM N No current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate, unsatisfactory criminal record check and non-compliance with Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, failure to acquire a PRM, failure to have a written record of current immunity status	Semester 1
MRTY3109 Clinical Education 3NM	6	P MRTY2093 Clinical Education 2.2NM, MRTY2094 Clinical Education 2.3NM N Failure to have the following will result in a removal from clinical placement: criminal record check, personal radiation monitor, immunity status record, student identification badge Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2, All the required clinical achievements must be completed to pass this unit	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY3115 Introductory Sonography	6	A BIOS1155 Structure, Function and Disease A, BIOS1158 Structure, Function and Disease B This unit of study assumes the student to be familiar with cross-sectional anatomy images	Semester 1
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Semester 2
MRTY3100 Digital Imaging	6	A Discipline specific Physics 2 (MRTY2082 Radiographic Physics 2 or MRTY2084 Nuclear Medicine Physics 2 or MRTY2087 Radiation Therapy Physics 2), MRTY2089 Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment	Semester 2
MRTY3101 Ethics, Law and Professional Practice	6	A MRTY1032 Preparation for Practice	Semester 2
MRTY3110 Nuclear Medicine Physics 3	6	A MRTY2084 Nuclear Medicine Physics 2	Semester 2
MRTY3116 CT for Nuclear Medicine Technologists	6	This unit of study assumes the student to be familiar with cross-sectional anatomy images and have knowledge of the fundamental physics of computed tomography (CT)	Semester 2
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS

Table 10.3: Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Sciences) Radiation Therapy Pass

Unit of study	Credit points	A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition	Session
Course code SH118 (Radiation Therapy): Pass course; full-time, 3 years
Year 2 (last offered in 2010)
Semester 1
BACH2140 Research Methods for Health Sciences	6	Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2,	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY2086 Radiation Therapy Practice 2.1	6	P MRTY1035 Radiation Therapy Practice 1	Semester 1
MRTY2087 Radiation Therapy Physics 2	6	P MRTY1031 Medical Radiation Physics	Semester 1
MRTY2088 Clinical Education 2.1RT	6	P MRTY1035 Radiation Therapy Practice 1 N No current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate, unsatisfactory criminal record check and non-compliance with Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, failure to acquire a PRM, failure to have a written record of current immunity status Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2,	Semester 1 Semester 2
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Semester 2
MRTY2089 Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment	6		Semester 2
MRTY2096 Clinical Education 2.2RT	6	P MRTY2088 Clinical Education 2.1RT N No current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate, unsatisfactory criminal record check and non-compliance with Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, failure to acquire a PRM, failure to have a written record of current immunity status Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1,	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY2097 Clinical Education 2.3RT	6	P MRTY2088 Clinical Education 2.1RT N No current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate, unsatisfactory criminal record check and non-compliance with Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, failure to acquire a PRM, failure to have a written record of current immunity status Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1,	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY2098 Radiation Therapy Practice 2.2	6	P MRTY2086 Radiation Therapy Practice 2.1	Semester 2
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Year 3 (last offered in 2011)
Semester 1
MRTY3099 Research in Medical Radiation Sciences	6	C BACH2140 Research Methods for Health Sciences Assessment is based on group work and peer evaluation	Semester 1
MRTY3111 Radiation Therapy Practice 3.1	6	A MRTY2098 Radiation Therapy Practice 2.2	Semester 1
MRTY3112 Clinical Education 3RT	6	P MRTY2086 Radiation Therapy Practice 2.2, MRTY2097 Clinical Education 2.3RT N No current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate, unsatisfactory criminal record check and non-compliance with Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, failure to acquire a PRM, failure to have a written record of current immunity status Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2,	Semester 1 Semester 2
MRTY3115 Introductory Sonography	6	A BIOS1155 Structure, Function and Disease A, BIOS1158 Structure, Function and Disease B This unit of study assumes the student to be familiar with cross-sectional anatomy images	Semester 1
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Semester 2
MRTY3100 Digital Imaging	6	A Discipline specific Physics 2 (MRTY2082 Radiographic Physics 2 or MRTY2084 Nuclear Medicine Physics 2 or MRTY2087 Radiation Therapy Physics 2), MRTY2089 Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment	Semester 2
MRTY3101 Ethics, Law and Professional Practice	6	A MRTY1032 Preparation for Practice	Semester 2
MRTY3113 Radiation Therapy Practice 3.2	6	A MRTY3111 Radiation Therapy Practice 3.1 P MRTY2087 Radiation Therapy Physics 2	Semester 2
Elective [6] (see elective list below)
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Elective list
Electives may be taken from within or outside the Faculty of Health Sciences, subject to availability, prerequisites and minimum student enrolment.
Students may choose:
The following MRS elective ;
MRTY3117 Diagnostic Imaging for Rad Therapists	6		Semester 2
or
Any Faculty elective, subject to timetabling (see Chapter 14 for a list of Faculty electives);
or
Any relevant University elective or unit of study, providing approval is obtained from both the undergraduate program coordinator and the unit coordinator.

Table 10.4: Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Sciences) Honours

Unit of study	Credit points	A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition	Session
Course code SH114 (Diagnostic Radiography): Honours course: full-time, 4 years; part-time, 5 years
Course code SH110 (Nuclear Medicine): Honours course: full-time, 4 years; part-time, 5 years
Course code SH109 (Radiation Therapy): Honours course: full-time, 4 years; part-time, 5 years
Full-time mode
Year 3
As per Pass course
Year 4
Semester 1
MRTY4032 Honours Thesis 1A	24		Semester 1
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Semester 2
MRTY4033 Honours Thesis 1B	24		Semester 2
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS
Part-time mode
Years 1 to 3
As per Pass course
Year 4
Semester 1
MRTY4034 Honours Thesis A	12		Semester 1
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS
Semester 2
MRTY4035 Honours Thesis B	12		Semester 2
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS
Year 5
Semester 1
MRTY4036 Honours Thesis C	12		Semester 1
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS
Semester 2
MRTY4037 Honours Thesis D	12		Semester 2
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS

Notes to the tables

1. Clinical placements

Due to clinical education placements some academic semesters are not run over the entire 16 weeks. Academic teaching and assessment will be condensed to fit with these placements.

2. Honours

Students have the option to enrol in the honours program in part-time mode over two years; or full-time mode over one year. Students complete their honours thesis across four part-time semesters – ie two part-time semesters in Year 4 and two part-time semesters in Year 5; or two full-time semesters.

Clinical education

Essential components of clinical education take place during clinical placements in these courses (see Chapter 6). It is a requirement that all students obtain a certificate of competency in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) at least two months prior to attending their first clinical placement. Courses on CPR are available throughout the metropolitan and country regions.

Students are also required to undergo a criminal records check. Any student who does not receive clearance at criminal records check will not be able to attend clinical placements. Prior to undertaking any clinical placement, students must return a signed copy of the Prohibited Employment Declaration to Student Central (Cumberland).

If you have enquiries regarding this process please contact Student Central (Cumberland) on +61 2 9351 9161. Please refer to the Clinical Education chapter contained within the handbook with regard to current requirements for vaccinations prior to and while attending clinical placement. Failure to follow the requirements may jeopardise fulfilling the course requirements.

It is a course requirement that all students will be placed in at least one non-Sydney metropolitan clinical placement during the three years of the clinical program. The expenses for travel and accommodation costs associated with clinical placement must be met by the student.

All students must wear a personal radiation monitor (PRM) that will be issued by the course/clinical coordinator. Students are responsible for exchanging the monitor when required and will incur a fine if late in exchanging or they lose their PRM. Information updates are provided on the faculty website (www.fhs.usyd.edu.au) and must be checked regularly.

Diagnostic Radiography

Clinical education provides an opportunity for the student to integrate the knowledge acquired in the professional units of study with the practical skills attained in the workplace. To broaden the student’s clinical skills a variety of radiology centres will be accessed to enable a breadth of experience in procedures, examinations and equipment. Students will be required to demonstrate their clinical competency in specific contrast media procedures and all skeletal examinations during the three years of the course. Timing of the competencies is linked to the delivery of the theory involved in each competency as part of the academic program. At the conclusion of the course the student will have demonstrated competency at the level required to perform as a beginning practitioner in diagnostic radiography requiring minimal supervision.

During the clinical education program it is essential that students demonstrate an ability to empathise with the patient and understand the necessities for the examination or procedure being performed. Students are expected to interpret images and maintain optimum radiographic quality. Throughout Years 2 and 3, the student’s competence will be progressively monitored by University supervisors and assessed by authorised clinical assessors from the diagnostic radiography centres. By the end of the third year students must demonstrate the clinical competence required to perform as a diagnostic radiographer with minimum supervision.

Nuclear Medicine

Clinical education in Year 1 (1 week), Year 2 (18 weeks), and Year 3 (6 weeks) provides an opportunity for the student to integrate the knowledge acquired in the professional units with the practical skills attained in the workplace. The introduction of new procedures in clinical education is closely synchronised with the acquisition of the related theory in nuclear medicine. Students will be placed in a variety of nuclear medicine centres to give them a breadth of experience of procedures and instrumentation. By the middle of the clinical program, students will be able to perform routine procedures and data acquisition including computer analysis, reconstitution and dispensing of radiopharmaceuticals, and quality control in all areas, including planar instrumentation, single photon emission computerised tomography and radiopharmacy and will be aware of the role of the nuclear medicine technologist as a member of a multidisciplinary health care team. By the end of the clinical program, students will be able to perform complex routine clinical procedures. Students will also have observed and assisted with, but not shown competence at various non-routine procedures such as positron emission tomography, radiopharmaceutical cell labelling, in vivo tracer studies and bone mineral densitometry.

Throughout Years 2 and 3, the student’s competence will be progressively monitored by University supervisors and assessed by authorised clinical assessors from the nuclear medicine centres. By the end of the third year students must demonstrate the clinical competence required to perform as a nuclear medicine technologist with minimum supervision. In total students spend 25 weeks on clinical placement over the three years of the degree program. All students are required to spend at least twelve (12) weeks away from the Sydney region. A list of currently approved nuclear medicine centres appears in the clinical education section of this handbook. Students are advised to plan ahead for at least two away from home placements.

Radiation Therapy

Clinical education in Year 1 provided a general introduction to the principles of patient care and to the role of the radiation therapist. Clinical education in Years 2 and 3 provides an opportunity for students to integrate the knowledge acquired in the professional units with the practical skills attained in the workplace. The introduction of new procedures in the clinical education units is closely synchronised with the acquisition of the related theory in the on-campus professional units of study. Students will be placed in a variety of radiation oncology centres to give them a breadth of experience of radiation therapy procedures and equipment.

By the end of Year 2, students will be able to perform simple routine treatment, simulation and planning procedures, will form an empathetic relationship with patients, and will be aware of the role of the radiation therapist as a member of a multi-disciplinary health care team.

By the end of Year 3, students will be able to perform more complex routine treatment, simulation and planning procedures for a range of electromagnetic and particulate radiations. In addition, students will have observed and assisted with, but not demonstrated competence in performing various non-routine procedures such as stereotactic radiosurgery, intra-operative radiation therapy, brachytherapy and total body irradiation.

Throughout Years 2 and 3, the student’s competence will be progressively assessed by University supervisors and authorised clinical assessors from the radiation oncology centres. By the end of the third year students must demonstrate the clinical competence required to perform as a radiation therapist with minimum supervision.

Clinical education dates – Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Sciences)

Year 1 clinical education placement

All Year 1 students undertaking the unit of study MRTY1032 Preparation for Practice will participate in 1 week of clinical placement, to be conducted in the vacation break after Semester 1.

Year 2 clinical education placements

Three clinical education placements will be conducted for all three streams of MRS in Year 2.

• Clinical Education 2.1 will be conducted 6 weeks prior to Semester 1 commencing.
• Clinical Education 2.2 will be conducted Weeks 1-6 of Semester 2.
• Clinical Education 2.3 will commence Week 15 of Semester 2 and run for 6 weeks.

Year 3 Clinical Education placements

The Year 3 clinical education placement will be broken into 2 blocks. The first block will be conducted Weeks 1-3 of Semester 1, while the second block will be held Weeks 14-16 of Semester 1.

Uniforms

All students during clinical education placements must wear uniforms, identification badges and personal radiation monitors.

Female

The white faculty polo shirt, purchased from the Student Guild, worn with EITHER

• A navy blue skirt OR navy blue trousers.
• If stockings are worn they must be flesh, grey or white coloured.
• Closed, flat-heeled leather shoes in black, navy blue or white (NO sports shoes unless they are of the appropriate colour, neat and tidy).
• A cardigan, jumper or sleeveless woollen vest in navy blue.
• An identification badge and radiation monitor must be worn at all times.

The length of skirts should be at least to the top of the knee.

Male

The white faculty polo shirt, purchased from the Student Guild, worn with navy trousers (not shorts) AND

• Closed shoes in black or brown leather (NO sports shoes unless they are of the appropriate colour, neat and tidy).
• A cardigan, jumper or sleeveless woollen vest in navy blue.
• An identification badge and radiation monitor must be worn at all times.