Medical radiation scientists use radiation on the human body to help diagnose, treat and monitor medical conditions or provide cancer therapy.
Curtin offers the only on-campus course in medical radiation science in Western Australia. This course allows you to specialise in one of two majors: either Medical Imaging or Radiation Therapy.
This course combines subjects from health sciences and science, providing you with a general grounding in the healthcare environment, along with foundation studies required for medical radiation science practice including medical physics, anatomy and physiology, and evidence-based practice.
The first year is interprofessional and taken with other health science and science students. From the second year, your study will focus on your elected major. You will be prepared to accept responsibility for the care of individual patients by developing the necessary ethical, medico-legal, cultural awareness and communication abilities. These skills will enable you to establish appropriate interpersonal relationships with patients and colleagues so that you can work effectively and sensitively as a healthcare professional.
You will gain essential fieldwork experience throughout the course, including extensive clinical experience in hospitals and private practices, and one rural clinical placement.
Medical Imaging
Medical imaging professionals work with a range of sophisticated diagnostic imaging modalities, including computed and digital radiography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and angiography equipment. They produce images that are used to confirm or exclude a medical diagnosis, to advise on a treatment or illness, monitor patient progress, or provide medical screening.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapists play an integral role in the treatment, care and management of patients undergoing radiation therapy treatment, primarily in treating a range of cancer types. They design, develop and deliver radiation therapy treatment using a range of complex technologies and equipment.