Bachelor of Medical Imaging

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2024 course information

Award granted Bachelor of Medical Imaging
Deakin course codeH309
Faculty

Faculty of Health

CampusOffered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
OnlineNo
Duration

4 years full-time program delivered over eight consecutive semesters commencing in Semester 1

Course Map - enrolment planning tool

This course map is for new students commencing from Semester 1 2024.

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

CRICOS course code097569A Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Join one of the strongest growth areas within the health sector* with Deakin's Bachelor of Medical Imaging. Gain the latest knowledge in medical radiation science and develop your skills in imaging modalities such as general radiography, computed tomography (CT), angiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You will learn authentically in our world-class medical imaging labs, which have the same capabilities used in real medical imaging clinics.

Clinical placements each semester start right from your first year and are based in metro, rural and regional settings. You will gain valuable clinical practice in clinical centres and hospitals, and in our medical imaging training unit, giving you diverse experience and skills that ensure you graduate career-ready and eligible for registration as a Medical Radiation Practitioner (diagnostic radiographer).

Want to gain the knowledge and clinical expertise to launch your career as a registered diagnostic radiographer?

Through this highly specialised course you will develop an understanding of medical radiation science that informs principles of medical images and biological sciences. You will explore important professionalism, communication, ethical and legal aspects of healthcare.

Using the latest equipment, you will learn basic X-ray techniques before advancing to more complex medical imaging procedures such as:

  • general radiography
  • digital vascular imaging
  • mammography
  • computed tomography (CT)
  • general ultrasound (U/S)
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Take advantage of Deakin’s state-of-the-art facilities to practise your skills using the same equipment professionals use. Our medical imaging labs replicate real-world medical imaging clinics – two of the main X-ray examination rooms even include ceiling and floor-mounted imaging systems. You will be preparing for your future career by utilising our realistic facilities, gaining practical knowledge and skills that can easily transition into the workplace.

Develop your knowledge in clinical placements under the supervision of experienced practitioners in a range of settings, including hospitals and private radiology clinics throughout Australia. These workplace experiences provide you with the skills needed to enter the medical imaging sector with confidence.

Deakin is deeply committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As part of this commitment, our Indigenous Entry Stream provides a specialised pathway for Indigenous students to become healthcare practitioners, improving cultural safety and health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the communities they serve. Our Bachelor of Medical Imaging is one of four courses available through this stream.

Are you a current Year 12 student? If you attend a school in a regional or remote area or within the Greater City of Geelong you may be eligible to apply for this course through our Regional and Remote Entry Scheme using our dedicated VTAC code. As an eligible applicant you may also receive up to a 10 aggregate point adjustment towards your entry score. Make the most of your ATAR.

*2021 Employment Projections – for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia.

Indicative student workload

As a student in the Faculty of Health, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

Deakin’s Bachelor of Medical Imaging is accredited with conditions by the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA). Graduates can apply for general registration as a medical radiation practitioner with MRPBA, they can also apply to become a member of the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT).

This course is also designed to meet the requirements of the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Career opportunities

You will be eligible to receive AHPRA registration as a Medical Radiation Practitioner, with a division/registration type of Diagnostic Radiographer, General. This AHPRA registration enables graduates to work as a diagnostic radiographer in a range of settings, such as:

  • small regional clinics
  • large metropolitan imaging departments
  • hospitals and specialist medical facilities in Australia

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to pursue a career as a registered diagnostic radiographer. You could find yourself working in a radiology department in a hospital, private radiology practice or health department. As a graduate, you will be eligible to work as a skilled practitioner across the broad range of diagnostic medical imaging, including:

  • general radiography
  • CT fluoroscopy

Participation requirements

The course involves compulsory clinical placements in each year. The sequence of eight clinical practice units is delivered over four years. These placements may require travel to rural areas and interstate travel.

Mandatory student checks

Department of Human Services policy - Police Record Check and Working With Children Check

Working with Children Check

Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC). Check for the relevant state prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course. The Faculty will guide you through this process.

Police record check

Applicants will be required to hold a valid Police Record Check for professional placements as part of this course. Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course. The Faculty will guide you through this process.

Immunisations

Prior to commencing clinical placements students are expected to have a current immunisation status, including three COVID-19 vaccinations. Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course. The Faculty will guide you through this process.

Code of Conduct

Prior to commencing students are expected to sign the Student Code of Conduct.

Pathways

If you did not meet the selection requirements for this course don't despair, we have further pathway options available. Are you a Year 12 student based regionally or in the Geelong area? You may be interested in our Regional and Remote Entry Scheme. Our Indigenous Entry Stream is available for this course providing a specialised pathway for Indigenous students to become healthcare practitioners. Explore your options to get ready for the Bachelor of Medical Imaging using our Pathways Finder.

This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Apply discipline specific knowledge to undertake radiographic procedures in a safe, accurate and ethical environment; develop clinical practices using evidence-based research.

Communication

Use oral, written and interpersonal forms of communication to communicate clearly, effectively and appropriately with a range of professionals, patients and their family/carers, taking into account the particular therapeutic context.

Digital literacy

Use digital technologies to critically evaluate information (including radiographic images), remain informed about current imaging theories and issues, and disseminate relevant information to professional networks, clients and communities.

Critical thinking

Analyse, evaluate and think critically and reflectively about radiographic factors (for example patient condition, clinical information, exposure) to ensure safe practice, resolve clinical challenges and obtain accurate diagnostic outcomes.

Problem solving

Evaluate general radiography examinations for a range of patient/client presentations and complexities, problem solve in terms of new procedures and techniques used in medical imaging, and implement solutions.

Recognise the advantages and limitations of available equipment and systems to provide a safe and effective radiographic examination that will ensure an accurate outcome.

Use knowledge of available modalities and patient information to assess the most effective and appropriate means of finding an answer to a particular clinical question.

Self-management

Maintain currency with developments in the field of radiological practice, use reflective practice to become a life-long learner by identifying ongoing learning needs and opportunities; assume responsibility and accept accountability for professional decisions.

Teamwork

Work effectively, ethically and responsibly within inter-disciplinary health care teams, and communicate clearly and professionally with team members to provide safe, high quality patient care.

Global citizenship

Demonstrate an understanding of one’s own cultural perspectives and manage patients in a way that is culturally sensitive, consistent with legislation, professional, ethical and respectful.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Medical Imaging students must attain 32 credit points. Units (think of units as 'subjects') may be worth 1, 2 or 3 credit points - check each unit for its credit point value in the course structure below. The course is delivered over eight consecutive semesters. All the units in the course are core (these are compulsory) other than a choice of one of two units in the final semester of the course.

Recognition of prior learning is not granted for this course.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.

Course structure

Units

Year 1 - Semester 1

DAI001Academic Integrity Module (0 credit points)

HMI101Medical Radiation Science 1

HMI102Foundation Principles and Application of Medical Imaging 1

HMI103Medical Imaging Practice 1

Year 1 - Semester 2

HMI104Foundation Principles and Application of Medical Imaging 2

HMI105Medical Imaging Practice 2

Year 2 - Semester 1

HMI201Medical Radiation Science 2

HMI202Foundation Principles and Application of Medical Imaging 3

HMI203Medical Imaging Practice 3

Year 2 - Semester 2

HMI204Foundation Principles and Application of Medical Imaging 4

HMI205Medical Imaging Practice 4

Year 3 - Semester 1

HMI301Principles of Advanced Modality Imaging 1

HMI302Medical Imaging Practice 5

Year 3 - Semester 2

HMI303Principles of Advanced Modality Imaging 2

HMI304Medical Imaging Practice 6

Year 4 - Semester 1

HMI401Research Methods and Critical Appraisal

HMI402Medical Imaging Practice 7

Year 4 - Semester 2

HMI403Medical Imaging Practice 8

and one of:

HMI404Advanced Modalities

OR

HMI405Practice Management

Work experience

Clinical placements are an integral part of this course with a focus on providing health care across regional and rural Australia. Over the four years of the course, there will be substantial clinical practice, conducted mostly in medical imaging departments within hospitals and medical imaging practices, in both metropolitan and rural and regional settings in Victoria and interstate, ensuring you graduate with the invaluable workplace experience that makes you career ready.

Other course information

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

The course includes an extensive practical placement component throughout Australia (cost incurred by the student).

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.