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Bachelor of Medical Imaging

Undergraduate degree

Gain the latest knowledge and skills in medical radiation science in our world-class labs. You'll graduate career-ready as a registered diagnostic radiographer.

Key facts

Duration

4 years full-time

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

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 medical 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.

Discover our health and community services courses.

*2023 Employment Projections – for the ten years to 2033, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia.

Read More

Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Medical Imaging
Year

2025 course information

VTAC code
1400310213 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
Deakin code
H309
CRICOS code?
097569A Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

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

Course structure

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 and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.

Units

Year 1 - Semester 1

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
  • Medical Radiation Science 1
  • Foundation Principles and Application of Medical Imaging 1
  • Medical Imaging Practice 1
  • Year 1 - Semester 2

  • Foundation Principles and Application of Medical Imaging 2
  • Medical Imaging Practice 2
  • Year 2 - Semester 1

  • Medical Radiation Science 2
  • Foundation Principles and Application of Medical Imaging 3
  • Medical Imaging Practice 3
  • Year 2 - Semester 2

  • Foundation Principles and Application of Medical Imaging 4
  • Medical Imaging Practice 4
  • Year 3 - Semester 1

  • Principles of Advanced Modality Imaging 1
  • Medical Imaging Practice 5
  • Year 3 - Semester 2

  • Principles of Advanced Modality Imaging 2
  • Medical Imaging Practice 6
  • Year 4 - Semester 1

  • Research Methods and Critical Appraisal
  • Medical Imaging Practice 7
  • Year 4 - Semester 2

  • Medical Imaging Practice 8
  • and one of:

  • Advanced Modalities
  • OR

  • Practice Management
  • Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Semester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Semester 2. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Semester 1 - February

    • Start date: February
    • Available at:
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

    Course duration

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

    Course information

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

    Mandatory student checks

    Working with Children Check

    Students are required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children Check (WWCC).  Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in a course.  The School will guide you through this process.  Additionally, students may be required to obtain a working with children check (State/Territory specific) dependent on the location they are allocated to for their interstate placement as part of this course.

    Police record check

    Students will be required to obtain a valid Police Record Check every calendar year for professional placements as part of this course.  Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course.  The School 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 School will guide you through this process.

    Code of Conduct

    On commencement of the course students are expected to agree and sign the Student Code of Conduct.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.

    If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.

    Academic requirements

    Current or recent secondary education

    If you're currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.

    VCE Prerequisite subjects

    • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
    • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics; Units 3 and 4:
    • a study score of at least 22 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics or at least 30 in General Mathematics

    ATAR

    Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent

    Regional and Remote Entry Scheme

    • for current year 12 students only, who have studied at a high school outside major metropolitan centres (i.e. in RA2-5 areas as defined by the ASGS-RA classification system) or in the City of Greater Geelong
    • Senior Secondary Certification in Education with ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent (including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and
    • a study score of at least 25 in one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics; as well as a study score of at least 22 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics or a study score of at least 30 in General Mathematics

    Higher education

    If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

    • successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)

    For applicants who have completed secondary education within 10 years*:

    • at least one maths unit (equivalent to a VCE study score with a minimum of 22 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics, or a VCE study score of at least 30 in Further Mathematics)
    • One science unit at VCE level, with a minimum equivalent study score of 25 in Chemistry, Biology or Physics

    For applicants whose secondary education study is post 10 years*:

    • One maths unit with a score of 65 or greater
    • One science unit (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) with a score of 65 or greater 

    Vocational education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
    • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics
    • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 22 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or at least 30 in Maths: General Mathematics; or completed a bachelor degree in Mathematics, Science or Health Sciences; or equivalent
    • All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement

    Work and life experience

    If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations. If you wish your professional, work, life or community experience to be considered you are required to complete and submit a personal statement.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    For applicants with VCE completion within 10 years*:

    • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
    • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics
    • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 22 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or at least 30 in Maths:General Mathematics; or completed a bachelor degree in Mathematics, Science or Health Sciences; or equivalent

    For applicants whose VCE study is post 10 years:

    • One maths unit with score of 65 or greater
    • One science unit (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) with a score of 65 or greater

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    • Domestic Students and International Students who have completed secondary qualifications taught in English (VCE English Units 3 or 4 or equivalent.)
    • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
    • IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
    • other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

    International students who have NOT completed secondary qualifications taught in English (VCE English Units 3 or 4 or equivalent.) will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    • The equivalent to Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
    • IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0) or equivalent
    • other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

    Selection adjustments

    Subject adjustment

    A study score of 40 in any English equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 35 in Biology, Chemistry, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 35 in any English or Maths: Further Mathematics equals 1 aggregate point per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, Chemistry, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 2 aggregate points per study. A study score of 40 in Maths: Further Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points. Overall maximum of 12 points.

    Access and equity

    Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.

    Recognition of prior learning

    Recognition of prior learning is not granted for this course.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

    The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

    Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

    Learn more about international student fees.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

    Apply now

    Apply directly to Deakin

    Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.

    We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.

    Apply through VTAC

    If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you should submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), in addition to applying directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
    If you need assistance, please contact us.

    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 also 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.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    Are you ready to secure your future in Australia’s booming health sector as a registered diagnostic radiographer? Upon graduating, you will be eligible to receive Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration as a Medical Radiation Practitioner, with a division/registration type of Diagnostic Radiographer, General. This AHPRA registration will enable you 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

    You will also be eligible to work as a skilled practitioner across the broad range of diagnostic medical imaging, including general radiography and CT fluoroscopy.

    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).

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin 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.