The radiation therapy degree at the University of Newcastle is Australia’s leading study program in the discipline. Our graduates are sought after worldwide, working to eradicate cancer using superb medical competence and the world’s most advanced cancer treatment technology. As a radiation therapist, you can make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.

What is radiation therapy?

Also known as radiotherapy, radiation therapy uses sophisticated radiation technology to target and destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours – allowing cancer to be treated, managed and cured. Our students learn to use radiation therapy as the primary treatment, or used alongside other treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy.

What you will study

When you study a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Radiation Therapy) at the University of Newcastle you benefit from a degree program combining theoretical and scientific knowledge with practical learning. You will:

• Build essential clinical reasoning and patient management skills using our latest patient treatment labs on campus.
• Develop exceptional communication and interpersonal skills needed to support patients and their families.
• Gain professional radiation therapy skills through case-based training, integrating learning into real situations and interactive teamwork activities.
• Develop critical research skills that will set you in good stead for life-long learning in the ever-evolving field of radiation therapy.

Students who study our Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science in radiation therapy will be able to enrol in a range of radiation science courses including:

• anatomy
• behavioural science
• clinical methods
• imaging and treatment technologies
• oncology
• physiology
• research

Our radiation therapy graduates are very employable and highly regarded. 94% of our graduates find work before, or soon after, finishing their studies (Quality Indicators of Learning and Teaching 2018).

University of Newcastle radiation therapy graduates are qualified to register and work as radiation therapists, health care professionals who use anatomical and functional imaging studies to design courses of treatment for patients with malignant disease. Radiation therapists also use a range of advanced technology to implement daily treatment.

Take a look below for some common roles for medical radiation science graduates.

• chief radiation therapist
• echocardiography technologist
• medical technician
• radiation therapist
• research scientist
• sonographer
• technical sales representative
• technical writer
• university lecturer/academic