Charles Sturt University (CSU) will become the first university to offer a course specifically tailored to the needs of radiography and nuclear medicine imaging professionals when it adds molecular imaging to its revised Master of Medical Radiation Science program in 2013.

 

CSU has offered the Master of Medical Radiation Science since 2000, with specialisations in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radiographic image interpretation and, for the past eight years, nuclear medicine.

 

CSU Professor in Medical Imaging, Robert Davidson, from CSU’s School of Dentistry and Health Sciences said the new specialisation would be the first in the world to focus on the needs of the clinicians who operate the equipment and interact with patients.

 

“The new specialisation will allow these imaging professionals to gain higher-level understanding of the clinical aspects and technologies that support molecular imaging,” he said.

 

“It is not a course focused on the needs of physicians or physicists, but rather the medical radiation science professionals.”

 

The course will include structured education in each of the imaging techniques currently in use and will afford opportunities to undertake a variety of electives that support each student’s niche interests.

 

Professor Davidson said CSU’s Master of Medical Radiation Science program now also offered students a coursework-only option.

 

“Previously, to complete the Masters program, students had to undertake a research project,” he said.

 

“This is still an option for students wanting to gain some experience in undertaking a supervised project. However, those not interested in, or not in a position to undertake a research project, can now gain their Masters qualification in a specialisation by coursework only.”

 

All specialisations in the Masters program have undergone an external review and have been revised to ensure currency, accuracy and appropriateness.

 

“We are committed to delivering education that meets the current and emerging needs of industry,” Professor Davidson said.

 

“The external advisory committee, leaders in their specialised fields, have had a major input to the content and direction of the course and subjects.

 

“The focus of the course is now more on the understanding of the specialised area of interest selected by the student.”