A Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Radiation Therapy) is a professional, accredited undergraduate degree that typically spans four years of full-time study. The course prepares students to become registered Radiation Therapists — allied health professionals who use sophisticated radiation technologies to plan and deliver treatment to patients, primarily those diagnosed with cancer. Students learn to use anatomical and functional imaging studies to design precise courses of treatment, operating complex equipment such as linear accelerators, CT simulators, and radiotherapy treatment planning software to target cancer cells accurately while minimising harm to surrounding healthy tissue. The degree sits at AQF Level 7 or Level 8 (Honours), and graduates are eligible to apply for general registration with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

The course is designed for students who are passionate about combining scientific and technical knowledge with direct patient care. Throughout the degree, students study foundational science subjects including anatomy, physiology, pathology, and radiation physics before progressing into specialised radiation therapy subjects covering treatment planning, image guidance, radiobiology, and clinical oncology. A hallmark of the degree is its strong emphasis on work-integrated learning, with students undertaking substantial clinical placements — typically 40 to 45 weeks — in hospitals, cancer centres, and private practices across Australia. Many programs also include access to Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training (VERT) suites and clinical-grade linear accelerators on campus, giving students hands-on experience before entering clinical settings.

Graduates work across both the public and private healthcare sectors in a wide range of settings, including major public hospital radiation oncology departments, private cancer treatment centres, regional cancer hubs, and research institutions. Key employers include large cancer networks such as GenesisCare and Icon Cancer Centre, as well as major public hospitals and specialty cancer hospitals. With further study, graduates can also move into medical physics support, advanced practice roles, clinical education, or research, making it a degree with significant long-term career depth.

Entry into a Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Radiation Therapy) typically requires completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary qualification (or equivalent) with a competitive ATAR. Most programs require or strongly recommend prior study in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics at a senior secondary level. While specific ATAR cut-offs vary by institution and intake, the degree is regarded as competitive within the health sciences field. Applicants may also gain entry through alternative pathways including completion of an AQF Certificate III or higher vocational qualification, completion of a Tertiary Preparation Certificate, prior university study at AQF Level 5 or above with a competitive GPA, or completion of Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses. Credit for prior learning may be available to students with relevant tertiary study or work experience.

Before commencing clinical placements, students are required to meet a range of mandatory pre-placement requirements. These typically include a National Police Check, Working with Children or Vulnerable Persons Clearance, immunisation records (including proof of vaccination against Hepatitis B, influenza, and COVID-19), and first aid certification. Some programs also require a pre-placement health declaration or fitness-to-practice assessment given the physically and mentally demanding nature of the clinical environment. Students must demonstrate they can safely handle and operate radiation equipment and undertake precise manual tasks.

International students must meet English language proficiency requirements, typically a minimum Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no individual band below 6.0, or an equivalent score in TOEFL, PTE Academic, or other accepted tests. Due to the intensive clinical placement demands and patient safety responsibilities, this degree is generally offered on a full-time basis only, and students should be prepared for placements that may involve travel to regional, rural, or interstate locations.