What’s happening?
Queensland’s nuclear medicine workforce is getting a much-needed boost. In 2025, RMIT University launched its Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Nuclear Medicine – Industry Practice), with students now undertaking placements across Queensland, including Mackay. The degree blends online learning with two days per week of hands-on training, addressing critical regional workforce shortages.
Why it Matters?
Queensland was one of five states or territories without a nuclear medicine degree. This gap contributed to delayed diagnoses and treatments for patients requiring PET and SPECT scans—vital tools in the diagnosis and care of cancer and rare diseases.
This new pathway means local students can train without relocating, and communities like Mackay gain a pipeline of skilled workers.
Local Impact
24-year-old Madison from Mackay is among the inaugural cohort. Originally planning to study radiography, she pivoted after discovering she could study nuclear medicine locally.
“Soon after I started working in medical admin, our nuclear medicine technician moved to Brisbane and we relied on locum technicians,” she said.
“It was hard to accommodate patients when there was no one to scan them… For us, even understanding the referral is difficult… when you don’t have anyone to ask.”
She added: “I love Mackay and I want to keep living here long-term… We wonder why cities are so expensive, while forcing all these people to move there to study or for jobs. If the study and jobs are offered in their hometown, would they leave?”
Madison also acknowledged the challenges of returning to study: “It’s scary going back to study as an adult with responsibilities, even though 24 isn’t that old. This RMIT nuclear medicine program with paid placements and online study is such a good trial run for what will hopefully be the future of studying.”
By the Numbers:
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Queensland was one of 5 states/territories without a nuclear medicine degree until 2025.
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The new degree spans 7 locations: Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mackay, and Toowoomba.
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Students contribute 2 days per week in clinical placements, assisting with early cancer diagnoses and treatments.
Zoom In
Madison’s firsthand experience highlights the frontline challenges when nuclear medicine services aren’t locally staffed. Her decision to stay in Mackay underscores how regional-based training can lead to stronger retention of medical workers in underserved communities.
Zoom Out
As nuclear medicine becomes more embedded in patient care pathways, demand for qualified professionals will continue to rise nationwide. This initiative marks a shift toward more equitable access to education and healthcare, especially in regional areas.
What To Look For Next?
Watch for the progress of this first RMIT nuclear medicine cohort in 2025, as they help build regional Queensland’s capacity to offer timely, life-saving medical imaging.
