RMIT offers nuclear medicine degree in Mackay

New study option in Mackay helping to address shortages in nuclear medicine technicians in the region.

Madison is studying nuclear medicine in Mackay. Photo: Contributed

A new bachelors degree is helping address a critical workforce shortage in Queensland with hands-on clinical training available in Mackay.

Queensland’s first nuclear medicine degree has commenced allowing students to study locally, with in person sessions able to be completed in Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mackay and Toowoomba.

The degree will help local graduates gain the skills required to operate specialist imaging equipment, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scanners, as well as assist with the diagnosis, treatment and patient care required for people with cancer and rare diseases.

Demand for these skills has grown significantly in recent years as nuclear medicine procedures became a regular part of patient care pathways, said RMIT University who will be offering the degree.

New student, 24-year-old medical administration worker Madison, planned to study radiography, but was thrilled when the opportunity to stay in Mackay and pursue nuclear medicine arose.

“I love Mackay and I want to keep living here long-term; I don’t want to move,” she said.

“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?

“Would we have such significant shortages outside of capital cities?”

Madison said she saw firsthand how difficult it was to accommodate patients with the lack of nuclear medicine technicians in the area.

“Telling patients they’ll have to wait is definitely hard; they’re often stressed and probably sick, which is why they need the scan,” she said.

“For us, even understanding the referral is difficult, with so many specialised scans, when you don’t have anyone to ask.”

She said it was scary going back to study as an adult but staying in Mackay and completing much of the study online would be a good trial run.