RMIT University will expand its medical radiation education into Western Australia, launching an 'Earn and Learn' nuclear medicine initiative developed in partnership with Perth Radiological Clinic and SKG Radiology.
Demand for nuclear medicine services continues to rise nationally as imaging becomes an increasingly critical part of patient care pathways. Workforce shortages present a particular challenge in both regional and metropolitan Western Australia, where access to skilled practitioners is essential to ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.
The Western Australian pathway of the Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Nuclear Medicine: Industry Practice) will see five WA-based students study while working in paid, industry-based clinical roles.
The expansion of the initiative into WA builds on the success of RMIT's industry-based learning model 'Earn and Learn', and its 2025 launch of Queensland's first nuclear medicine degree, extending a proven, industry-embedded approach to meet workforce demand in Western Australia.
Co-designed with industry to allow students to train and work close to home, the initiative blends remote academic study with hands-on clinical training delivered through RMIT's private sector partners in Perth.
Students will undertake paid clinical placements alongside their studies, gaining practical experience, technical skills and professional mentoring from day one of their studies.
Perth-based RMIT Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Nuclear Medicine: Industry Practice) students Elouise Monck, Noah Marshall, Emma Hotham with Perth Radiological Clinic's Nuclear Medicine and PET Manager Richard Hampson, and Associate Professor Mark Scalzo, Program Manager for the Nuclear Medicine: Industry Practice and Emily McDonald Program Manager: Medical Radiation Science from RMIT.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor STEM College and Vice-President at RMIT Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos, said the expansion of the program demonstrated real-world benefit for students, industry and community.
"We're encouraged to see this Earn and Learn model adopted in Western Australia as a way of addressing critical skills shortages in health and enabling greater access to study," said Itsiopoulos.
Associate Professor Mark Scalzo, Program Manager, Nuclear Medicine: Industry Practice, said the WA expansion reflected RMIT's commitment to industry-led education models that respond directly to workforce need.
"This new Western Australian offering extends RMIT's nationally recognised nuclear medicine training into a state that faces growing demand for specialist imaging professionals and removes the need for students to relocate," Scalzo said.
"Through our 'Earn and Learn' model, students are embedded in the workforce from the start of their degree, while industry partners play an active role in shaping job-ready graduates with the skills required to support patient care."
RMIT is a proven leader in nuclear medicine education, with strong growth in enrolments and long-standing industry partnerships. Graduates of the program develop the specialist skills required to operate advanced imaging technologies, including Positron Emission Tomography and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography scanners, supporting the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of cancer and other complex conditions.
Perth Radiological Clinic CEO Rebecca Banks said the partnership marked a significant investment in Western Australia's future workforce, ensuring patients across the state can receive the advanced imaging they need without delay.
"This collaboration creates a clear and sustainable pathway for local students to train, learn and thrive in their own community.
"We are proud to work with RMIT on an initiative that strengthens our profession, expands access to essential services, and enhances the quality of care we provide to Western Australians every day," Banks said.
SKG Radiology CEO Dr Sonia Dale said they were proud to be partnering with RMIT to provide this opportunity for aspiring Nuclear Medicine Science students in Western Australia.
"This unique offering is a big step towards addressing the current skills shortage in this crucial segment of Healthcare, supporting students while they study and ultimately providing patients improved access to nuclear medicine services in the future," Dale said.
