Radiology Courses overview
Radiology is the use of radiation for diagnosing and treating disease. It can involve a variety of tools and techniques, including X-ray, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and more. Postgraduate courses in this field are designed for accredited professionals wishing to sharpen their already-considerable skills.
The field began when German mechanical engineer and physicist Wilhelm Röntgen first discovered the X-ray in 1895. It took decades of testing and hazardous use of radiation before the field began its refinement in the 1970s, where the ‘golden age’ of radiology brought forth new opportunities for discovery.
Nowadays the field is essential for monitoring treatments and predicting outcomes. Its practitioners use it for the good of patients and medicine as a whole.
Is radiology for me?
Radiology is at the cross-section between fascinating technology and medical achievement, making it an attractive field for enthusiasts of both. Radiologists pair the information gained via X-rays and other methods with extensive medical acumen to assess risk, diagnose and evaluate treatment options.
Postgraduate study in the field provides insight into cutting-edge developments and new techniques derived only recently, making it ideal for any radiology professionals wishing to update and broaden their skillset.
Study pathway
Postgraduate radiology can be taken up to master level, with knowledge provided throughout each program scaling by duration.
Postgraduate certificates in radiology are somewhat rare, tailored to specific parts of the discipline. The University of Adelaide’s Graduate Certificate in Radiation Management is an example of this, providing knowledge on radioactivity, radiation detection, ionising radiation and more for the purpose of safety. These six month courses are thereby suited to professionals with a clear idea of what career utilising radiology they wish to specialise or improve in. Prospective students must have prior experience in the field or relevant undergraduate study for entry.
Institutions like Charles Sturt University and the University of Wollongong offer graduate diplomas that prepare students in specific areas of radiology. The Graduate Diploma of Medical Ultrasound from Charles Sturt is an example of this, providing a comprehensive program beginning at clinical sectional anatomy and branching into specialised ultrasound areas like pelvic, obstetric and vascular. These diplomas are just like the certificates in that they may require prior relevant experience for entry. They tend to take a year to complete if undergone full time, or two years if part time.
Master level radiology courses take two years to complete and are designed for students who are already doctors. The University of Melbourne’s course is a sound example of how they are formatted, primarily consisting of half day lecture and tutorial programs covering a variety of fields concerning anatomy of bodily systems, angiography, computer tomography and a significant variety more. Students require a degree in medicine in addition to two years of experience as a doctor to enter.
Employment options
Cardiovascular radiologist
This area of radiology is dedicated to discovering and diagnosing heart diseases, vascular issues and more. Companies like Alfred Health hire these professionals to better assess the nature of cardiovascular issues patients experience.
Emergency radiologist
These radiologists examine and diagnose emergency conditions, including traumatic injury, head and neck disease, vascular malfunctions and more. They are crucial for any hospital anticipating a need for time-sensitive diagnoses of critical conditions. Groups all over the world require emergency radiologists, from the Physician Affiliate Group of New York to the Association of Physicians of India.
Neuroradiology
This subsection is dedicated to brain, nervous system and spinal conditions. Its importance is evidenced by the existence of societies dedicated to its practice, such as the Australian and New Zealand Society of Neuroradiology. It is used to discover brain tumours and other life-threatening conditions in an efficient manner.
Specialisations
Radiology is required across all systems of the human body, giving it a broad array of specialisations. The following are some examples: