Queensland nuclear medicine students begin classes

Queensland locals Carley Chapman, Rebecca Hall and Charlotte Hanson are part of the first cohort of RMIT’s new nuclear medicine degree.

RMIT’s Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Nuclear Medicine – Industry Practice) is the first such degree to be offered in Queensland, allowing local students to realise their passions while staying close to home.

The inaugural cohort commenced in early March and began undertaking hands-on clinical learning from their first week.

23-year-old Carley became inspired by the idea of a career in nuclear medicine while working in hospital administration, where she got the chance to observe her boss performing nuclear imaging scans.

She was blown away by the process, likening the scans to an artform with their vibrant and contrasting colours.

“Seeing the scans... I know in a couple of years I’m not going to be saying it’s just pretty colours, but they were truly insane,” said Carley.

“I just immediately fell in love with everything.”

Rebecca, who currently works in aged care, is looking forward to supporting patients who may be struggling with difficult diagnoses during her placements.

“Doing what I’ve done in aged care, the people I’ve met are amazing, and so are their stories, so I’m sad to be leaving.”

“But I really want to give back through nuclear medicine,” said Rebecca.

Her two kids are a huge motivator for her, and she wants to set an example for them that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.

Carley Chapman.

Paid placements close to home make study more accessible

The degree, which is part of RMIT’s new Earn and Learn model, offers paid clinical training placements in Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mackay and Toowoomba, meaning that students don’t need to relocate or travel too far.

This is not only a huge benefit for parents like Rebecca, but also recent high school graduates like Charlotte who aren’t ready to move out of home yet.

At just 17 years old, Charlotte is the youngest in her cohort.

“I thought about travelling to Melbourne to study nuclear medicine, but I was worried about doing that while still underage,” said Charlotte.

“Then this opportunity came up to study what I want while staying in Toowoomba.”

Being paid for placement is also incredibly helpful, especially for Carley who has recently moved into her own place for the first time and is feeling the cost-of-living pressures.

“It was an eye opener, it’s like ‘Why are groceries this much? I feel bad for my mother!’”

So, this money will help so much. It’s great that this opportunity exists as I know placements are usually unpaid.

Giving back to their hometowns

All the students are excited about what the new degree will mean for the future of Queensland’s health sector.

It will help to create a pipeline of nuclear medicine graduates who can service the state and especially rural areas.

With her experience in aged care, Rebecca is hopeful that growing the nuclear medicine workforce in Queensland will assist the ageing community.

The significance of this program is not lost on me. I want the world to know it’s such an amazing opportunity here in Queensland, not just for the students going through it but also what it means for Queensland in terms of making vital medical imaging available to people.

“Medical imaging is especially important within the ageing community, who may struggle to get to appointments when they’re local – let alone when they’re not available in their city or town.”

“I am grateful and excited for this chance to make an impact,” said Rebecca.

28 March 2025

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