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.
