CQUniversity launches the first of new programs to educate new health professionals and  improve regional health care

CQUniversity will introduce a new Bachelor’s Degree in Imaging Sciences in March 2011 (next year) for Central Queenslanders wanting medical science careers and jobs such as diagnostic radiographers and sonographers, it was announced today.

Medical imaging professionals are in demand throughout Central Queensland according to Queensland Health and private providers such as Queensland XRay and Central Queensland Medical Imaging. Career prospects are very good. According to government statistics, weekly income averages $1300 for full-time professionals.

(See  Australia’s career information and exploration service MyFuture for details on other job descriptions http://www.myfuture.edu.au/services/default.asp?FunctionID=5050&ASCO=239111A)

“Our expansion into medical science programs is based on extensive consultations with health organisations and medical professionals.  We’re responding to what Central Queensland needs now and into the future,” explained CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman (who, coincidentally, is a former radiographer).

“Demand is high and we expect to have approximately 90 students studying radiography and sonography (ultrasound)  full-time this time next year,” said Professor Bowman. The program will be delivered face-to-face in Mackay.

The University has a solid reputation for nursing, exercise science, biomedical science and health promotion. Nearly 1000 offers were made to students this year in those programs; 35% more than the same time last year.

The 4-year Medical Imaging program, which encompasses clinically-based education and training, is being developed by Cynthia Cowling,  a world-leader in the field and Director of Education of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists  (an affiliate of the World Health Organisation) and Professor Mark Burton, former  Director of Dentistry (Implementation) and Professor of Biomedical Science at Charles Sturt University who joined CQUniversity last year as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development).

“This is a long-term  commitment to Central Queensland by its University. Working with local stakeholders -- CQUniversity will develop knowledgeable, skilled, extremely competent, local healthcare professionals for the region,” said Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of Campus, Dr Pierre Viljoen.

“A big challenge for us, now, is to get accommodation built for all the people who will come from all over to study in with us next year,” added Dr Viljoen.

According to a 2009 report by the National Health Workforce Taskforce rural and remote regions continue to experience great health workforce shortages and current education and training is complex with insufficient capacity to satisfy current demand for trained health professionals.

The introduction of Imaging Science is just the beginning of CQUniversity’s new initiative in Central Queensland to develop new degree programs that will satisfy growing local healthcare needs. The University has already established a new School of Medical and Applied Sciences and will announce further developments and degrees later this year.

Designed to attract school leavers and those considering a change of career, the Imaging Science program will also focus on medical professionals who want to expand their roles and vary their medical skills.

People interested in studying should register their interest at www.cqu.edu.au/medicalimaging . Applications will be accepted through QTAC from 1 July 2010. Call 13CQUni for more information.

Source: CQUniversity Newsroom