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Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging)

Interested in becoming a health professional with a career in medical radiation technology? This programme will develop your skills in diagnostic imaging through applied thinking and doing, so you can safely use radiation to obtain images for diagnostic use.

Level
7
Credits
360 (3.0 EFTS)
Campus
Waitākere
Start dates
July
Duration
Full-time for three years

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging) provides you with the clinical and theoretical knowledge to work as a registered medical imaging technologist (MIT). To safely obtain images using radiation for diagnostic use, you need a sound understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology, physics, and the medical radiation equipment and clinical techniques you will use in the industry. We'll help you develop these skills so you complete your degree confident and work-ready. You'll also get an introduction to more advanced imaging systems.

Highlights

  • At Unitec, we think the best way to learn is a mixture of thinking and doing. You'll spend over 2000 hours (in block periods of time) across all three years of your degree gaining clinical experience working in a radiology/x-ray department, as well as developing your medical knowledge so you can easily transition to the workplace. Our staff will help you find suitable clinical placements, which may be in Auckland, as well as other regional centres throughout New Zealand.
  • Accredited by the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB).
  • Leads to industry registration: once you've completed this programme you can apply for registration with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB).
  • This programme is an internationally recognised qualification.
  • Highly qualified teaching staff with extensive first-hand experience of clinical provision and discipline need.

Clinical placements

This programme includes over 2000 hours of work experience via clinical placements.

  • Year 1: 1 x 12-week block
  • Year 2: 2 x 10-week blocks
  • Year 3: 2 x 10-week blocks

Accommodation and travel are not included as part of your fees, therefore you'll need to cover all costs associated with these (if necessary) in order to attend the clinic to which you have been assigned.

Overseas Registration

Once you've graduated, you'll have the option of pursuing a career in New Zealand or overseas. If you want to work overseas as a qualified MIT, each country's registration body has its own system of determining eligibility. However, they all require hard copies of your course descriptors signed by the Academic Programme manager. There is an administration charge for requesting these. Please complete the request form below to initiate this process.

Medical Imaging Overseas Registration Form (PDF, 28KB)

Programme Structure

The programme structure for the Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging) in 2024 is:
 
 Year 1Year 2Year 3
Course 1HEAL5254 Professional Practice I
Class number(s): 5789
15 credits
HEAL6250-SA Anatomy II (Sem A)
Class number(s): 5794
7.5 credits
HEAL7173 Principles of Image Interpretation
Class number(s): 5799
15 credits
Course 2HEAL5255 Radiation Physics
Class number(s): 5790
15 credits
HEAL6252-SA Imaging Science II (Sem A)
Class number(s): 5795
7.5 credits
HEAL7174-SA Principles of Research (Sem A)
Class number(s): 5800
7.5 credits
Course 3HEAL5256 Radiographic Imaging I
Class number(s): 5791
15 credits
HEAL6253-SA Pathology (Sem A)
Class number(s): 5796
7.5 credits
HEAL7175-SA Specialist Applications (Sem A)
Class number(s): 5801
15 credits
Course 4HEAL5421 Anatomy and Physiology
Class number(s): 5792 or 5793
15 credits
HEAL6254 Professional Practice II
Class number(s): No classes scheduled
15 credits
HEAL7178-SA Clinical Practice III (Sem A)
Class number(s): 5802
22.5 credits
Course 5 HEAL6257-SA Clinical Practice 2 (Sem A)
Class number(s): 5798
22.5 credits
 
Course 6HEAL5250 Clinical Practice 1
Class number(s): 1719
15 credits
HEAL6250-SB Anatomy II (Sem B)
Class number(s): 1723
7.5 credits
HEAL7174-SB Principles of Research (Sem B)
Class number(s): 1728
7.5 credits
Course 7HEAL5251 Structural Osteology and Arthrology
Class number(s): 1720
15 credits
HEAL6252-SB Imaging Science II (Sem B)
Class number(s): 1724
7.5 credits
HEAL7175-SB Specialist Applications (Sem B)
Class number(s): 1729
15 credits
Course 8HEAL5253 Imaging Science I
Class number(s): 1721
15 credits
HEAL6253-SB Pathology (Sem B)
Class number(s): 1725
7.5 credits
HEAL7177 Radiographic Pathology
Class number(s): 1730
15 credits
Course 9HEAL6256 Radiographic Imaging II
Class number(s): 1722
15 credits
HEAL6255 Radiation Protection
Class number(s): 1726 or 5797
15 credits
HEAL7178-SB Clinical Practice III (Sem B)
Class number(s): 1731
22.5 credits
Course 10 HEAL6257-SB Clinical Practice 2 (Sem B)
Class number(s): 1727
22.5 credits
 
 
This example programme overview is a guide only and assumes full-time study. Please check timetables carefully as not every course is offered each semester. Programme requirements and class numbers are subject to change.

Admission requirements

What you will need to study this programme. 


Domestic students

Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

  • NCEA entry requirements;
    • 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of two subjects taken from an approved subject list,
    • 14 credits at Level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework
    • 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in mathematics or pangarau on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework,
    • 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (a minimum of four in reading and four in writing),

Note: A minimum of 12 of the 42 NCEA credits at level 3 must include English or a Literacy approved subject, Mathematics, and one Science subject (Physics preferred)

  • Have a grade of C or better in the New Zealand University Bursaries Examinations in each of English, Mathematics, and one Science subject;
And meet one of the English entry requirements;

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

Non-academic requirements

  1. Be at least 17 years old by the time the programme begins;
  2. Be able to participate in all clinical aspects of the programme;
  3. Complete a self-declaration of criminal convictions and medical conditions form;
  4. Consent to a Safety Check that meets the requirements of the Children Act 2014 (formerly known as the Vulnerable Children's Act), including:
    • Provide two forms of ID and evidence of any name changes;
    • Consent to a police vet check;
    • Provide the names of two referees whom Unitec or your placement provider can contact;
    • If required, participate in an interview;
    • If required, provide a chronological summary of your work history for the past 5 years and the name of any professional organisations, licensing authorities, and registration authorities that you have been or are a member of.

For more information, download the full programme regulations (PDF, 505KB).


International students

Academic requirements 

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement or have completed one of the following:

And English entry requirements;

​If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

Non-academic requirements

  1. Be at least 17 years old by the time the programme begins;
  2. Be able to participate in all clinical aspects of the programme;
  3. Complete a self-declaration of criminal convictions and medical conditions form;
  4. Consent to a Safety Check that meets the requirements of the Children Act 2014 (formerly known as the Vulnerable Children's Act), including:
    • Provide two forms of ID and evidence of any name changes;
    • Consent to a police vet check;
    • Provide the names of two referees whom Unitec or your placement provider can contact;
    • If required, participate in an interview;
    • If required, provide a chronological summary of your work history for the past 5 years and the names of any professional organisations, licensing authorities, and registration authorities you have been or are a member of.

For more information, download the full programme regulations (PDF, 505KB).


Courses and timetables

For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2025; please check back again soon.

Courses Credits Aim
Clinical Practice 1 (HEAL5250) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to demonstrate the specified clinical competency required within a clinical environment.
Structural Osteology and Arthrology (HEAL5251) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To investigate the structure, function and development of the human skeletal system.
Imaging Science I (HEAL5253) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an introductory understanding of the technical & physical principles that underpin contemporary practices of medical image capture, processing, manipulation, display and archival storage.
Professional Practice I (HEAL5254) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an understanding of professional ethics and personal responsibilities, patient care and management, and communication within a health care environment.
Radiation Physics (HEAL5255) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an understanding of the rationale and application of the physical concepts relevant to medical imaging.
Radiographic Imaging I (HEAL5256) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To investigate a range of routine and supplementary radiographic examinations.
Anatomy and Physiology (HEAL5421) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of anatomy and physiology of body systems as they relate to medical imaging practice.
Courses Credits Aim
Anatomy II (Sem A) (HEAL6250-SA) 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) To develop regional understanding of the cross-sectional anatomy of different body regions; head and neck, thoraco-abdominopelvic cavities and extremities.
Anatomy II (Sem B) (HEAL6250-SB) 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) To develop regional understanding of the cross-sectional anatomy of different body regions; head and neck, thoraco-abdominopelvic cavities and extremities.
Imaging Science II (Sem A) (HEAL6252-SA) 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) To establish and apply a knowledge of contemporary diagnostic imaging devices, demonstrating technical insight and promoting safe and competent use of equipment.
Imaging Science II (Sem B) (HEAL6252-SB) 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) To establish and apply a knowledge of contemporary diagnostic imaging devices, demonstrating technical insight and promoting safe and competent use of equipment.
Pathology (Sem A) (HEAL6253-SA) 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) To develop an understanding of the pathological disease processes commonly encountered within the scope of medical imaging.
Pathology (Sem B) (HEAL6253-SB) 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) To develop an understanding of the pathological disease processes commonly encountered within the scope of medical imaging.
Professional Practice II (HEAL6254) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an understanding of the relevance of human development, psychology and sociology to health status and health care delivery.
Radiation Protection (HEAL6255) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop a theoretical and applied knowledge of radiation effects and methods of implementing radiation protection.
Radiographic Imaging II (HEAL6256) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To investigate a range of radiographic procedures.
Clinical Practice 2 (Sem A) (HEAL6257-SA) 22.5 credits (0.188 EFTS) To demonstrate effective clinical competency required in the clinical environment
Clinical Practice 2 (Sem B) (HEAL6257-SB) 22.5 credits (0.188 EFTS) To demonstrate effective clinical competency required in the clinical environment
Courses Credits Aim
Principles of Image Interpretation (HEAL7173) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an appreciation of radiographic images relating to trauma of the appendicular and axial skeleton. To enable students to express a written and verbal opinion of appendicular and axial images. To prepare the student for post-graduate study in the area of imaging interpretation
Principles of Research (Sem A) (HEAL7174-SA) 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) To develop an understanding of the principles of research and the ethical issues which effect it. To develop the critical thinking and organisation skills required for research.
Principles of Research (Sem B) (HEAL7174-SB) 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) To develop an understanding of the principles of research and the ethical issues which effect it. To develop the critical thinking and organisation skills required for research.
Specialist Applications (Sem A) (HEAL7175-SA) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To apply principles of image acquisition, processing and manipulation to specialist imaging procedures.
Specialist Applications (Sem B) (HEAL7175-SB) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To apply principles of image acquisition, processing and manipulation to specialist imaging procedures.
Radiographic Pathology (HEAL7177) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an appreciation of images of pathological conditions of the body. To prepare the student for post-graduate study in the area of imaging interpretation.
Clinical Practice III (Sem A) (HEAL7178-SA) 22.5 credits (0.188 EFTS) To enable students to demonstrate practical competence in a medical imaging department.
Clinical Practice III (Sem B) (HEAL7178-SB) 22.5 credits (0.188 EFTS) To enable students to demonstrate practical competence in a medical imaging department.