New pathway allows north Queensland students to train locally in nuclear medicine

A groundbreaking partnership between Townsville Hospital and Health Service and RMIT University is giving local students the opportunity to obtain their Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Nuclear Medicine) while staying close to home.

Nuclear Medicine Scientists play a vital role in healthcare by injecting radioactive substances to patients. These substances enable advanced imaging techniques that diagnose a wide range of medical conditions.

The Nuclear Medicine Scientist Embedded Student Program allows students to complete theoretical studies online with RMIT while gaining hands-on experience at local Queensland Health facilities, including Townsville University Hospital.

A yearly scholarship is also offered by Queensland Health to eligible participants to assist with the costs of being a university student.

RMIT student Nikisha Budhai said the opportunity to complete her training in Townsville, rather than travelling interstate for university, was too good to pass up.

“When this program came up, I jumped at the opportunity; I live nearby and knew I’d regret not giving it a go,” she said.

“Being embedded in the hospital two days a week gives you time to hone your skills, which means by the time you’re assessed, you’ve already had months of invaluable hands-on experience,” she said.

Nikisha encouraged prospective students with an interest in maths, science and healthcare to consider choosing nuclear medicine as a career path.

“Nuclear Medicine is a fascinating and fast-evolving field, with real-world applications in areas like oncology, renal transplant imaging and hybrid imaging technologies,” she said.

“At RMIT, we’re already learning the physics behind CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine, so it’s a great time to be entering the field because there’s so much opportunity and growth.”

Townsville HHS nuclear medicine technologist Raelee McNabb, graduated from RMIT in Melbourne.

“Nuclear Medicine was previously only available in Adelaide, Melbourne and Newcastle Universities, but the new program supports Queenslanders to enter this fascinating career,” she said.

“You can learn a lot from books, but things like patient handling, real-life care and responding to individual needs is something that has to be learned in person, and placement is where that real learning happens.

“Now that I’m a few years into my career, I love teaching students and involving them as much as possible,” she said. “It’s rewarding to watch them slowly fall in love with what they do.”

Raelee said working in a close-knit, multidisciplinary team at TUH further improved her own learning experience.

“Everyone here is so supportive, from nurses and admin to doctors; we work closely together, and there are always opportunities for professional development through seminars and conferences.”

Applications are now open for students to join the Townsville University Hospital team in 2026 through the embedded program.

For more information and to apply, visit the Queensland Health website before applications close on 21 September 2025.