Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology)

Community-based and industry-focused, this programme paves the way for an exciting career in the radiography industry.

Our practical hands-on approach, combining laboratory and classroom teaching with clinical learning, will ensure you get every opportunity to apply the necessary skills, knowledge, and techniques to grow as a medical imaging professional being able to participate as a member of a multi-professional health team.

UCOL Medical Imaging graduates enjoy an excellent reputation in New Zealand and overseas. 

This programme comprises 360 credits.

Students must attend at least 90% timetabled Laboratory sessions.

Year One Courses

Anatomy and Physiology (15 Credits)

The aim of this course is for learners to have a thorough understanding of the Anatomy and Physiology of the human body. This includes the structure of cells, tissues, organs and relevant body systems. With rapid technological advances, radiographers need to have a detailed knowledge of anatomy as it is relevant to all aspects of medical imaging.

Imaging Physics (15 Credits)
Preparation for the study of advanced medical imaging modalities through an understanding of general physics and a more detailed theoretical background to the physical basis behind the equipment design, construction and materials and the increasing technological support for state-of-the-art medical imaging modalities.

Professional and Cultural Practice (15 Credits)

Learn to respond appropriately to the health care needs of patients, and their whānau, initiate prescribed action in emergency situations, and provide health information and education relating to the practice of a Medical Radiography Technologist (MRT). You'll also learn about the dynamics of interpersonal behaviour and subjective aspects of ethics, professionalism and culture by exploring your own identity, values and beliefs.

General Radiography (15 Credits)

Learn to describe the factors affecting radiographic imaging and apply the principles of radiographic imaging, and learn to correctly use basic terminology and demonstrate a full and detailed knowledge of positioning techniques of the distal upper and lower limbs.

Imaging Applications (15 Credits)

Develop an understanding of the physical and technical principles and factors affecting radiographic imaging.

Imaging Techniques (15 Credits)

Learn to describe and demonstrate optimal imaging techniques for a range of radiographic examinations.

Clinical 1 (30 Credits) (600 hours practicum)

Gain supervised experience in routine general radiographic examinations and fully participate in clerical and image processing procedures. Note that you must hold a valid first aid certificate, which is current for the duration of this course.

Year Two Courses

Regional and Sectional Imaging Anatomy (15 Credits)

Apply your knowledge of the gross anatomy of the organs and structures that are localised within the axial and appendicular regions to normal imaging appearances.

Imaging Applications (15 Credits)

Develop an understanding of how an X-ray unit's generator, control console, and accessories control beam direction and quality.

Imaging Techniques (15 Credits)

Learn to describe and demonstrate techniques for an extended range of radiographic procedures, including basic contrast media examinations and radiography performed outside the Radiology Department.

Imaging Pathology (15 Credits)

Develop an understanding of disease pathology and its imaging applications.

Complementary Imaging Techniques (15 Credits)

Develop an understanding of the clinical applications of Nuclear medicine, Ultrasound and Magnetic Resource Imaging.

Clinical 2 (30 Credits, 600 practicum hours)

Utilise opportunities to assist and perform radiographic examinations in the clinical setting. Note that you must hold a valid first aid certificate, which is current for the duration of the course.

Professional and Cultural Practice (5 Credits)

Learn to undertake clinical practice in an ethically and culturally competent manner.

Research (10 Credits)

Become familiar with research terminology and processors to become a critical consumer of research information. Also develop your research critiquing skills and relate research contributions to the advancement of New Zealand healthcare knowledge and practice.

Year Three Courses

Professional Practice and Management (15 Credits)

Develop an ethical, legal, cultural and economic framework for professional practice.

Imaging Applications (15 Credits)

Develop an understanding of the physical principles of image processing and specialised equipment.

Imaging Techniques (20 Credits)

Develop knowledge of the principles of advanced techniques and their clinical applications.

Research (10 Credits)

Effectively critique and communicate health research and their contribution to the advancement of health knowledge.

Clinical 3 (60 Credits) (1200 practicum hours)

Opportunities to further consolidate your practice and experience in the full range of routine radiographic and minor special procedures at the required graduate level. The course also provides opportunities to observe and assist in the performance of advanced imaging procedures and modalities. Note that you must hold a valid first aid certificate, which is current for the duration of the course.

Our nursing, medical imaging and healthcare ākonga will be learning practical skills in Te Whaioranga, the purpose-built healthcare education centre for UCOL Manawatū. This state-of-the-art learning environment enables our nursing, medical imaging and healthcare ākonga to learn across disciplines and functions, familiarising them with real-world practices and ensuring they become ‘workforce ready’ graduates.

All applicants must meet the general admission criteria as approved by the Academic Board. In addition, all applicants are required to:

• Declare any previous criminal convictions prior to admission being confirmed, and

• Authorise UCOL to undertake a background check on the applicant through the Police Vetting service. Convictions for any specific offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment; the decision is at the discretion of the Academic Portfolio Manager and

• Authorise UCOL to undertake a background check under the requirements of the Children's Act

• Complete a UCOL Health Declaration Form and provide specific serology and vaccine evidence; and

• Provide certified copies of all relevant documentation.

The Academic Portfolio Manager may require learners to provide additional information before admission is confirmed.

Note: Acceptance on to the programme is subject both to the availability of a suitable clinical placement and to the applicant having met the selection criteria and all clinical placement vaccination requirements before programme commencement.

Applicants under 20 years of age:

University Entrance including:

• Three subjects at Level 3 or above made up of 14 credits each in three approved subjects in each of:

  • English or an approved Literacy subject

  • Science or Mathematics (preferably Physics or Mathematics)

  • One other subject from the list of approved subjects (preference is given to Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics)
    

English language proficiency

If English or Te Reo Māori is not your first language, you are recommended to also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS Level 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in spoken) or equivalent, including TOEFL achieved in one sitting. Contact the info centre for more details.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

Graduates of the UCOL Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology) may be employed in the following types of roles:

• General radiography

• Mobile and theatre radiography

• Computed tomography

• Digital subtraction angiography

• Mammography (breast screening)

• Magnetic resonance imaging

• Nuclear medicine

• Ultrasonography

• PACs administration
  

Some roles may require further on-job training.

Selection Criteria

Applicants who meet the entry requirements, or who plan to meet the entry requirements, will be required to participate in an interview and complete an observation visit at a UCOL supported practicum centre. Selection will be based on a grading system with applicants receiving a higher grading (following the selection process) being offered a place on the programme before applicants with a lower grading.

Note: Places are limited and applications for 2027 close on 23 August 2026.

Academic skills

It is strongly recommended learners have a foundation knowledge in physics to improve their chances of success in this programme.

Background checks

Prior to registration with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB), all graduates are required to provide a New Zealand Justice department issued record of criminal convictions. Applicants are advised that any health issues or criminal convictions may preclude them from successful registration with the Medical Radiation Technologists' Board as per the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act (HPCA Act, 2003).

UCOL will undertake a safety check of all learners prior to enrolment to ensure UCOL meets the legislative requirements of the Children's Act. UCOL will do this on behalf of Hospitals, and radiography providers which host UCOL learner placements. The safety check involves confirming the student's work history, verifying their suitability to work with children with trusted referees, and completing New Zealand Police vetting.

Work Experience (Clinical Placement)

This programme has a significant practicum component of 2400 hours, split across three years of the degree - 600 hours in each of the first two years and 1200 hours in the third year.

• First and second-year placements are 15 weeks duration

• The third-year placement is 30 weeks duration

While on placement learners may be required to work after hours and on weekends with appropriate supervision. Learners will remain at the same clinical site for all three years if adequate progression is made in the programme.

The practicums are conducted in the following regions with limited placement spots available in each region:

• Auckland

• Palmerston North

• Taranaki

• Gisborne

• Hastings

• Hutt Valley

• Masterton

• Wellington

• Rotorua

• Tauranga

• Waikato

• Whanganui
  

Recognition of Prior Learning 

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course or unit standards have already been met. Please refer to the Course Information to understand the various courses within the Medical Imaging Technology programme. Students may be asked to sit an assessment to gain Recognition of Prior Learning.

Learners who can provide evidence of a current first aid qualification will be given a credit transfer for the relevant unit standard(s). Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Evidence of English language proficiency if required

• Completed Police Declaration Form

• Completed Health Declaration Form. Initially applicants must only complete Page 1. However, a specific Medical Imaging Technology Medical Report Form (including immunisation status) will be required to be provided by applicants who receive an ’Acceptance of Offer’ letter. Details of the requirement will be provided during the application process.

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Public Safety

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).
If a learner is considered not capable of performing duties required for the practice of a Medical Imaging Technologist, due to a mental or physical condition, the Acadmeic Portfolio Manager (or equivalent) will give written notice of the circumstances to the Medical Radiation Technologists Board Registrar as soon as the learner's inability to perform the required functions is established by UCOL.

Please note that there are additional costs associated with the Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology).

Clinical Placements

Learners will bear all costs associated with travel and accommodation (if necessary) for them to attend the classes and clinic they have been assigned to. The cost of accommodation will vary on how you want to live.  As a guide, see Trademe for flatmate vacancy listings and Tennancy NZ for house rental costs.

Travel and accommodation

As a guide and depending on your usual place of residence, travel and accommodation costs could be $6000 a year.

• First and second-year placements are 15 weeks duration

• The third-year placement is 30 weeks duration
  

Sundry Costs

• Stationery: $200/year

• Printing (UCOL $50) plus approx $50 extra

• Flash drive: $25-30

First Year

• Textbooks $1400 approx

• Hospital placement required serology (blood) tests $110 and vaccinations $630 (depending on current vaccination status)

• Uniform - UCOL shirt, black trousers/skirt/shorts and comfortable enclosed shoes $400 (NB: Students are provided with one free shirt, but should purchase a couple extra.)

Second Year

Textbooks $400 approx Third Year The following costs are incurred upon completion of the UCOL Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology) programme.

• Medical Radiation Technologist registration and Annual Practising Certificate $1200 approx

• New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technologist membership $270