Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging)

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)

Career Options

Medical imaging technologist (requires registration with MRTB)

Visit the Department of School of Healthcare and Social Practice

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students
$8,000 (NZD)
(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students
$26,391 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credit only)

Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2025.Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2025: 24 Feb – 29 Jun
Sem 2 2025: 21 Jul – 23 Nov
For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage. For StudyLink purposes please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

NZ Police Vetting Service and Request Consent Form (PDF, 832KB) Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging) - Programme regulation (, 0 bytes) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awards Student Life For Māori students For Pacific students For International students

Programme Structure

The programme structure for the Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging) in 2024 is:

	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3
Course 1	HEAL5254 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 2	HEAL5255 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 3	HEAL5256 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 4	HEAL5421 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 6	HEAL5250 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 7	HEAL5251 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 8	HEAL5253 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 9	HEAL6256 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;

University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes and English Language programmes available can help you qualify. Apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

Non-academic requirements

Be at least 17 years old by the time the programme begins;
Be able to participate in all clinical aspects of the programme;
Complete a self-declaration of criminal convictions and medical conditions form;
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:

IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0 in speaking, reading, writing, and listening – we have an IELTS Preparation short course available, as well as an IELTS test center on-campus;
A TOEFL score of 575; or
University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes and English Language programmes available can help you qualify. Apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

Non-academic requirements

Be at least 17 years old by the time the programme begins;
Be able to participate in all clinical aspects of the programme;
Complete a self-declaration of criminal convictions and medical conditions form;
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.

Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging)