Tomorrow’s healthcare starts with today’s students.

This year, 40% of Australians will rely on a radiographer or radiation therapist for a scan or cancer treatment. However, these vital professionals are in critically short supply, leading to longer wait times for care.

In early 2025, the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) ran a national street poster campaign using the above artwork. The statistics were based on information gained from the 3,000 students training to join the workforce, completing a demanding 56 weeks of unpaid clinical placement – the longest of all allied health professions.

Since 2024, ASMIRT had been advocating for our students to join the Commonwealth Practice Payment scheme, which provides students up to $338.60 per week while on placement. In July 2026, the Australian Government announced that our students will join the scheme from 1 July 2027 which will assist 80% of our students meet their financial needs.

We are grateful to the Australian Government for supporting tomorrow's healthcare workforce. We are also grateful to the independent MPs and Senators that championed our cause, particularly Dr Helen Haines MP, Senator David Pocock, Dr Monique Ryan MP and Sophie Scamps MP.

Knowing that their studies are more financially secure, the outcome will be more students remain in their courses and help fill the supply shortages in Radiography, Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Knowing the people behind your care empowers you on your health journey.

Healthcare involves a wide range of professions – from medical staff and allied health professionals to administrative teams and hospital orderlies. Multidisciplinary teams work together to deliver quality care for everyone. Yet, some professions like radiographers and radiation therapists, often go unseen or misunderstood, even though we all interact with them at some point.

In November 2025, 475 street posters were displayed across Australia, highlighting the vital role these practitioners play in the health system.

Did you know? Radiographers and radiation therapists are both medical radiation practitioners. Radiographers utilise X-ray and MRI machines, CT scanners and ultrasound to help diagnose a range of medical conditions. Radiation therapists perform targeted treatment or pain relief in cancer patients by using small doses of radiation.

"I take scans, plan out the radiation treatment, and deliver that treatment. The best part is getting to know the patient so well throughout their care." Dannielle, Radiation Therapist

“The images I capture could make the difference between early detection and a late diagnosis. That’s really meaningful to me.” Imogen, Radiographer

“Patients are curious about how X-rays and MRI scans work. I love helping them understand so they can be more informed about their healthcare.” Anthony, Radiographer

“Every day, I help women have a BreastScreen. It’s truly rewarding, because when breast cancer is found early, the chance of cure is much higher.” Katrina, BreastScreen Radiographer

"My favourite thing about radiation therapy is the blend of advanced technology and physics, combined with the daily patient interaction.” Angela, Radiation Therapist

"When a patient gets a scan, they should always tell us if they're uncomfortable or have any questions. We want them to feel as comfortable as possible." Steve, Radiographer

“Over the years, I’ve given scans to so many amazing individuals from all walks of life. Their stories have impacted me as much as I hope I’ve impacted theirs.” Ivy, Radiographer

“When we treat someone with radiation, we target the tumour as accurately as possible, to the millimetre. We always minimise any radiation dose to healthy body areas.” Bernadette, Radiation Therapist