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.

Around 3,000 students are training to join the workforce, completing a demanding 56 weeks of unpaid clinical placement – the longest of all allied health professions. While the government supports some students with paid placements, ours are left out, placing many under serious financial and emotional strain. As a result, one in five students face hunger, homelessness, or are forced to defer or drop out.

"I am working 84 days in a row with no break in order to support myself. I am constantly tired and stressed and I cannot apply myself fully to my placement. This creates a risk when working with patients"
Anonymous 3rd year student

Sign the petition to include radiography and radiation therapy students in the government’s practice payment scheme and help protect the future of patient care.

Support students – Sign the petition

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