호주 방사선 의료 전문가 면허제도 및 교육과정 고찰: 진단방사선사를 중심으로

Abstract

Medical Radiation Practitioners (MRP, hereinafter referred to as a radiographer) in Australia are experts who provide medical services related to radiation. Diagnostic radiographer, nuclear medicine technologist, and radiation therapist are collectively referred to, and education in each subfield is completed through radiography theory classes and clinical practice, and is licensed by the Australian Health Professions Regulatory Agency (Ahpra). This study aims to analyze the licensing system and educational programs for radiographers in Australia and, based on this analysis, provide foundational data necessary for developing policies related to radiography education, radiographer licensing, and accreditation systems in South Korea. The results are as follows: First, since 2012, radiographer in Australia have been nationally licensed by Ahpra’s Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA). Second, all radiographers training courses in Australia are 4-year degree programs and are operated based on training programs certified by Ahpra’s MRPBA, and Ahpra’s MRPBA develops, evaluates, certifies and monitors university radiography programs. These programs focus on specialized fields, allowing students to major in Diagnostic Radiography, Radiation Therapy, or Nuclear Medicine at the undergraduate level and graduate with a degree in their chosen field. Third, the MRPBA is responsible for designing, evaluating, accrediting, and monitoring university radiography programs. It also systematically oversees the curriculum and clinical practice components of radiography students. Furthermore, the MRPBA ensures the maintenance of an advanced educational system through the management of radiographer’s licenses and the supervision of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) under Ahpra.