Why Study/Key Benefits

• Combines medical science, imaging technology and patient care to prepare students for a career in diagnostic medical imaging.

• Develops practical skills in radiography and the use of medical imaging equipment.

• Covers how imaging technologies such as X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and mammography support diagnosis and treatment.

• Integrates academic theory, simulation and supervised clinical practice.

• Provides approximately 60 weeks of clinical placement in radiology departments in New Zealand.

• Develops patient communication, teamwork, ethical decision-making and professional skills.

• Prepares graduates to meet the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) competencies for entry into the diagnostic imaging profession.

• Offers a pathway towards professional registration in New Zealand, subject to meeting the MRTB's requirements.

 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The 2026 Ara programme handbook outlines the following compulsory course structure. It is the latest detailed course matrix available in the sources reviewed; applicants should confirm whether any course details have changed for the 2027 intake.

Year 1 – Level 5:

• Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology 1 – 15 credits.

• Radiographic Technique 1 – 15 credits.

• Medical Imaging Science 1 – 15 credits.

• Professional Practice 1 – 10 credits.

• Clinical Practice 1 – 65 credits.

• Total: 120 credits.

Year 2 – Level 6:

• Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology 2 – 15 credits.

• Radiographic Technique 2 – 15 credits.

• Medical Imaging Science 2 – 15 credits.

• Professional Practice 2 – 10 credits.

• Clinical Practice 2 – 65 credits.

• Total: 120 credits.

Year 3 – Level 7:

• Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology 3 – 10 credits.

• Research Project – 10 credits.

• Clinical and Professional Practice 3 – 80 credits.

• Radiographic Technique 3 – 10 credits.

• Specialist Modalities – 10 credits.

• Total: 120 credits.

Programme topics and learning areas include:

• Human anatomy, physiology and pathology.

• Radiographic positioning and imaging techniques.

• Medical imaging science and radiation physics.

• Safe use of radiographic equipment.

• Clinical practice and patient care.

• Professional standards, ethics and communication.

• Research and evidence-based practice.

• Specialist medical imaging modalities.

• Diagnostic imaging procedures and clinical decision-making.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The qualification focuses on diagnostic medical imaging and radiography.

Areas covered include:

• General radiography and X-ray imaging.

• Computed Tomography (CT).

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

• Ultrasound.

• Nuclear medicine.

• Mammography.

• Angiography and other specialist imaging techniques.

Programme Highlights

• Three-year, full-time Level 7 bachelor's degree.

• 360-credit qualification.

• Study at Ara's Manawa health education campus in Christchurch.

• Approximately 60 weeks of clinical placement.

• Minimum 2,400 work-integrated learning hours in the 2026 programme handbook.

• Practical training supported by simulation and supervised clinical experience.

• Study of X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, mammography and other imaging modalities.

• Development of professional communication and compassionate patient-care skills.

• Research project included in Year 3.

• Programme designed around the professional competencies required for diagnostic imaging practice.

• Potential eligibility to apply for professional registration with the MRTB after successful completion and satisfaction of registration requirements.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue a career as a Medical Imaging Technologist or Medical Radiation Technologist, subject to completing the qualification and meeting the relevant professional registration requirements.

Potential workplaces include:

• Public hospitals.

• Private hospitals.

• Diagnostic imaging centres.

• Radiology departments.

• Other approved healthcare facilities.

Potential professional duties include:

• Performing diagnostic radiographic procedures.

• Operating medical imaging equipment.

• Preparing and positioning patients for imaging examinations.

• Applying radiation safety and patient protection practices.

• Working with radiologists, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

• Maintaining accurate clinical records and professional standards.

Professional registration:

• Graduates who successfully complete the degree may apply to the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) for registration.

• Registration is not automatic. Applicants must satisfy the MRTB's knowledge, skills, experience, health and character requirements.

• The Ara handbook states that all programme requirements must be passed before a graduate can apply for registration.

• Graduates should check the MRTB's current registration requirements before relying on the qualification for professional practice in New Zealand.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• Ara's current programme page advertises the Christchurch January 2027 intake.

• The same page states that the qualification is pending NZQA approval. This is important: although the existing CH3757 qualification appears as current on the NZQA register, Ara's advertised programme/intake page separately carries a pending-approval notice. Applicants should obtain written confirmation from Ara that the January 2027 programme version and their offer are approved before making financial or visa commitments.

• The 2026 Ara programme handbook is available, and Ara's health handbook page also lists a 2027 Bachelor of Medical Imaging handbook. The detailed course matrix cited in this report is from the 2026 handbook; the 2027 handbook should be checked for any revised requirements.

• Clinical placement availability is limited and may affect selection.

• Students may be required to undertake clinical placements outside Christchurch.

• Students are responsible for travel to and from clinical placements and for arranging and paying for their accommodation during placements.

• Clinical placement providers may have additional requirements relating to health checks, immunisation, police vetting and safe practice.

• Students must maintain patient confidentiality and meet clinical performance and safety requirements.

• The programme handbook states that learners must pass all programme requirements and meet MRTB conditions before applying for registration.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students accepted into the full-time Bachelor of Medical Imaging may generally apply for a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to the programme's approval status and the applicant meeting Immigration New Zealand's requirements.

Main visa requirements:

• An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Evidence of payment or ability to pay tuition fees for the relevant study period.

• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the duration of the stay.

• Evidence of good health and character.

• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.

• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay.

• Students must study the course and provider specified in their visa conditions.

Living-cost funds:

• Immigration New Zealand requires tertiary students studying for one year or more to show NZD $20,000 for each year of study.

• For this three-year programme, the living-funds benchmark is NZD $20,000 per year.

• Students should also plan how they will fund living costs for subsequent years.

• Prepaid accommodation may be deducted from the required funds if it meets Immigration New Zealand's rules.

• Living funds are separate from tuition fees, travel costs and other expenses.

Student visa work rights:

• Eligible student visa holders may be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Full-time work may be permitted during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions of the individual visa.

• Students must follow the exact work conditions printed on their visa.

• Required clinical placements that form part of the programme are treated separately from ordinary permitted employment hours. Immigration New Zealand requires evidence that practical work experience is a compulsory part of the course.

Insurance, attendance and academic progress:

• Students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance from the start of their course until their visa expires.

• Students must attend their approved course and make satisfactory academic progress.

• Students should ensure that their insurance covers the requirements of Ara and the New Zealand international learner Code of Practice.

Visa cost and processing:

• Fee Paying Student Visa application cost: from NZD $850.

• Immigration New Zealand currently indicates that 80% of applications are processed within 8.5 weeks.

• Students are strongly encouraged to apply at least three months before their intended travel date.

• Processing times and application fees may change.