Students get a taste of industry ahead of practical study

05 May 2026

Queensland XRay Cairns tour — The group of foundation year students (Hayley Fischer pictured second from left in front wearing striped shirt) that toured the Queensland X-Ray facility in Cairns

A group of foundation year students in the brand new CQUniversity Bachelor of Medical Imaging course, have toured the Cairns facilities where they will soon commence their practical studies in the discipline.

From Term 2, (starting in July) students in the course will begin their practical studies using medical imaging equipment and facilities belonging to Queensland X-Ray at their Westcourt Clinic.

An innovative industry partnership between CQUniversity and Queensland X-Ray has made it possible for a formal medical imaging qualification to be delivered in the Far North for the first time ever this year.

The program was originally planned to start in 2028, however the Federal Government's funding commitment for the new campus – including additional medical imaging education spaces – allowed the University and Queensland X-Ray to bring delivery plans forward.

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Nick Klomp praised Queensland X-Ray’s determination to work alongside the University to respond to community need and reduce healthcare sector workforce shortages.

“Queensland X-Ray is an important industry partner and has worked with us to deliver the vision, facilities and practical learning opportunities to respond to critical workforce shortages in the medical imaging field.

“The team from Queensland X-Ray have made it possible for CQUniversity to deliver this course from 2026, prior to us opening our new campus which is expected to be completed during 2028.

“This innovative approach and strong partnership meant we didn’t have to wait to start delivering this important qualification and importantly it means we will be delivering qualified medical imaging professionals to the Far North sooner,” Professor Klomp said.

Chief Operating Officer of Queensland X-Ray Jamie Byrnes echoed the view that innovative approaches to workforce development were critical for the future of healthcare in Far North Queensland.

“This partnership with CQUniversity is a crucial step toward developing a pipeline of highly skilled medical imaging professionals in the Far North,” Jamie said.

“Increasing demand and ongoing workforce shortages mean we must invest in the next generation of industry professionals. Our partnership with CQU represents a significant milestone for the Cairns campus and the region.”

First year student and Mossman local Hayley Fischer said it was exciting to visit the Queensland X-Ray facility and get a preview of the equipment that the students will use as part of the course.

“We got to look at where our CT scanning room will be, as well as the X-Ray room and the phantoms (mannequins) that we'll be using to X-Ray,” Hayley said.

“Learning more about the profession and hearing about the important role Queensland X-Ray plays in the patient healthcare journey made me excited to commence the practical elements of the course from next Term," she said.

“It is also really exciting to think about how in a few years from now I will be a medical imaging professional working in the local health sector and contributing important skills to my community.”