Bachelor of Medical Imaging
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
Please note this qualification is pending NZQA approval.
Christchurch January 2027 intake
- Opening date: 15 July 2026
- Closing date: 17 August 2026
Application final outcomes will be released after: 1 October 2026
Please note:
- Only completed applications will be considered.
- Limited places available.
Using x-rays and other equipment to take images of people's injuries and possible diseases you will learn how to perform radiography and understand how CT scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, nuclear medicine, mammography, contribute to patient diagnosis and treatment.
You will also develop the communication skills needed to deal with patients in a compassionate way.
To meet the demanding standards the profession requires, our degree combines clinical practice with theory to make your training more valuable and assist with the transition from trainee stage to becoming a qualified Medical Radiation Technologist.
You will be on clinical placement for approximately 60 weeks during your studies.
Placement locations for the January 2027 intake include:
- Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, Greymouth, Blenheim, Nelson, Wellington and Auckland (Middlemore).
- If your application is successful, you will be asked to provide three location options in preferential order (1–3).
- Ara cannot guarantee a placement in your first-choice location, as availability may vary depending on placement capacity.
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
University Entrance as defined by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), which must include:
- 14 credits at Level 3 in each of:
- English or an approved literacy subject
- science or mathematics (preferably physics or mathematics)
- one other subject from the list of approved subjects* (preference given to physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics)
Or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Pre Health Pathway or equivalent
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
Additional Requirements
In addition you need to:
Fill out and submit the Medical Imaging Additional Requirements document - found under Application Documents
Consent to Disclosure of Information - Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
- The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Portfolio Manager. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
Meet various Health Authority requirements in order to participate in the clinical components of the programme. Currently, MRSA clearance is required by most clinical practice areas.
Provide a first aid certificate (Red Cross Comprehensive or St John's Workplace) which is current at the time the programme starts
Alternative Requirements
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
English Requirements
What if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic
- 6.5 Listening
- 6.5 Reading
- 6.5 Writing
- 6.5 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved New Zealand University Entrance?
- The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved New Zealand University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.
Selection Requirements
Limits on enrolment may be applied due to availability of clinical practice placements. Where the number of applications exceed the number of available placements, applicants may be waitlisted.
Preference may be given to priority groups in accordance with Ministry of Health workforce analysis and Ara’s commitment to inclusivity.
About the provider
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.
Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.
All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.
Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.
It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.