60% of radiographer vacancies remain unfilled.
In the Department of Skills and Employment 2019 survey, most South Australian employers find it difficult to hire experienced radiographers.
They said most candidates lack relevant experience or the specific radiography skills they need.
So if you're an experienced radiographer interested to work in Australia, here are important things you need to know before heading Down Under:
Employment
Most of the employer-sponsored visa jobs for radiographers can be found in Sydney, Gold Coast, regional New South Wales, regional Queensland, Melbourne, Perth, and Tasmania.
Radiographers should have 2 years in general radiography and Computed Tomography (CT).
Other highly sought specialities are in CT, Mammography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). For MRI radiographer, applicants must have strong MRI experience and Level 1 accreditation.
Salary
According to Payscale Australia, the average annual salary of the radiographer is AUD 70,582.
An entry-level radiographer working for less than a year earns AUD 29.69 per hour.
Someone with 1-4 years of experience can expect to earn AUD 33.55. A mid-career radiographer, with 5-9 years of experience, earns AUD 40.83/hour.
A senior radiographer, with 10-19 years of experience can expect AUD 44.08/hour. For someone with 20 years of experience or higher, radiographers can earn up to AUD 45/hour.
Salaries represent an average total compensation per hour. It includes tips, bonus and overtime pay.
Registration/License
To work as a radiographer, you must register with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA).
Depending on which state in Australia you wish to work in, you need to get a Radiation Use License which varies from State to State or Territory.
Source: Job Outlook Australia
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in medical imaging science or any health science discipline is a must. If you graduated from a school outside Australia, your medical degree must be an equal of an undergraduate academic level plus the associated clinical levels in Australia.
Postgraduate/post-qualification education and clinical experience are considered.
Postgraduate clinical experience is fundamental to AIR assessment. Candidates must also present work experience from current and previous employers.
Experience
Employer's evidence of 'recency of practice' i.e. clinical experience within the last 5 years is the minimum requirement.
Candidate should get his evidence of work experience from a Chief Radiographer, Head of Department or similar.
If the candidate passes the screening process, he or she will receive a Validated Statement of Accreditation. The candidate will also receive a letter for use in the immigration process.
Work visa eligibility
To migrate under one of the General Skilled Migration visas, the applicant needs to undergo AIR (Australian Institute of Radiography) skills assessment. AIR will assess Radiographers through its Overseas Qualifications Assessment Panel (OQAP). The qualifications gained outside Australia are assessed equal to the Australian standard at the time of qualification.
Overseas radiographers may also be eligible for the following Australian skilled migration visas:
Outlook
The increasing demand for health care services, combined with new and expanding medical imaging techniques have led to a growth diagnostic imaging service.
In the same study by the Department of Skills, in the 5 years to March 2019, there was a 21.8 % increase in diagnostic imaging services, indicating the increasing demand for Radiographers.