Medical Imaging Technology
Medical Imaging Technologists (MITs) specialise in performing diagnostic imaging procedures to take images of injuries and diseases. From patient care to image evaluation, MITs play a crucial role in our multidisciplinary medical teams, delivering world-class care.
Also known as: Radiographer, Radiology Technicians, Radiologic Technologist, Medical Radiation Technologist.
Photo location: Abel Tasman National Park - Credit: Miles Holden
About the role
Working with Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora offers a broad range of positions across the country using state-of-the-art technology and where your case mix can be varied.
You'll have the opportunity to work and live in a beautiful location, which could be from in a busy metropolitan centre through to community-focused healthcare in urban or rural settings. This allows you to deliver your best work using remote imaging/scanning alongside a national supportive team to provide care to local, regional, or national patients.
Salary, allowances & leave
Salary:
-
Medical Imaging Technologists' have a 10-step progression salary scale
-
Salaries range between NZ $77K - NZ $116K
-
-
Designated Medical Imaging Technologists (e.g. Team Leaders, Professional Advisors etc.) have a 19-step progression salary scale
-
Salaries range between NZ $111K - NZ $151K
-
-
Overtime and penal rates
Allowances:
- Higher duties and night allowances
Leave:
-
4 weeks of paid annual leave (increases to 5 weeks after 5 years of service)
-
shift employees are entitled to up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave on completion of 12 months of employment on shift work
-
-
A minimum of 10 days of paid sick leave per annum
-
6-12 months of parental leave, depending on the length of service
-
up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave
-
-
12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on
- Long service leave
Medical Imaging Technologists' Collective Agreement:
In New Zealand, the salary and other benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full Medical Imaging Technologists collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website here.
Benefits & development opportunities
Benefits:
-
Reimbursement of your Professional Registration costs and fees.
-
Health NZ covers your professional indemnity insurance.
-
3 days per annum for your Continuing Professional Development, and some course costs reimbursed.
Career development opportunities may include:
-
We provide a promising career outlook with job growth and opportunities for advancement. We allow MITs to specialise in advanced imaging modalities, take on supervisory roles, or transition into healthcare administration or education.
-
Opportunity to learn and grow and work in a national eco-system that provides a case mix ranging from Paediatric, Breast Care, Cancer Care, and Gastrointestinal.
-
Access to many internal educational courses and regular in-house Continuing Professional Development sessions.
-
Coaching, mentoring and achieving learning outcomes for all staff.
Roles & responsibilities
Our team of MITs handle a diverse and complex case mix that includes routine diagnostic imaging, emergency imaging, specialised procedures, and interventional techniques.
Your expertise is crucial in accurately diagnosing and guiding the treatment of various medical conditions while ensuring high-quality patient care across different healthcare environments.
Our work environments across healthcare settings include hospitals, outpatient imaging centres, physician offices, and diagnostic laboratories.
Work hours may include shifts, weekends, and on-call hours, especially in emergency and trauma care settings.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operating Imaging Equipment:
- X-rays
- MRI
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scans
- Ultrasound
- Nuclear Medicine
- Patient Preparation:
- Explain procedures to patients to alleviate anxiety and ensure understanding.
- Position patients correctly to obtain the best quality images.
- Ensure patient safety by using protective equipment and following safety protocols.
- Image Analysis:
- Review and assess images for quality and clarity.
- Collaborate with radiologists to determine if additional images are needed.
- Maintain detailed records of imaging procedures and patient data.
- Safety and Compliance:
- Adhere to radiation safety guidelines to protect patients and staff.
- Maintain and calibrate imaging equipment regularly.
- Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi):
- An understanding and implementation of the principles for better health outcomes
Details of specific roles and responsibilities can be found on our careers site within each open vacancy.
Required qualifications & registration
Professional registration requirements:
-
Medical Imaging and Radiation Technologists need to be registered with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board.
-
Hold a current Annual Practising Certificate.
Experience:
-
Solid experience in general imaging, preferably in a larger centre, but this is not essential.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree: Some positions may require a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Imaging, Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology), Health Science (Medical Imaging), Radiologic Sciences or an equivalent overseas qualification (see the NZ Medical Radiation Technologists Board for details).
Information for international candidates
Information for Canadian candidates:
-
In Canada, Medical Radiation Technologists are certified and registered with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT).
Information for UK/Ireland candidates:
-
In the UK, Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs), commonly known as Radiographers, are certified and registered through a structured process involving education, clinical training, and professional regulation.
-
Diagnostic Radiographer will have an Undergraduate Degree (complete a three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Diagnostic Radiography from an accredited university) and be accredited Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR).
Information for Australian candidates:
-
In Australia, Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) must be certified and registered to practice professionally.
-
Degree programs may include a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging), a Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Science), a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy), or a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine).
-
For Accredited Programmes, the degree programme must be accredited by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or another relevant accrediting body, ensuring the program meets the required educational standards.
Information for all other international candidates:
Your certification/registration and training will be assessed against the requirements of the MRTB. You can find the best pathway to registration for you on their website here.
Similar position titles used internationally might include:
-
Radiographer
-
Radiographer Technician
-
Radiological Technologists (RTR)
-
Medical Imaging Technician
-
Medical Radiation Technologist
-
Imaging Technician/Technologist
-
Diagnostic Radiographer
-
Radiation Therapist (RTT)
-
Magnetic Resonance Technologists (RTMR)
-
Nuclear Medicine Technologists (RTNM)
Beginning your career
Beginning your career as a Medical Imaging Technologist:
To become a Medical Imaging Technologist you need to have one of the following degrees:
-
Bachelor of Medical Imaging
-
Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology)
-
Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging)
For domestic career information, find out more here.
You also need to be registered with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board and hold an Annual Practising Certificate.
Our Application Process
Looking to move to New Zealand to work as a Medical Imaging Technologist?
Great news! MITs are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are eligible for a fast-tracked Straight to Residence Visa. This means you and your family can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us!
Working at Health New Zealand
'Te Whatu Ora' translates from our indigenous Māori language to 'the weaving of wellness'; which is what we are all about in our holistic delivery of world-class care for the health and wellbeing of the 5 million Kiwis in our communities.
Health New Zealand has an open and non-hierarchical approach to improving outcomes for our patients. Our cross-disciplinary collaborative way of working fosters a positive work environment where all members of our team feel supported and empowered.
Our commitment to you
We are dedicated to building a team that is representative of the communities that we are serving. We are committed to supporting health equity in our communities. Our kaimahi (staff) thrives on the diversity and inclusion of all perspectives and cultures, and we welcome individuals from all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Health New Zealand has programmes and facilities available to both protect and improve our teams’ physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. We know that you do your best work when you’re feeling your best, so it’s important to us that this is a priority.
Explore Aotearoa
New Zealand - Aotearoa has a broad range of places to call home, from the bustling metropolis of our main centres to the easy-going vibe of our coastal or rural communities.
Use our interactive map of the regions in New Zealand to find out more information about which part of our beautiful country is the best fit for you.
Te Tai Tokerau Northland
Population: 194,600
Northland is a beautiful and diverse region of Aotearoa, New Zealand with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you're interested in water sports, historic sites, natural beauty or ancient Kauri trees—Northland has it all!
Waitematā
Population: 650,000
Waitematā is the largest and one of the most rapidly growing Districts serving the largest population of all Health New Zealand. Waitematā offers a balanced lifestyle that combines the convenience of city living with the natural beauty and community spirit of suburban life.
Te Toka Tumai Auckland
Population: 500,000
Auckland the "City of Sails" is Aotearoa, New Zealand’s largest city and commercial hub. It’s where metropolitan sophistication meets breathtaking natural beauty. Auckland is filled with a variety of warm and welcoming communities, packed with new places to explore.
Counties Manukau
Population: 500,000
Counties Manukau is a vibrant place where there's never a dull moment! Living and working here ensures you're always close to amenities, events and nature. You'll never run out of places to visit or things to do.
Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty
Population: 255,110
The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long surf beaches and an easygoing lifestyle. We showcase the perfect place to explore a wide range of nature-based pursuits – this gives the people of the Bay of Plenty the chance for a better work-life balance.
Waikato
Population: 425,000
The Waikato region is known for its natural beauty, rich Māori culture, and agricultural heritage with something to offer visitors of all interests.
Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Population: 48,000
In family-friendly Tairāwhiti you will experience an easier pace to life that allows you to pause, reflect, and enjoy a true work-life balance. Gisborne’s relative isolation is its charm, surrounded by beaches & nature - don't worry though! Larger cities are only a quick flight away.
Lakes
Population: 110,000
The Lakes District is well known for its geothermal activity and natural hot springs. The area is located in the central North Island and is home to many geothermal attractions, such as geysers, hot mud pools, and steam vents. Visitors can also relax in the region's natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.
Taranaki
Population: 130,000
Taranaki is a magical place with a majestic mountain at its heart, including the rugged coastline that's world-renowned for its surf. Its residents' love of art and culture, cafes and outdoor living mean it's also fantastic to work—and play!
Te Matau a Māui Hawke's Bay
Population: 180,000
Known for its world-class wineries, stunning beaches and temperate climate, Hawke’s Bay boasts a lifestyle that is unmatched. The region is a popular destination for food and wine tourism, hiking, cycling and cultural events such as the annual Art Deco festival.
Whanganui
Population: 65,000
Whanganui has something for everyone. Our centrally located region offers access to outdoor activities such as kayaking, skiing, surfing, tramping, cycling, fishing and hunting. Nestled between two snow-capped mountains, on the banks of Whanganui River there is always plenty to do and explore.
Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley
Population: 445,000
Wellington, the capital city of Aotearoa New Zealand, is a bustling and diverse hub of culture and cosmopolitanism, renowned for its lively cafés, restaurants, and internationally acclaimed sporting and cultural events, all set against the stunning backdrop of a natural harbour. To the north of Wellington lie the regions of Porirua, Kapiti, and Hutt Valley.
Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral
Population: 190,000
Get the best of both worlds - the perfect blend of rural and city living with the mountains, city and sea at your fingertips.
Wairarapa
Population: 48,000
From rugged coastlines, boutique vineyards to lush forests, Wairarapa is a slice of paradise for those who love the outdoors and seek a peaceful environment to recharge after a rewarding day's work.
Nelson Marlborough
Population: 150,000
Nelson Marlborough has been dubbed the artistic capital with a thriving urban centre and one of New Zealand's sunniest regions.
Te Tai o Poutini West Coast
Population: 32,000
Te Tai o Poutini/West Coast has views of both the mountain ranges and the ocean! It is an untamed natural wilderness of beautiful rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.
Waitaha Canterbury
Population: 600,000
The Canterbury region is a great place to live and work due to its natural beauty, vibrant economy, cultural diversity, strong community, and high quality of life.
South Canterbury
Population: 62,000
The South Canterbury District is an area of stunning beauty with great lifestyle opportunities, a safe and welcoming family-friendly environment, affordable living, excellent educational opportunities and a wide range of cultural and sporting facilities.
Southern
Population: 350,000
Well known for its beautiful natural scenery, which includes towering mountains, stunning fjords, majestic glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The region is also famous for its friendly communities, charming towns, and vibrant cities such as Dunedin and Invercargill.
Photo location: Auckland - Credit: Matthew Crawford |
Webinar: Emigrating to New Zealand for Health Professionals
Learn about the four steps to emigration for Medical Imaging Technologists and Sonographers from the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board, Kiwi Health Jobs, Immigration New Zealand, and Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora's Health Immigration Service.
Gavin, a radiographer who relocated from the UK, also shares why he thinks New Zealand is such a fantastic location to live and work.
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Moving to New Zealand - Aotearoa is a fantastic opportunity and a big step, we're here for you! Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.