ANSTO's research capabilities, led by the OPAL nuclear research reactor and associated instruments provide access to users investigating areas as diverse as materials, life sciences, climate change and mining/engineering.
Professional development
Current professional development programs are in areas of expertise directly relevant to ANSTO LifeSciences' capabilities and facilities.
- Professional Development Program: Foundations of PET-CT
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist training
- Distance-assisted training
PET-CT training
Molecular Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography - Computerised Tomography (PET-CT) is evolving and impacting on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, neurological disorders and other inflammatory diseases.
As integrated imaging technologies develop rapidly, there is an increased demand for continuing education to update the knowledge and skills of nuclear medicine professionals.
Professional Development Program: Foundations of PET-CT
The University of Sydney in collaboration with ANSTO offers a professional development program ‘Foundations of PET-CT’ designed to integrate the most recent knowledge and skills related to safety, and technical and clinical practice.
This comprehensive 10-day training course is suitable for physicians, scientists and technologists.
Through lectures, workshops and clinical sessions the course provides essential strategies for creating quality assurance and best practice for a safe environment and an efficient clinical service.
The course also promotes team coordination for effective application of the technology.
How is training delivered?
Training is delivered through:
- Lectures and Workshops at the University of Sydney in collaboration with selected PET-CT clinical and research centres in Sydney. The lectures and workshops provide the participants with cutting-edge knowledge to advance their understanding of best PET-CT practice.
- Observation of Practice (clinical site visits) linked to lecture themes. The site visits enable participants to learn and observe physical and practical approaches to PET-CT applications.
Download our Foundations of PET-CT Brochure 2013 (PDF) to find out more about the training program.
How to apply
Application forms for Foundations of PET-CT 2013 are available from Ms Heather Patterson.
Send forms to:
Heather Patterson
International Education Projects Manager
Brain and Mind Research Institute, M02F
94 Mallett Street
The University of Sydney
Camperdown NSW 2006
Australia
Fax: +61 (0)2 9351 0852
Cut-off date for applications:
30 September 2013
More information
For more information on PET-CT training, please contact:
Heather Patterson, International Education Projects Manager, on +61 2 9114 4081
Nuclear Medicine technologist training
With the increasing sophistication of Nuclear Medicine and the significant regional investment in the technology it is clear that Nuclear Medicine Technologist training is a critical factor in its development.
The lack of training, however, is a major constraint to the effective use of this technology.
Often there is insufficient understanding of the basic concepts and there are few opportunities for formalized training. Technologists have diverse educational backgrounds and languages, operate varied equipment and many work in geographically remote practices.
Distance Assisted Training (DAT)
The DAT program was initiated by Australian developers, is managed through the University of Sydney in collaboration with ANSTO, and administered under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Vienna.
The training methodology follows work-integrated learning principles delivered in a logical learning sequence and the objective is to provide developing countries with teaching resources for technologist training that is appropriate to the background of the students and the geographical distribution of Nuclear Medicine practices.
Also, to provide a framework for delivery of training courses as National programs that can be adapted to best suit local need.
There is evidence of a strong need to encourage the adoption of a standardised approach to technologist training across regions.
DAT is established in many countries across Asia and Latin America, includes translation to Chinese and Spanish and there is growing interest from other regions to participate. Over 900 students have experienced DAT.
DAT continues to evolve with recent access on-line (DAT-OL) enabling interactive exercises to assist the understanding of difficult concepts.
The on-line facility permits direct student assessment and ongoing monitoring of progress as well as encouraging student interaction. The full program of 16 modules from basics to advanced integrated imaging involves >850 hours of study.
More information
Distance Assisted Training for Nuclear Medicine Professionals website