Nuclear Medicine Training Pathway
How to become a nuclear medicine physician in Australia — primarily the RACP physician route (Basic Physician Training and the Divisional exams), the alternative dual credential off radiology (RANZCR), and a field expanding fast on theranostics.
The bottleneck is the front door, not the nuclear medicine post. For the physician route you must get onto Basic Physician Training and pass both Divisional exams (the Written swings widely by sitting), which is the real filter. The posts themselves are few but not the chokepoint, with no national rubric — and ACT and NT have no accredited sites, so you'll be moving to a capital city.
Why nuclear medicine
A blend of reading scans and doing therapy. The bulk of the work is reporting nuclear imaging — bone scans, V/Q, cardiac perfusion, renal, thyroid — and, increasingly, hybrid PET/CT (and PET/MRI) for oncology staging. The growth edge is theranostics: you personally see the patient, prescribe and supervise radionuclide therapy (Lu-177 PSMA for prostate cancer, Lu-177 DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumours, radioiodine for thyroid), and follow them up. You run procedure-style sessions rather than long ward rounds, you sit in MDT meetings as the imaging-and-therapy expert, and a lot of the role straddles public hospitals and private radiology groups. Overnight acute on-call is minimal compared with most physician specialties.
- Genuinely strong job market: a tiny, ageing workforce (NSW data showed an average age of ~52.5 and only ~2 new Fellows nationally in the 2015-16 reference year) and NSW workforce planning rated it a SIGNIFICANT CAREER OPPORTUNITY
- Theranostics (Lu-177 PSMA, DOTATATE) is a real growth engine — you treat patients, not just report scans
- Good lifestyle for a procedural specialty: predominantly outpatient/imaging hours, little overnight acute on-call
- Two ways in — as a physician (FRACP) or as a dual-credentialled radiologist (RANZCR nuclear medicine credential)
- Mix of public and private practice; many accredited sites are private radiology groups (I-MED, Qscan, Queensland X-Ray, Jones, SKG)
- Physician route is long: ~7+ years from internship, gated behind both RACP Divisional exams
- Very small specialty — few posts, few departments, and you generally must relocate to a capital city (no ACT or NT training sites)
- Heavy radiation-physics/basic-sciences load (the AANMS Basic Sciences Course exam) on top of the standard advanced-training requirements
- Earnings are not separately published by the ATO — nuclear medicine folds into the blended internal-medicine-specialist figure
- Career is tied to expensive infrastructure (cyclotrons, PET/CT, hot labs) and isotope supply, so you are largely city-bound
Subspecialties
The training pathway
The same fellowship, two very different timelines. The fast route assumes everything goes right; most people land on the realistic one.
How competitive is it?
There is no published national applicant-to-offer ratio for nuclear medicine advanced training, so the precise success rate is not published. The program is small — the system produces only a handful of new Fellows a year (NSW workforce planning recorded just ~2 new Fellows in Australia in 2016) — but demand for the specialty is strong and growing, and NSW Health explicitly rated the field as offering SIGNIFICANT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, projecting that trainee numbers need to increase by approximately 8 per annum to meet 2030 requirements. The genuine competitive filter sits upstream: BPT selection (run by state networks, competitive) and the RACP Divisional Written exam, whose pass rate varies widely by sitting and division (roughly 45-90% across recent years). Clear those and you are through the main bottleneck.
Unaccredited time: No formal unaccredited-registrar year is mandated. The de facto prerequisite is getting onto BPT and passing both Divisional exams; once you have those, securing an accredited NM advanced-training post (which you arrange before applying to the RACP) is achievable in this small program.
Sources: NSW Health workforce factsheet — Physician (Nuclear Medicine): 92 headcount (2015), ~2 new Fellows (2016), 'significant career opportunities', RACP Divisional Written Examination — past results / pass rates, RACP — Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine (program overview).
Selection criteria & how to apply
Nuclear medicine is not selected through a single national merit list with published weightings. For the physician route, you first complete BPT and pass both Divisional exams, then you secure a post at an AANMS-accredited training site and apply to the RACP/CJCT for prospective approval onto the program. Selection into the accredited post is run by the hospital/department, not centrally by the college, and there is no national scored rubric. The components below are therefore qualitative eligibility and assessment criteria, not a points system.
Key documents: RACP — Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine (eligibility, registration, deadlines), AANMS — Nuclear medicine training pathways (RACP and RANZCR), RANZCR — Nuclear Medicine Training (dual radiology credential), AANMS / CJCT — 2026 Accredited Training Sites (positions by state).
How nuclear medicine training is organised in each state
NSW ~14.5 accredited general-NM positions (2026 list) across 12 sites: Bankstown-Lidcombe (1), John Hunter/Calvary Mater (1), Concord (1), Liverpool (1.5), Nepean (2), Prince of Wales/Sydney Children's (1), Royal North Shore (1), St George (1), St Vincent's Sydney (2), Children's Hospital Westmead (1), Westmead (1), Wollongong (1).
Who runs selection: Largest concentration of accredited posts in the country, spread across Sydney metro plus regional/paediatric sites. Advanced-training registration goes through the RACP/CJCT; BPT entry (the upstream gate) is run via NSW physician-training networks coordinated by HETI.
Where to apply: RACP Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine (registration) + NSW BPT networks (HETI) — application portal.
Positions: ~14.5 accredited general-NM positions (2026 list) across 12 sites: Bankstown-Lidcombe (1), John Hunter/Calvary Mater (1), Concord (1), Liverpool (1.5), Nepean (2), Prince of Wales/Sydney Children's (1), Royal North Shore (1), St George (1), St Vincent's Sydney (2), Children's Hospital Westmead (1), Westmead (1), Wollongong (1).
Worth knowing: Most posts and the most PET/paediatric breadth in the country. Paediatric nuclear medicine is concentrated at Sydney Children's and Children's Hospital Westmead. NSW Health workforce planning (2018 factsheet) flagged the field as a SIGNIFICANT CAREER OPPORTUNITY with an ageing workforce.
Links: RACP — Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine, NSW Health — Physician (Nuclear Medicine) workforce factsheet, HETI — Basic Physician Training in NSW (upstream entry).
VIC ~11 accredited general-NM positions (2026 list) across 8 sites: Austin Health (2), Geelong (1), Monash Health (2), Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (2), Royal Melbourne (1), St Vincent's Melbourne (1), The Alfred (2). Royal Children's Melbourne is paediatric-rotating (no separate general-NM allocation).
Who runs selection: Second-largest hub, centred on Melbourne's major hospitals and Peter Mac. Advanced-training entry is via the RACP/CJCT after BPT; basic-training entry uses the PMCV-coordinated Victorian processes.
Where to apply: RACP Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine (registration); PMCV pathways for context — application portal.
Positions: ~11 accredited general-NM positions (2026 list) across 8 sites: Austin Health (2), Geelong (1), Monash Health (2), Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (2), Royal Melbourne (1), St Vincent's Melbourne (1), The Alfred (2). Royal Children's Melbourne is paediatric-rotating (no separate general-NM allocation).
Worth knowing: Peter Mac gives strong theranostics/oncology PET exposure; Monash and Royal Children's cover paediatrics. PMCV publishes a clear nuclear medicine pathway (it cites a minimum of 7 years from graduation) which is a useful planning reference.
Links: PMCV — Nuclear Medicine pathway, RACP — Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine.
QLD ~11.5 accredited general-NM positions (2026 list) across 10 sites: Gold Coast University (1.5), I-MED (Ipswich/St Andrew's/Wesley) (1), Princess Alexandra (1), Qscan (Redcliffe/Southport) (1), Queensland X-Ray Brisbane (2), Queensland X-Ray Townsville (1), Royal Brisbane & Women's (2), Sunshine Coast University (1), Townsville University (1). Queensland Children's is paediatric-rotating (no separate general-NM allocation).
Who runs selection: Among the most posts of any state, with a notable spread into regional Queensland and a heavy private-provider footprint. Entry is via the RACP/CJCT after BPT; Queensland Health runs the RMO/registrar campaign for the upstream training jobs.
Where to apply: RACP Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine (registration); Queensland Health MediNav — application portal.
Positions: ~11.5 accredited general-NM positions (2026 list) across 10 sites: Gold Coast University (1.5), I-MED (Ipswich/St Andrew's/Wesley) (1), Princess Alexandra (1), Qscan (Redcliffe/Southport) (1), Queensland X-Ray Brisbane (2), Queensland X-Ray Townsville (1), Royal Brisbane & Women's (2), Sunshine Coast University (1), Townsville University (1). Queensland Children's is paediatric-rotating (no separate general-NM allocation).
Worth knowing: Strong regional access (Townsville, Sunshine Coast) and a large share of posts in private radiology groups (I-MED, Qscan, Queensland X-Ray), reflecting how nuclear medicine straddles public and private. Queensland's published workforce data shows a heavily male, ageing specialist group with high retirement intentions (around 56% of the 2023 workforce intending to retire by 2033).
Links: Queensland Health — Nuclear Medicine (MediNav careers), RACP — Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine.
SA ~5 accredited general-NM positions (2026 list) across 5 sites: Jones Radiology (Kurralta Park/SAHMRI/St Andrew's) (1), Queen Elizabeth Hospital (1), Royal Adelaide Hospital (2), South Australian Medical Imaging/SAMI (1). Women's & Children's Hospital is paediatric-rotating (no separate general-NM allocation).
Who runs selection: A compact Adelaide-based group of public hospitals and private imaging providers. Advanced-training entry via the RACP/CJCT after BPT; SA Health/SA MET runs the upstream physician training jobs.
Where to apply: RACP Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine (registration) — application portal.
Positions: ~5 accredited general-NM positions (2026 list) across 5 sites: Jones Radiology (Kurralta Park/SAHMRI/St Andrew's) (1), Queen Elizabeth Hospital (1), Royal Adelaide Hospital (2), South Australian Medical Imaging/SAMI (1). Women's & Children's Hospital is paediatric-rotating (no separate general-NM allocation).
Worth knowing: Royal Adelaide is the main hub; paediatric exposure runs through the Women's & Children's Hospital. Small program, so posts turn over infrequently — relationships with the Adelaide departments matter.
Links: RACP — Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine, AANMS — Training pathways.
WA ~5.4 accredited general-NM positions (2026 list) across the Perth site groups: Fiona Stanley/Royal Perth (2.4), Sir Charles Gairdner (2), SKG Radiology (Murdoch/Subiaco) (1). Perth Children's is paediatric-rotating (no separate general-NM allocation).
Who runs selection: Perth-based, anchored by the major tertiary hospitals, with a recognised workforce shortage prompting state action. Advanced-training entry via the RACP/CJCT after BPT; WA Health runs the upstream training jobs.
Where to apply: RACP Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine (registration) — application portal.
Positions: ~5.4 accredited general-NM positions (2026 list) across the Perth site groups: Fiona Stanley/Royal Perth (2.4), Sir Charles Gairdner (2), SKG Radiology (Murdoch/Subiaco) (1). Perth Children's is paediatric-rotating (no separate general-NM allocation).
Worth knowing: WA has publicly flagged a nuclear medicine workforce shortage and pursued initiatives to address it — a sign of strong demand. Paediatric exposure is at Perth Children's; Sir Charles Gairdner and Fiona Stanley are the tertiary hubs.
Links: RACP — Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine, AANMS — Training pathways.
TAS 1 accredited general-NM position (2026 list): I-MED Calvary TAS Hospital & Royal Hobart Hospital (combined site).
Who runs selection: A single accredited training arrangement spanning the public and a private provider in Hobart. Advanced-training entry via the RACP/CJCT after BPT; Tasmanian Health Service runs the upstream training jobs.
Where to apply: RACP Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine (registration) — application portal.
Positions: 1 accredited general-NM position (2026 list): I-MED Calvary TAS Hospital & Royal Hobart Hospital (combined site).
Worth knowing: Smallest accredited footprint of the mainland-plus-Tasmania group — a single combined public/private post. Most Tasmanian trainees will need to consider mainland posts to guarantee a place and to access PET/theranostics breadth.
Links: RACP — Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine, AANMS / CJCT — 2026 Accredited Training Sites.
ACT No accredited training positions (2026 list).
Who runs selection: No accredited nuclear medicine training site in the ACT on the 2026 CJCT list. Canberra trainees do BPT locally but must relocate (most readily to NSW or Victoria) for nuclear medicine advanced training.
Where to apply: RACP Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine (registration) — apply for an interstate post — application portal.
Positions: No accredited training positions (2026 list).
Worth knowing: Plan early to move interstate for the advanced-training years. You can still complete BPT and the Divisional exams in the ACT, then secure an accredited post elsewhere.
Links: AANMS / CJCT — 2026 Accredited Training Sites (confirms no ACT site), RACP — Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine.
NT No accredited training positions (2026 list).
Who runs selection: No accredited nuclear medicine training site in the NT on the 2026 CJCT list. NT trainees must relocate interstate for the nuclear medicine advanced-training years.
Where to apply: RACP Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine (registration) — apply for an interstate post — application portal.
Positions: No accredited training positions (2026 list).
Worth knowing: Like the ACT, there is no local pathway for the advanced-training phase — expect to move to a capital-city department. BPT and the Divisional exams can still be done before you go.
Links: AANMS / CJCT — 2026 Accredited Training Sites (confirms no NT site), RACP — Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine.
How to optimise your application
- Lock in BPT entry early and deliberately (tied to Appointment to an AANMS-accredited training post, start PGY1-PGY2) — Treat BPT selection as the first real gate. In NSW you apply during PGY2 for a training contract starting PGY3 via the networks — line up strong medical-term references, get your CV sorted, and apply to multiple networks where allowed.
- Pass the Divisional Written first attempt (tied to RACP Basic Training completed (Written + Clinical Divisional exams passed), start BPT year 1-2) — Pass rates swing widely by sitting, and a re-sit can cost a year before you can even apply for nuclear medicine. Start structured exam prep early; this single exam is the biggest time-risk in the whole pathway.
- Get nuclear medicine / imaging exposure on your CV (tied to CV, referees and demonstrated interest in nuclear medicine / imaging, start PGY2 onward) — Do a nuclear medicine or PET rotation, audit/QI or a research project with a department, and build a relationship with a supervisor at an accredited site — departments choose the few they already know and rate.
- Be geographically flexible toward the big departments (tied to Appointment to an AANMS-accredited training post, start Late BPT) — Posts cluster in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA and SA; ACT and NT have none. Being willing to move to where the accredited posts and PET/theranostics volume are widens your options dramatically.
- Consider the radiology (RANZCR) route if you prefer imaging-first (tied to Radiology route alternative (RANZCR), start Decision point pre-BPT) — If you'd rather train as a radiologist and add nuclear medicine, the RANZCR dual pathway lets you pick it up in Phase 3 (24 months core) after passing Clinical Radiology Part 2 — a legitimate alternative front door.
Key documents & official links
- RACP — Advanced Training in Nuclear Medicine (program overview, requirements, deadlines)
- AANMS — Nuclear medicine training (RACP and RANZCR pathways)
- AANMS — Basic Sciences Course (mandatory BSC exam detail)
- RANZCR — Nuclear Medicine Training (dual radiology credential)
- AANMS / CJCT — 2026 Accredited Training Sites (positions by state)
- RACP — Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway (overseas-trained specialists)
- NSW Health — Physician (Nuclear Medicine) workforce factsheet
- RACP — Divisional Written Examination past results (pass rates)
- PMCV — Nuclear Medicine pathway (Victorian planning reference)
- ATO — Taxation statistics 2022–23 (occupation income; nuclear medicine sits under the blended internal-medicine-specialist code)
FAQ
How many years does it take to become a nuclear medicine physician in Australia?
Is nuclear medicine hard to get into?
Do I have to be a physician (FRACP), or can I get there through radiology?
What exams do I have to pass?
What does a nuclear medicine physician actually earn?
Can I train in nuclear medicine in the ACT or Northern Territory?
Is nuclear medicine a good career choice right now?
What's the lifestyle and on-call like?
Trained overseas? (IMG pathway)
How overseas-trained nuclear medicine doctors get recognised
Overseas-trained nuclear medicine specialists are assessed by the RACP (for the physician credential) under the specialist international medical graduate framework, working alongside the Australian Medical Council and the Medical Board of Australia. Nuclear medicine is explicitly one of the specialties the RACP assesses. The college compares your overseas training, qualifications and recent practice against the Australian nuclear medicine program and rates you substantially comparable, partially comparable, or not comparable. A 'substantially comparable' outcome typically requires up to 12 months (FTE) of peer review; 'partially comparable' adds top-up training and peer review up to a maximum of 24 months (FTE). Doctors coming via the radiology side may instead engage RANZCR. Final specialist registration is granted by the Medical Board through AHPRA.
See the RACP Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway and our IMG internship guide.
Related specialties
Last reviewed 2026-06-01.