Department of Health

Key messages

  • A use licence is required to operate (use) radiation sources/units within Victoria.
  • This page details the information and the form required for a veterinary nurse to apply for or vary an existing use licence in relation to the use of a veterinary general X-ray unit and /or veterinary computed tomography X-ray unit.
  • Supporting documents are required when submitting an application for a use licence.
  • You are not authorised to use a radiation source until you receive your licence certificate.

Overview

A use licence allows an individual to use specific types of a radiation sources for a specific purpose. Failure to hold the required use licence is an offence under the Radiation Act 2005.

This page details the information and the form required for a veterinary nurse to apply for or vary an existing use licence in relation to the use of a veterinary general X-ray unit and/or veterinary computed tomography X-ray unit.

Applicants seeking a licence to use radiation sources must meet certain prerequisites prior to being issued with a use licence.

Do you need a use licence?

Before you apply for a radiation use licence read the full exemptions to check if you are exempt from the requirement to hold a use licence.

If you are unsure whether you require a licence, we recommend that, prior to lodging an application, you email the department with a description of your proposed activity to clarify your licensing requirements.

Prerequisites: what information do I include with my application?

All of the following information must be included with your application (electronic files can be attached with your application).

Occupation Apparatus Prerequisites
Veterinary Nurses Veterinary general X-ray unit
  • Must have successfully completed a Certificate IV course in Veterinary Nursing, or
  • Must have successfully completed an Associate Degree of Veterinary Nursing or Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
Computed Tomography X-ray unit
  • Must have successfully completed a Certificate IV course in Veterinary Nursing, and
  • Must have successfully completed a recognised short course in the safe use of Computed Tomography X-ray units.
    (Recognised Course VET2)
Veterinary diagnostic nuclear medicine
  • Must have successfully completed a Certificate IV course in Veterinary Nursing.
  • Must have successfully completed a recognised course in radiation safety with respect to unsealed radioactive material (Recognised Course VET3).
  • Must provide a letter of endorsement from a Veterinarian who holds a use licence authorising the use of unsealed radioactive material for the purpose of veterinary diagnostic nuclear medicine verifying that the applicant has been trained in the conduct of veterinary diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures and demonstrated the required level of competency to safely perform veterinary diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures.
Veterinary therapeutic nuclear medicine
  • Must have successfully completed a Certificate IV course in Veterinary Nursing.
  • Must have successfully completed a recognised course in radiation safety with respect to unsealed radioactive material (Recognised Course VET3).
  • Must provide a letter of endorsement from a Veterinarian who holds a use licence authorising the use of unsealed radioactive material for the purpose of veterinary diagnostic nuclear medicine verifying that the applicant has been trained in the conduct of veterinary diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures and demonstrated the required level of competency to safely perform veterinary diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures.

Recognised Training Courses

Radiation Apparatus Course Number Course Title Course Provider / Contact Details
Computed Tomography X-ray units VET2-1 Training in the use of Computed Tomography X-ray units CT Imaging Solutions
Geoffrey Dick
42 Mount Morton Road
BELGRAVE SOUTH VIC 3160
Mobile: 0411 121 348
Email: geoffreypeterdick@gmail.com
Unsealed Radioactive Material VET3-1 Safe Use of Radioisotopes in Laboratories (Note: Course is run in NSW only)

RADSMART
Gordon and Jocelyn Mackenzie
Radiation Safety Training Specialists
13 Cassandra Cres.
HEATHCOTE NSW 2233
Phone: 02 9520 6340
Phone: 0409 600 646
Email: info@radsmart.com.au

VET3-2 Radiation Safety and Unsealed Radioactive Material SGS Australian
10/585 Blackburn Rd
Notting Hill VIC 3168
Phone: 03 9574 3361
Email: au.radiation.info@sgs.com
Website: SGS RadiationExternal Link
VET3-3 Introduction to Ionising Radiation Protection and the Safe Handling of I-131 for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats SGS Australian
10/585 Blackburn Rd
Notting Hill VIC 3168
Phone: 03 9574 3361
Email: au.radiation.info@sgs.com
Website: SGS RadiationExternal Link
VET3-2 Radiation Safety in Veterinary Nuclear Medicine

DBH Radiation Pty Ltd
Darren Billingsley
Mobile: 0418 804 805
Email: darren@dbhradiation.com.au
Website: DBH RadiationExternal Link

Mutual recognition

A person who is registered in an equivalent occupation in another state or territory or New Zealand may be entitled to apply to the department under the Commonwealth Mutual Recognition Act 1992 for a licence to use radiation sources in Victoria related to their occupations.

See the mutual recognition arrangements page for more information.

Conditions of licence and other relevant documents

Compliance with Code of Practice for Radiation Protection in Veterinary Medicine (2009)External Link is a condition of use licences issued to veterinary nurses and applicants must be familiar with these requirements.

Licence durations, licence fees, assessment process and timeframes

See the general information on use licences section for more information.

Apply for a use licence or apply to vary an existing licence

Before you apply for a use licence it is important that you read the FAQ’s about the new licensing portal to assist you with lodging an application.

Once you familiarise yourself with the prerequisites for licensing you can apply using the licensing portal.

Select your occupation and then choose the radiation sources that you would like to be authorised to use. You will then be asked to upload the required prerequisites and pay the prescribed fee with either credit card (preferred) or BPay. There is no fee applicable to vary your use licence.

Apply for a use licence or apply to vary a licence

Reviewed 21 August 2023

Health.vic

Contact details

Our phone service is available Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 1.00pm or we can be contacted via email. 

Radiation Safety Department of Health GPO Box 4057, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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