Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques
Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques
Course sheet
A.Y. 2024/2025
Bachelor
L/SNT3 - Health professions for technical assistance
The Bachelor's degree programme in Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques (degree class L/SNT3 - Health professions for technical assistance) has a three-year duration.
By the end of the programme, students are expected to have developed:
1) a good grounding in preparatory disciplines (physics, mathematics, computer science, statistics and electronics) and life sciences (biochemistry, biology, human anatomy, physiology, pathology);
2) mastery of the core knowledge and skills required to work as a radiology technician, as per Ministerial Decree no. 746 of 26 September 1994 (radiobiology and radiation protection, equipment and techniques used in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy, techniques for processing and storing images);
3) methodological skills for the development of care plans (in order to participate in the planning phase of the nursing process);
4) the ability to immediately intervene in clinical emergencies, or in the event of catastrophes or natural disasters, by providing the necessary first-aid measures within their sphere of competence, in order to ensure survival and the best possible assistance;
5) in-depth knowledge of infection prevention and control techniques;
6) familiarity with labour and health legislation concerning radiology technicians;
7) familiarity with related human sciences, healthcare management and other interdisciplinary sciences;
8) familiarity with the scientific method and ability to apply it to practical situations, combined with adequate knowledge of laws and regulations concerning deontology and bioethics, and the related issues;
9) the ability to understand and interact with patients, colleagues and other medical and non-medical professionals;
10) the ability to work in team as well as independently, and to smoothly integrate into a new workplace;
11) the ability to use methods and tools for quality control, assessment and review;
12) with regard to radiation exposure, the ability to assess compliance with the principles of justification, optimisation and dose limitation established by the EU legal framework on radiation protection;
13) the ability to participate in various continuing professional development activities, as well as in research projects regarding different applications of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy;
14) the ability to use at least one language of the European Union, in addition to Italian, in their area of expertise and to exchange general information;
15) adequate communication skills and proficiency in the use of information management tools;
16) the ability to write technical and scientific reports.
The first part of the study programme focuses on preparatory disciplines and biomedical sciences, to enable students to improve their knowledge base while reinforcing their communication skills (in terms of foreign language proficiency and computer literacy).
At this stage, they learn the theoretical and methodological foundations of working as a radiology technician, and practice some job-specific tasks during the first part of the internship.
Subsequently, students move on to pre-clinical and clinical disciplines inherent to the degree.
Notably, they delve into job-specific topics, such as equipment and techniques used in diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy and health physics (conventional and digital radiology, computed tomography, MRI, scintigraphy, positron emission tomography, linear accelerators, radioactive source carriers, clinical, instrumental and environmental dosimetry), as well as image processing and storage. These courses focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of the profession.
Theoretical training provided within the programme also includes the fundamentals of human sciences, human behaviour, professional ethics and healthcare management, as well as an overview of the applicable legislation.
Thanks to the internships, students become independent users of tools and technologies in the fields of diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and health physics.
By the end of the programme, students are expected to have developed:
1) a good grounding in preparatory disciplines (physics, mathematics, computer science, statistics and electronics) and life sciences (biochemistry, biology, human anatomy, physiology, pathology);
2) mastery of the core knowledge and skills required to work as a radiology technician, as per Ministerial Decree no. 746 of 26 September 1994 (radiobiology and radiation protection, equipment and techniques used in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy, techniques for processing and storing images);
3) methodological skills for the development of care plans (in order to participate in the planning phase of the nursing process);
4) the ability to immediately intervene in clinical emergencies, or in the event of catastrophes or natural disasters, by providing the necessary first-aid measures within their sphere of competence, in order to ensure survival and the best possible assistance;
5) in-depth knowledge of infection prevention and control techniques;
6) familiarity with labour and health legislation concerning radiology technicians;
7) familiarity with related human sciences, healthcare management and other interdisciplinary sciences;
8) familiarity with the scientific method and ability to apply it to practical situations, combined with adequate knowledge of laws and regulations concerning deontology and bioethics, and the related issues;
9) the ability to understand and interact with patients, colleagues and other medical and non-medical professionals;
10) the ability to work in team as well as independently, and to smoothly integrate into a new workplace;
11) the ability to use methods and tools for quality control, assessment and review;
12) with regard to radiation exposure, the ability to assess compliance with the principles of justification, optimisation and dose limitation established by the EU legal framework on radiation protection;
13) the ability to participate in various continuing professional development activities, as well as in research projects regarding different applications of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy;
14) the ability to use at least one language of the European Union, in addition to Italian, in their area of expertise and to exchange general information;
15) adequate communication skills and proficiency in the use of information management tools;
16) the ability to write technical and scientific reports.
The first part of the study programme focuses on preparatory disciplines and biomedical sciences, to enable students to improve their knowledge base while reinforcing their communication skills (in terms of foreign language proficiency and computer literacy).
At this stage, they learn the theoretical and methodological foundations of working as a radiology technician, and practice some job-specific tasks during the first part of the internship.
Subsequently, students move on to pre-clinical and clinical disciplines inherent to the degree.
Notably, they delve into job-specific topics, such as equipment and techniques used in diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy and health physics (conventional and digital radiology, computed tomography, MRI, scintigraphy, positron emission tomography, linear accelerators, radioactive source carriers, clinical, instrumental and environmental dosimetry), as well as image processing and storage. These courses focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of the profession.
Theoretical training provided within the programme also includes the fundamentals of human sciences, human behaviour, professional ethics and healthcare management, as well as an overview of the applicable legislation.
Thanks to the internships, students become independent users of tools and technologies in the fields of diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and health physics.
Graduates in Imaging and Radiation Techniques are qualified to work as radiology technicians, i.e. healthcare professionals with solid theoretical and practical knowledge regarding imaging and radiotherapy techniques, who are able to perform diagnostic, therapeutic and research procedures falling under the scope of diagnostic radiology, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and health physics.
Upon prescription by a physician, radiology technicians perform all interventions that require the use of ionising radiation sources (both artificial and natural), thermal and ultrasound energy and nuclear magnetic resonance, as well as interventions for physical or dosimetric protection, independently or in collaboration with other health professionals. They also participate in the planning and organisation of work at their employing facility, in accordance with their role. Moreover, they plan and provide multi-purpose services within their competence, in direct collaboration with diagnostic radiology or nuclear medicine physicians, radiation therapy physicians and health physicists, according to diagnostic and therapeutic protocols previously defined by the person in charge of the facility. They are accountable for their actions, and in particular have a responsibility to check that any equipment entrusted to them is functioning properly, to solve minor malfunctions, and to implement quality assurance and control mechanisms in accordance with predefined indicators and standards. Lastly, they participate in the training of support staff, and contribute directly to continuing professional development and the advancement of research in their field. As part of the programme, the University ensures that graduates receive training in ionising radiation protection.
Graduates in Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques can work for public and private healthcare facilities authorised in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, as employees or freelancers. Having adequate command of the English language, they can look for a job not only in Italy, but also in other European and non-European countries.
Typical employment settings for Bachelor?s graduates in Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques include:
- diagnostics imaging and radiotherapy departments in hospitals and other facilities within the Italian National Health Service, as well as in similar private facilities and research hospitals;
- manufacturers and sellers of diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy equipment;
- University and non-university research centres in biomedicine.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
Upon prescription by a physician, radiology technicians perform all interventions that require the use of ionising radiation sources (both artificial and natural), thermal and ultrasound energy and nuclear magnetic resonance, as well as interventions for physical or dosimetric protection, independently or in collaboration with other health professionals. They also participate in the planning and organisation of work at their employing facility, in accordance with their role. Moreover, they plan and provide multi-purpose services within their competence, in direct collaboration with diagnostic radiology or nuclear medicine physicians, radiation therapy physicians and health physicists, according to diagnostic and therapeutic protocols previously defined by the person in charge of the facility. They are accountable for their actions, and in particular have a responsibility to check that any equipment entrusted to them is functioning properly, to solve minor malfunctions, and to implement quality assurance and control mechanisms in accordance with predefined indicators and standards. Lastly, they participate in the training of support staff, and contribute directly to continuing professional development and the advancement of research in their field. As part of the programme, the University ensures that graduates receive training in ionising radiation protection.
Graduates in Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques can work for public and private healthcare facilities authorised in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, as employees or freelancers. Having adequate command of the English language, they can look for a job not only in Italy, but also in other European and non-European countries.
Typical employment settings for Bachelor?s graduates in Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques include:
- diagnostics imaging and radiotherapy departments in hospitals and other facilities within the Italian National Health Service, as well as in similar private facilities and research hospitals;
- manufacturers and sellers of diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy equipment;
- University and non-university research centres in biomedicine.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
Il Corso di Studi non ha attivato accordi Erasmus+ con Atenei esteri.
Attendance of all coursework is mandatory. Moreover, internship activities must be undertaken and completed within the designated year; students enrolled in subsequent years will not be permitted to register.
Enrolment
To be admitted into the degree programme, a candidate must have an Italian secondary-school diploma or similar diploma obtained overseas and deemed equivalent.
Admission into the programme is capped, at a national level, pursuant to Law no. 264 of 2 August 1999.
The number of students who may be admitted is set each year pursuant to a decree of the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR), based on findings provided by the university in terms of available instructional, classroom, and clinical resources (human and otherwise), as well as the demand for the type of professionals contemplated for this Class as determined by the Region of Lombardy, and the Ministry of Health.
The admission test will be administered as a national exam, generally in the month of September. The date will be set pursuant to a decree of MUR.
Additional learning requirements (OFA)
Students who answered less than 50% of the Biology and Chemistry questions on the admission test will be required to finish a set of additional learning requirements (OFA). These prerequisites may be met through specifically assigned remedial work. Any failure to complete the OFA will make it impossible for the student to sit the exam in: Biological Life Sciences and Pathology.
Timely notice of the various courses will be posted to: https://trm.cdl.unimi.it/it
Admission into the programme is capped, at a national level, pursuant to Law no. 264 of 2 August 1999.
The number of students who may be admitted is set each year pursuant to a decree of the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR), based on findings provided by the university in terms of available instructional, classroom, and clinical resources (human and otherwise), as well as the demand for the type of professionals contemplated for this Class as determined by the Region of Lombardy, and the Ministry of Health.
The admission test will be administered as a national exam, generally in the month of September. The date will be set pursuant to a decree of MUR.
Additional learning requirements (OFA)
Students who answered less than 50% of the Biology and Chemistry questions on the admission test will be required to finish a set of additional learning requirements (OFA). These prerequisites may be met through specifically assigned remedial work. Any failure to complete the OFA will make it impossible for the student to sit the exam in: Biological Life Sciences and Pathology.
Timely notice of the various courses will be posted to: https://trm.cdl.unimi.it/it
Places available: 30 + 1 reserved for non-EU citizens
Call for applications
The call for applications is being finalized. Please refer to the call, once it is available, for admission test dates and contents, and how to register.
Application for admission: application deadlines will be published shortly.
The call for applications is being finalized
Online services
Learn more:
Programme description and courses list
First semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Basis of Patient Care | 5 | 50 | Italian | MED/17 MED/42 MED/45 |
| - Hygiene and public health | 2 | |||
| - Infectious diseases | 2 | |||
| - Nursing foundations | 1 | |||
| Basis of Phisics and Mathematics | 5 | 50 | Italian | FIS/07 MAT/05 |
| - Applied physics for radiological sciences | 3 | |||
| - Mathematical analysis | 2 | |||
| Morphological and Functional Basis of Life | 6 | 60 | Italian | BIO/09 BIO/16 BIO/17 |
| - Histology | 1 | |||
| - Human anatomy | 4 | |||
| - Physiology | 1 | |||
| Pathology and Biological Basis of Life | 6 | 60 | Italian | BIO/10 BIO/13 MED/03 MED/04 |
| - Biochemistry | 1 | |||
| - Experimental biology | 1 | |||
| - Experimental medicine and pathophysiology | 2 | |||
| - Medical genetics | 2 | |||
Second semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Conventional Radiology: Imaging and Techniques | 6 | 60 | Italian | FIS/07 MED/36 MED/50 |
| - Conventional radiology techniques | 2 | |||
| - Imaging and radiologic anatomy in conventional radiology | 2 | |||
| - Radiation physics: conventional radiology equipment | 2 | |||
| Laboratory | 1 | 15 | Italian | |
| Psychology, Professional Ethics and Deontology | 5 | 50 | Italian | M-PSI/01 MED/43 MED/50 |
| - Bioethics | 1 | |||
| - General psychology | 3 | |||
| - Professional ethics | 1 | |||
| Radiobiology and Radioprotection | 6 | 60 | Italian | FIS/07 MED/36 MED/50 |
| - Dosimetry | 1 | |||
| - Radiobiology and x-ray protection | 3 | |||
| - X-ray protection techniques | 2 | |||
| Training (first year) | 13 | 325 | Italian | MED/50 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Computer Science Course | 3 | 30 | Italian | INF/01 |
| English Assessment B1 (2 ECTS) | 2 | 0 | English | |
Study plan rules
Elettivi - Lo studente, al primo anno, deve altresì maturare 2 CFU in attività formative a scelta.
First semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Computed Tomography: Techniques | 7 | 70 | Italian | FIS/07 ING-INF/07 MED/36 MED/50 |
| - Computerised tomography (CT) equipment, training, and image processing | 1 | |||
| - Computerised tomography (CT) imaging | 4 | |||
| - Computerised tomography (CT): techniques and protocols | 1 | |||
| - Physical principles of computerised tomography, quality controls, and x-ray protection | 1 | |||
| Contrast Radiology: Techniques | 6 | 60 | Italian | BIO/14 MED/36 MED/45 MED/50 |
| - Contrast methods, contrast radiology, and x-ray protection | 2 | |||
| - Contrast radiology techniques | 1 | |||
| - Pharmacology | 2 | |||
| - Preparing contrast methods, and intramuscular injection, intravenous injections, phleboclysis and catheterisation | 1 | |||
| Magnetic Resonance: Techniques | 7 | 70 | Italian | FIS/07 ING-INF/07 MED/36 MED/50 |
| - Magnetic resonance equipment, training, and image processing | 1 | |||
| - Magnetic resonance imaging | 4 | |||
| - Magnetic resonance: techniques and protocols | 1 | |||
| - Physical principles of computerised tomography, quality controls, and x-ray protection | 1 | |||
Second semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Laboratory | 1 | 15 | Italian | |
| Neuroradiology and Interventional Radiology: Techniques | 5 | 50 | Italian | MED/36 MED/37 MED/41 MED/50 |
| - Emergencies in radiology and first aid | 1 | |||
| - Invasive and haemodynamic techniques | 1 | |||
| - Invasive radiography imaging | 1 | |||
| - Neuro-radiology techniques | 1 | |||
| - Neuroradiology | 1 | |||
| Other Activities | 1 | 10 | Italian | |
| Radiological Sciences Applied to Surgery | 6 | 60 | Italian | MED/05 MED/11 MED/18 MED/21 MED/33 |
| - Cardiovascular diseases | 1 | |||
| - Clinical pathology | 2 | |||
| - General surgery | 1 | |||
| - Musculoskeletal system diseases | 1 | |||
| - Thoracic surgery | 1 | |||
| Training (second year) | 25 | 625 | Italian | MED/50 |
Study plan rules
Elettivi - Lo studente, al secondo anno, deve altresì maturare 2 CFU in attività formative a scelta.
First semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Nuclear Medicine | 8 | 80 | Italian | BIO/12 FIS/07 ING-INF/07 MED/36 MED/50 |
| - Atomic physics, x-ray protection, and dosimetry | 1 | |||
| - Conventional diagnostics in nuclear medicine and radiometabolic therapy (RMT) | 3 | |||
| - Nuclear-medicine devices, training, and processing images, quality control | 1 | |||
| - Radiopharmaceuticals | 1 | |||
| - Techniques in nuclear medicine | 2 | |||
| Radiotherapy | 8 | 80 | Italian | FIS/07 ING-INF/07 MED/36 MED/50 |
| - Radiation therapy equipment and quality control | 1 | |||
| - Radiotherapy | 4 | |||
| - Treatment plans and x-ray protection | 1 | |||
| - X-ray protection | 2 | |||
Second semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Health Care Systems Organisation, Professional Values and Responsibilities | 5 | 50 | Italian | IUS/07 MED/42 MED/50 SECS-P/10 |
| - Business management | 1 | |||
| - Governance of the practice of medicine; professional malpractice | 1 | |||
| - Labour law | 1 | |||
| - Organisation of the healthcare system, and healthcare legislation | 2 | |||
| Laboratory | 1 | 15 | Italian | |
| Methods of Experimental and Technological Research | 5 | 50 | Italian | FIS/07 ING-INF/05 MED/36 SECS-S/02 |
| - Computer systems for quality control in biomedical applications | 1 | |||
| - Information processing and computer networks | 2 | |||
| - Research in medical radiology | 1 | |||
| - Statistics for clinical and technological research | 1 | |||
| Other Activities | 2 | 20 | Italian | |
| Training (third year) | 22 | 550 | Italian | MED/50 |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Final Examination | 7 | 0 | Italian | |
Study plan rules
Elettivi - Lo studente, al terzo anno, deve altresì maturare 2 CFU in attività formative a scelta.
Learn more
Location
Milano
Course locations
Educational activities for the Degree Programme in "Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques" take place at the following locations:
- Polyclinic Location: Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico - Palazzina Valetudo (Via Pace 9) - Via F. Sforza, 35 - Milan - Academic Director Paola Bizzarri;
- IEO Location: University campus at Abbazia Mirasole - Strada Consortile del Mirasole 7, 20090 Opera (Milan) - Academic Director Andrea Vaccari;
- other private and public teaching hospitals and clinics.
The Departments and diagnostic facilities offering imaging, radiotherapy, and medical physics, at teaching hospitals within the national health system offer state-of-the-art scientific and therapeutic equipment, as well as access to leading professionals in the field of imaging and radiotherapy techniques. These facilities are likewise used for clinical training, professional internships, and activities relating to the final exam.
- Polyclinic Location: Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico - Palazzina Valetudo (Via Pace 9) - Via F. Sforza, 35 - Milan - Academic Director Paola Bizzarri;
- IEO Location: University campus at Abbazia Mirasole - Strada Consortile del Mirasole 7, 20090 Opera (Milan) - Academic Director Andrea Vaccari;
- other private and public teaching hospitals and clinics.
The Departments and diagnostic facilities offering imaging, radiotherapy, and medical physics, at teaching hospitals within the national health system offer state-of-the-art scientific and therapeutic equipment, as well as access to leading professionals in the field of imaging and radiotherapy techniques. These facilities are likewise used for clinical training, professional internships, and activities relating to the final exam.
Head of study programme
Academic guidance tutor
D'arminio Monforte Antonella
Erasmus and international mobility tutor
Internship tutor
Seminar and workshop tutor
Dissertation tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Reference structures
Contacts
- Direttore della didattica e delle attività professionalizzanti
Dott. Andrea Masperi - Polo didattico IEO - via Dei Missaglia, 97 - Palazzo B2 - 7° piano - Academic Office for the Degree Programme
[email protected]
The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:
- The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
- The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year)
- An additional fee is due for online programmes
The University also offers:
- Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
- Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
- Concessions for international students with refugee status
Scholarships and benefits
The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).
Learn more
Guidance:
Admission, ranking and enrolment
Official documents