ASMIRT Skills Assessment for Australia

The Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) is the official assessing authority for overseas-qualified professionals working in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and sonography. If you have completed your qualification outside Australia and are planning to migrate under a skilled visa, an ASMIRT skills assessment is a mandatory step in your migration process.

ASMIRT is authorised by the Australian Government to evaluate overseas qualifications and professional experience to determine whether they meet Australian standards of practice. A positive skills assessment allows applicants to proceed with skilled migration pathways and strengthens their visa application.

Occupations Assessed by ASMIRT

ASMIRT conducts skills assessments for the following ANZSCO occupations:

1. Medical Diagnostic Radiographer
2. Radiation Therapist
3. Sonographer

Each occupation has specific academic, clinical, and professional requirements. Applications are assessed individually to ensure applicants meet the Australian benchmark relevant to their nominated occupation.

ASMIRT Assessment Processing Time

The ASMIRT assessment process can take up to 16 weeks once all required documents have been submitted. Assessments are carried out by practising clinicians across Australia, which contributes to the overall processing timeframe.

Applicants submitting additional documents are advised to include a covering letter to ensure the information reaches the correct department.

If any important documents are missing or further clarification is required, the assessment may be delayed until the requested details are provided.

ASMIRT Skills Assessment Fees

The cost of an ASMIRT skills assessment depends on where the applicant is residing at the time of application:

Offshore applicants: AUD 1012

Onshore applicants (temporary or permanent residents): AUD 1112 (including GST)

The assessment fee is not refundable and must be paid at the time of application.

Accepted payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and bank cheques drawn in Australian dollars. Cash payments and overseas currency are not accepted.

Work Experience Requirements

Most applicants are required to have a minimum of two years of post-qualification clinical experience. This experience must be gained after completing the qualification and does not include clinical placements undertaken as part of academic study.

Employer reference letters should include the following details: employment dates, weekly working hours, and job duties.

Applicants applying through New Zealand pre-approved pathways are required to demonstrate at least one year of post-qualification clinical experience.

If candidates have not completed the required two years of experience, their application may be put on hold until they meet this minimum requirement and provide updated evidence.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Continuing Professional Development is an essential part of the ASMIRT assessment. Applicants must submit evidence of CPD completed over the last three years, with a minimum of 20 hours per year.

CPD evidence must include supporting documentation such as certificates, attendance records, or confirmation letters. Submitting only a list of activities is not sufficient. CPD demonstrates that the applicant is actively maintaining professional competency and staying aligned with current clinical practices.

Assessment of Overseas Qualifications

ASMIRT checks overseas qualifications to see if they meet Australian standards based on when the applicant qualified. The assessment panel looks at academic transcripts, course structures, clinical training hours, scope of practice, post-qualification work, and compliance with continuing professional development (CPD).

Diagnostic radiographers are expected to demonstrate experience in core imaging areas, including CT scanning. Radiation therapists must show competency in both treatment planning and treatment delivery. Sonography qualifications are assessed on behalf of the Australasian Sonographers Accreditation Registry and must meet postgraduate-level academic and clinical requirements.

Pre-Approved Courses

At present, only selected degree programs from New Zealand in Diagnostic Radiography and Radiation Therapy are recognised as pre-approved by ASMIRT. Graduates from these programs may be eligible for an accelerated assessment process, provided they meet English language and clinical experience requirements.

There are currently no pre-approved courses from countries other than New Zealand.

ASAR-Recognised Accredited Courses for Sonographers

For sonographers, overseas qualification assessments are conducted by ASMIRT on behalf of the Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). To be eligible for registration and employment in Australia, qualifications must meet ASAR’s postgraduate academic and clinical standards.

ASMIRT compares international sonography programs against Australian ASAR-accredited programs, focusing on academic content, clinical hours, scope of practice, and specialty experience.

Below are examples of Australian ASAR-recognised sonography courses that meet national accreditation requirements.

1. Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography from CQUniveristy
2. Bachelor of Echocardiography and Cardiac Physiology/Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography from CQUniveristy
3. Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science and Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography from Edith Cowan University
4. Master of Medical Ultrasound (incorporating the Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound) from Monash University
5. Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound from Monash University
6. Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound from Queensland University of Technology
7. Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound from Queensland University of Technology
8. Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound from Univeristy of Canberra
9. Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (General) from Adelaide University
10. Master of Medical Sonography (General) from Adelaide University
11. Graduate Certificate in Breast Imaging from Adelaide University
12. Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Cardiac) from Adelaide University
13. Master of Medical Sonography (Cardiac) from Adelaide University
14. Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Vascular) from Adelaide University
15. Master of Medical Sonography (Vascular) from Adelaide University
16. Graduate Diploma in Vascular Sonography from Western Sydney Univeristy
17. Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Sonography from Western Sydney Univeristy
18. Master of Cardiac Sonography from Western Sydney Univeristy
19. Graduate Diploma in Obstetric and Gynecological Sonography from Western Sydney Univeristy

AHPRA-Accredited Courses for Diagnostic Radiographers

Diagnostic Radiographers must be registered with AHPRA before working in Australia.

ASMIRT assesses overseas qualifications by comparing them to AHPRA-approved Australian Medical Imaging programs. This assessment considers academic structure, imaging modalities covered, clinical placement hours, and professional competency aligned with Australian practice standards.

The following Australian programs are examples of AHPRA-accredited Diagnostic Radiography qualifications that represent the current benchmark for medical imaging practice in Australia.

AHPRA-Accredited Courses for Radiation Therapists

Radiation Therapists in Australia must meet strict academic and clinical requirements set by AHPRA and the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia. ASMIRT evaluates globally Radiation Therapy qualifications against these Australian-accredited programs to determine equivalency.

The evaluation focuses on treatment planning knowledge, radiation delivery competencies, clinical training, and professional practice standards. Australian-accredited Radiation Therapy degrees demonstrate the level of education and training expected for safe and competent practice.

Below are examples of AHPRA-accredited Radiation Therapy programs recognised in Australia.

ASMIRT Assessment vs. AHPRA Registration

It is important to note that an ASMIRT skills assessment is not the same as an AHPRA registration. ASMIRT assesses qualifications for migration purposes, while AHPRA determines whether a practitioner is eligible to work in Australia.

All diagnostic radiographers, radiation therapists, and sonographers must be registered with the AHPRA before commencing employment. In addition, state-based radiation licensing may be required to legally operate imaging equipment.

Assessment Outcomes and Appeals

Once the assessment is done, the candidate will receive a written outcome. If the outcome is unsuccessful, applicants may submit additional documentation or lodge a formal appeal within the specified timeframe.

If an appeal is unsuccessful and the applicant wishes to reapply, a new application and fee will be required. A successful assessment results in the issuance of a Skills Assessment Letter or Statement of Qualification, which can be used for skilled migration purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does an ASMIRT skills assessment take?

The assessment process can take up to 16 weeks once all required documents have been submitted.

Is the ASMIRT assessment mandatory for migration?

Yes, overseas-qualified medical imaging professionals must obtain a positive ASMIRT skills assessment for migration purposes.

Can I apply without two years of experience?

If you have not completed the minimum required experience, your application may be held until you meet the requirement and submit updated employer evidence.

Does the ASMIRT assessment give me work rights in Australia?

No, a skills assessment is for migration purposes only. Ahpra registration and state licensing are required to work in Australia.

Are New Zealand qualifications treated differently?

Yes, selected New Zealand programs are recognised as pre-approved and may qualify for an accelerated assessment pathway.

Is the ASMIRT assessment fee refundable?

No, all assessment fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

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