Department of Health

Veterinary surgeons

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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 surgeon to apply for or vary an existing use licence in relation to the use of a veterinary general X-ray unit, veterinary fluoroscopic X-ray unit, veterinary computed tomography X-ray unit and/or unsealed radioactive material used in veterinary nuclear medicine.
  • Please read all preliminary information on this page before applying for a licence (see box on this page).
  • 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 2005External Link .

This page details the information and the form required for a veterinary surgeon to apply for or vary an existing use licence in relation to the use of a veterinary general X-ray unit, veterinary fluoroscopic X-ray unit, veterinary computed tomography X-ray unit and/or unsealed radioactive material used in veterinary nuclear medicine.

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

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: Veterinary Surgeons

ApparatusPrerequisites
Veterinary general X-ray unit
  • Must be currently registered with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria or equivalent authority
Veterinary fluoroscopic X-ray unit
  • Must be currently registered with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria or equivalent authority, and
  • Must have successfully completed a recognised short course in the safe use of fluoroscopic X-ray unit.

(Recognised Course VET1)

Computed Tomography X-ray unit
  • Must be currently registered with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria or equivalent authority, and
  • Must have successfully completed a recognised short course in the safe use of Computed Tomography X-ray units.

(Recognised Course VET2)

Unsealed radioactive material used in veterinary nuclear medicine
  • Must be currently registered with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria or equivalent authority, and
  • Must have successfully completed a recognised course in radiation safety with respect to unsealed radioactive material (Recognised Course VET3), and
  • Must provide evidence of training from a licensed veterinary practitioner in the administration of unsealed radioactive material.

  • Fluoroscopy X-ray unit

    Course detailsCourse provider/Contact details

    Course number: VET1-2

    Title: The Safe Use of Fluoroscopy Units

    CT Imaging Solutions
    Geoffrey Dick

    Address: 42 Mount Morton Road
    BELGRAVE SOUTH VIC 3160
    Mobile: 0411 121 348
    Email: geoffreypeterdick@gmail.com

    Computed Tomography X-ray units

    Course detailsCourse provider/Contact details

    Course number: VET2-1

    Title: Training in the use of Computed Tomography X-ray units

    CT Imaging Solutions
    Geoffrey Dick

    Address: 42 Mount Morton Road
    BELGRAVE SOUTH VIC 3160
    Mobile: 0411 121 348
    Email: geoffreypeterdick@gmail.com

    Unsealed Radioactive Material

    Course detailsCourse provider/Contact details

    Course number: VET3-1

    Title: Safe Use of Radioisotopes in Laboratories (Note: Course is run in NSW only)

    RADSMART
    Gordon and Jocelyn Mackenzie
    Radiation Safety Training Specialists

    Address: 13 Cassandra Cres.
    HEATHCOTE NSW 2233
    Phone: 02 9520 6340
    Mobile: 0409 600 646
    Email: info@radsmart.com.au

    Course number: VET3-2

    Title: Radiation Safety and Unsealed Radioactive Material

    SGS Australia

    Address: 10/585 Blackburn Rd
    Notting Hill VIC 3168
    Phone: 03 9574 3361
    Email: au.radiation.info@sgs.com
    Website: www.sgs.comExternal Link

    Course number: VET3-3

    Title: Introduction to Ionising Radiation Protection and the Safe Handling of I-131 for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats

    		SGS Australia

    Address: 10/585 Blackburn Rd
    Notting Hill VIC 3168
    Phone: 03 9574 3361
    Email: au.radiation.info@sgs.com
    Website: www.sgs.comExternal Link

    Course number: VET3-4

    Title: 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

    Course number: VET3-5

    Title: Radiation Protection I-131 Treatment for Feline Hyperthyroidism

    Dosel (Australasia) Pty Ltd

    Address: 69 Great North Rd
    Five Dock NSW 2046
    Phone: 1300 761 696
    Email: info@dosel.systems
    Website: Dosel AustraliaExternal 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

Steps to take when varying or applying for a 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 use licence or apply to vary a licence

Reviewed 27 May 2024

Health.vic

Important use licence link

Sectors

Contact us

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

50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
radiation.safety@health.vic.gov.au
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