Evaluation of the Medical Physicists Support Program

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has now released the evaluation of the Medical Physicists Support Program and we are now able to share it with members. The overall evaluation was extremely positive and the Department have provided the College with a 12 month extension on our current round of funding while future funding is organised.

"The independent KPMG evaluation of the Medical Physicists Support Program confirms that medical physicists are a small but critical health profession, essential to the safety, quality and effectiveness of cancer treatment, diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine services across Australia. [— Executive Summary, Context and background, page vii]

The evaluation found that the Program remains the right response to current and future workforce needs, with ACPSEM’s Training, Education and Assessment Program (TEAP) delivering a robust pipeline of highly trained professionals. TEAP completions accounted for more than half of the growth in the registered medical physics workforce during the review period, demonstrating clear impact and value. [— Summary of key findings, KEQ2 Overall assessment, page xi and — Summary of key findings, KEQ5, page xiii]

The report highlights that limited professional recognition and lack of formal registration are key structural barriers affecting workforce sustainability, employment pathways and long-term planning. These findings strongly reinforce the need for inclusion of medical physicists within the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS), aligning Australia with international best practice and supporting consistent workforce data. [— Overarching findings, page xi and — Recommendations, Workforce planning and recognition, page xv]

The evaluation recognises ACPSEM’s central role in safeguarding patient safety through profession-led training, certification and continuing professional development. The findings affirm that strengthening professional recognition through NRAS would enhance workforce stability, support equitable service delivery and ensure Australians continue to receive safe, high-quality care involving medical radiation. [— Summary of key findings, KEQ4, page xii]"