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Veterinary surgeons

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 2005.

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.

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)(opens in a new window) 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

Updated