Zlín Regional Authority to Provide Funding to TBU for New Radiography Degree Programme
11. February 2026The Regional Council of the Zlín Regional Authority has discussed the provision of a CZK 4.41 million grant to Tomas Bata University in Zlín (TBU) to support the implementation of its new Bachelor’s programme in Radiography and has recommended its approval by the Regional Assembly. The programme was accredited at TBU’s Faculty of Technology last year, and the first students will begin their studies this September. The establishment of the new programme was initiated by the leadership of the Zlín Regional Authority in response to an acute shortage of professionals in this field.
“Over the past ten years, the workload of radiographers in the Zlín Region, measured by the number of procedures performed, has increased by 47 per cent. This represents above-average growth compared to the rest of the country, while the number of such professionals in our region remains below average. Moreover, retirements over the next decade could lead to the loss of up to one fifth of the current workforce, making it essential to increase the number of new graduates. The launch of the new Radiography programme is therefore excellent news for our region. However, for the university it means the need to involve external specialists and an increased workload for existing staff. This is associated with higher salary and operational costs, including the acquisition of specialised software. We will support them financially in this regard,” explained Regional Governor Radim Holiš.
“I consider the accreditation of the Radiography degree programme at our Faculty of Technology to be an outstanding achievement and at the same time proof that investments in the Faculty’s development and cooperation with the Zlín Regional Authority are delivering concrete results with long-term benefits for the entire region. I would like to thank the Zlín Regional Authority for its support of our new programme,” said TBU Rector Milan Adámek.
Students of the programme will learn to work with equipment such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems and nuclear medicine devices. The curriculum also includes psychology, communication skills and specialised nursing care. After successfully completing their studies, graduates will find employment opportunities in all types of healthcare facilities where radiodiagnostics, nuclear medicine or radiation oncology are performed – including university and regional hospitals, private clinics, diagnostic centres, as well as in research and education.
Further New Degree Programmes in Preparation
As part of its cooperation with the university, the Zlín Regional Authority has also supported the construction of a new Faculty of Technology building with a contribution of CZK 200 million. A condition for this extraordinary investment was that the university would open, among other things, new degree programmes responding to the real needs of the region. In addition to Radiography, these are expected to include programmes such as Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Gastronomy and Nutrition, and Semiconductor Materials.
The new building, which is being constructed directly opposite the existing FT premises, will provide the university with modern laboratory facilities and sufficient capacity for this and other new programmes. Together with the current buildings, it will form a functional complex that will significantly expand opportunities for teaching and research. Construction is expected to be completed later this year, with interior equipment to be installed by March next year.