Radiation therapist: Difference between revisions
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The '''Radiation Therapist''' (or Therapeutic [[Radiographer]] (esp. UK), or Radiotherapist) is an [[allied health professional]] who administers [[radiation therapy]] treatment to cancer patients. |
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==Roles & Responsibilities== |
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Radiation therapists use advanced computer systems to operate sophisticated radiation therapy equipment. The therapist works closely with the [[Radiation Oncologist]]s, [[Medical Physicist]]s and other members of the health care team. They effectively plan, treat and manage the patient's well-being during the course of radiation treatment. Radiation Therapists primarily treat cancer although other disorders and conditions can be managed through the care of radiation therapists. After the radiation oncologist has consulted with the patient and a decision has been reached that the application of radiation will benefit the patient, it then becomes the radiation therapist's responsibility to interpret the prescription and develop a treatment plan for treatment delivery. The process of producing the final plan rests with a group of specialized radiation therapists called ''dosimetrists''. |
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Since the course of radiation therapy can extend over several weeks, the radiation therapist is responsible for monitoring the condition of the patient and is required to assess if changes to the treatment plan are required. This is accomplished through patient re-positioning, dose calculations or other specialized methods to compensate for the changes. |
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The therapist is responsible for quality assurance of the radiation treatment. This involves acquiring and recording all parameters needed to deliver the treatment accurately. The therapist ensures that the treatment set-up is correctly administered. The therapist takes imaging studies of the targeted treatment area and reproduces the patient positioning and plan parameters daily. The therapist is responsible for the accuracy of the treatment and uses his/her judgments to ensure quality with regards to all aspects of treatment delivery. |
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During the course of radiation treatment, the patient will most likely develop certain side effects. In such situations, the therapists will use their medical knowledge to provide management strategies to minimize the impact of those side effects to the patient. |
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Radiation therapists & medical dosimetrists (in many countries these two professions are often indistinguishable, ie. Canada, Australia, UK) have a strong grasp of gross anatomy, physiology, radiation biology and protection, oncology, and medical physics. They are highly skilled, highly regarded health care professionals who are integral members of the cancer care team. Radiation therapists and dosimetrists are often involved in radiation medicine research as well. Radiation therapists call upon their judgment to either continue or cease radiation treatment and ensure patient safety at all times and are regulated by a governing body within their jurisdiction. |
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A common misnomer for Radiation Therapists are "radiation technician" or "radiation therapy technicians" which are reserved for those who maintain radiation therapy machines. In countries like the U.K., U.S.A., and Canada, many centers are starting to employ specialized technicians such as the "mould room technicians", "radiation therapy assistants (technicians)", and "dosimetry technicians" to assist the radiation therapists and medical dosimetrists. |
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===Specialization=== |
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Radiation therapists may also work in sub-specialtes, including: |
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*[[Brachytherapy]] |
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*[[Radiosurgery]] |
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*[[Image-guided radiation therapy]] |
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*[[Proton therapy]] |
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*[[Particle therapy]] |
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*[[Dosimetry]] |
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*[[Clinical research]] and [[clinical trials]] |
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*Clinical education and teaching |
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*Simulation |
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*Moulding |
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*Specific disease sites/age groups (ie. pediatrics therapists, head and neck therapist) |
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==Qualifications & Registration== |
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===Canada=== |
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Currently Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick have faded out the old hospital based (HB) Radiation Therapy programs and implanted several new university degree programs. In Ontario, the University of Toronto, McMaster University, and Laurentian University are the only three universities that offer these programs. In British Columbia, the British Columbia Institute of Technology is the only university that provides a radiation therapy program. And in New Brunswick, the the University of New Brunswick is the only instituition that offers this program. Radiation therapists certified and registered with their provincial regulatory college use the title Medical Radiation Technologist - Radiation Therapist (M.R.T.(T) or sometimes R.T.(T)). |
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In Canada, there is no real distinction between Radiation Therapists and Medical [[Dosimetrist]]s. The title "treatment planner", or just "planner" commonly replaces "dosimetrist". Dosimetrists are commonly radiation therapists with several years of experience and have undergone in-house training. The national professional association has recently introduced a Dosimetry Specialty Certificate program to address the fact there is no specific credential (Dosimetry Specialist, DSp). Many employers recognize the Certified Medical Dosimetrist qualification from the US (Certified Medical Dosimetrist, CMD), but neither are required for practice. |
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Ontario is currently investigating advanced practice roles for radiation therapists which aim to expand their traditional scope of practice. The University of Toronto has recently developed a professional Masters of Health Science graduate program in radiation therapy which will provide the necessary education for these specialists. |
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===United Kingdom=== |
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In the UK a 3 year BSc in Therapeutic Radiography must be undertaken prior to registration by the UK regulatory authority, the [[Health Professions Council]]. UK radiographers are eligible for membership of the Society & College of Radiographers. |
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Graduate studies at the Masters level (Master of Science in Therapeutic Radiography) are also available. |
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===United States=== |
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US: Education required is generally a High School diploma with two years of technical school, culminating in a certificate. Although there are programs that offer an Associate or Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent. |
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Most therapists must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and be state licensed in order to practice. |
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===Australia & New Zealand=== |
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A baccalaureate degree in radiation therapy is needed in order to register and practice (not applicable to international applicants). In several parts of Australia, radiation therapists along with other medical radiation professionals (ie. [[radiographers]], [[sonographers]], nuclear medicine technologists, MRI technologists) are being addressed as "Medical Radiation Practitioners" or "Medical Radiation Scientists")*[http://www.mrpb.vic.gov.au/][http://www.health.act.gov.au/c/health?a=da&did=10204393][http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jobs/conditions/classifications/medicalradiationscientists.asp]. |
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==See also== |
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*[[Radiation Therapy]] |
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*[[Dosimetrist]] |
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*[[Medical Physics]] |
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*[[Radiographer]] |
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[[Category:Healthcare occupations|Radiation therapist]] |
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